The Furious has arrived in theaters, and it is already being called one of the best action movies of 2026. Directed by veteran stunt master Kenji Tanigaki, the film brings together an all-star cast of martial arts legends for a relentless, blood-soaked thrill ride. But while the action sequences are receiving universal praise, critics agree that the screenplay leaves much to be desired.
The film follows Wang Wei (Xie Miao), a mute single father living a quiet life as a handyman in a crime-ridden Southeast Asian city with his young daughter, Rainy (Yang Enyou). When Rainy is kidnapped by a child-trafficking syndicate, Wang launches into a violent mission to bring her home. He finds an unlikely ally in Navin (Joe Taslim), a journalist investigating the same syndicate after the disappearance of his wife, Matia (Jeeja Yanin).
Action That Demands to Be Seen
The praise for The Furious is almost entirely focused on its action choreography. Critics are calling it a “bone-crunching action spectacle” that pushes the boundaries of the genre. The New York Times describes the film as a “rousing piece of spectacle” with “pristine set pieces, invigorating camerawork and seamless editing.” Slashfilm boldly declares it “the best action movie of 2026.”
The film features a “kaleidoscopic” array of fights, with a staggering 97% score on Rotten Tomatoes from critics. Much of the credit goes to director Kenji Tanigaki and action choreographer Kensuke Sonomura. The pair have created fight sequences that are dynamic, unrelenting, and easy to follow. The film “detonates into a relentless, blood-soaked spectacle of breathtakingly inventive martial arts choreography.”
The cast is filled with genre icons who deliver incredible physical performances. Xie Miao, a former child star who acted alongside Jet Li, relies entirely on his expressions and physicality to tell Wang’s story. Joe Taslim brings a more controlled and fluid fighting style, a departure from his raw aggression in The Raid. Supporting them is a roster of formidable opponents, including Yayan Ruhian (The Raid), Brian Le (Everything Everywhere All at Once), and Joey Iwanaga. The ensemble creates a unique blend of regional martial arts styles that is a joy to watch.
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A Weak Story Holds It Back
Where The Furious stumbles is in its narrative. Critics are nearly unanimous in their assessment that the film’s writing is its weakest element. The plot is described as “simple” and “functional,” essentially a generic revenge thriller that relies on familiar tropes. The Hindustan Times notes that “stronger writing, deeper character work and a more memorable background score could have added another layer of emotional weight.”
The film’s focus on action leaves little room for the characters to develop. The dialogue is often described as “clunky” and “awkward.” The use of English dubbing for some characters while others speak their native languages is also a point of criticism, with some suggesting the film would have been better served by fully embracing subtitles. While the action is spectacular, the story “runs out of surprises fairly early.”
Verdict: A Must-See for Action Fans
Despite its narrative shortcomings, The Furious is being hailed as a triumph of action cinema. It is a film that knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers on that promise with breathtaking intensity. It’s a celebration of practical stunts and martial arts artistry that is rarely seen in modern Hollywood.
If you are looking for a deep, character-driven drama, this is not the film for you. But if you want to see two hours of jaw-dropping, inventively staged, and brutally efficient action, The Furious is an absolute must-see. It is currently playing in theaters.
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