Dev Patel’s Monkey Man: A Passionate Action Film with Raw Energy

Dev Patel’s Monkey Man is a captivating action film that showcases his talent and ambition. With intense action sequences, raw energy, and a promising future, Patel proves himself as both an actor and director.

Dev Patel’s Monkey Man: A Passionate Action Film with Raw Energy

Dev Patel’s Monkey Man is a captivating action film that showcases his talent and ambition. With intense action sequences, raw energy, and a promising future, Patel proves himself as both an actor and director.

( Credit to: Rogerebert )

Patel, who serves as the writer, producer, star, and director of the film, pours his entire self into this project. While the mix may not always be perfect, there is an undeniable energy and enthusiasm that shines through. It’s clear that Patel drew inspiration from a wide range of sources, including Bruce Lee, Sammo Hung, ‘The Raid,’ Korean action films, and Bollywood.

The Legend of Hanuman Inspires ‘Monkey Man’

The film is inspired by the legend of Hanuman and follows Patel’s character, known as ‘Kid’ in the credits. Kid is a fighter who wears a gorilla mask in the ring and fights for money under a sleazy promoter. Despite his unassuming appearance, Kid’s expressive eyes convey a deep drive and determination.

Through a twist of fate, Kid lands a job at an exclusive club that attracts influential figures, including the chief of police who ruined his life. As the story unfolds, faces from the supporting cast reappear, such as a beautiful club worker and a reluctant ally caught up in Kid’s plan. However, it’s Patel’s character that takes center stage, as we witness his transformation from an ordinary guy to a formidable killing machine.

Intense Action Sequences and Raw Brutality

While some viewers may expect non-stop action, ‘Monkey Man’ takes a different approach. The film is structured around a lengthy setup followed by a lengthy action sequence, with this pattern repeating throughout. Apart from the fight scenes and training sequences, there are only two major action sequences in the film. However, the buildup is well worth it.

Patel infuses the action with an intense brutality rarely seen in mainstream Hollywood films. The violence is raw and visceral, with bones breaking and blood spurting. The choreography is exceptional, with a sweaty, improvised quality that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The editing team, along with cinematographer Sharone Meir, effectively capture the frenetic energy of the action.

Political Subtexts and Emotional Context

While the action sequences excel, the film falters in other areas. There are political subtexts woven throughout the story, which may require deeper knowledge to fully comprehend. However, even without this background, the incorporation of religion, mythology, equal rights, and politics can feel clunky at times.

Additionally, Patel relies heavily on flashbacks to provide emotional context, perhaps lacking trust in his own acting abilities. Yet, Patel’s body language and expressive eyes effectively convey the pain of memory and unwavering commitment to vengeance.

A Promising Future for Dev Patel

The non-action segments of the film also suffer from a rushed pace, as if attempting to compensate for the absence of violence. However, Patel’s talent as both an actor and director is evident. It is clear that ‘Monkey Man’ has the potential to be a massive success. As Patel continues to make films, he will refine his storytelling and visual language, ultimately becoming a legendary action star and director.

In conclusion, Dev Patel’s ‘Monkey Man’ is a passion project that showcases his talent and ambition. While the film may have its flaws, the raw energy and intense action make it a captivating watch. Patel’s dedication to his craft shines through, and it is clear that he has a promising future as both an actor and director. ‘Monkey Man’ may serve as an origin story for a future action franchise character, but it also marks the emergence of a promising talent in the world of action cinema.