The Furious review: brutal martial-arts thriller with top-tier action

The Furious follows an intrepid reporter, Matia, as she hunts a string of missing children in an unnamed Asian city, while a mute handyman, Wei, and a grieving man named Navin wage their own desperate searches after loved ones vanish. A precocious girl, Rainy, and the injuries that leave Wei unable to speak set the emotional stakes for these intersecting quests.

Kenji Tanigaki directs with a focus on sustained, intricate fight choreography. The film opens with a blistering sequence that signals what’s to come: long takes, careful blocking and camera movement that capture complex physical performances without relying on rapid edits or tricks.

The result is work that feels meticulously staged and vivid in the moment. Performances carry the action. Miao Xie, silent but expressive, conveys tragedy and fury through physicality and parkour-like dexterity, while Joe Taslim provides a grappling, forceful counterpart who helps steer exposition about the kidnappers.

the furious, kenji tanigaki, miao xie, joe taslim, martial arts, fight choreography, parkour, long takes, missing children, kidnappers