As a seasoned movie enthusiast with over three decades of film-watching under my belt, let me tell you, I’ve seen my fair share of action movies. From the iconic one-man-army flicks like First Blood and John Wick to the more recent additions like Taken and The Transporter, I’ve been there, done that. But when it comes to Rebel Ridge, it’s a whole new ball game.
Apologies for the strong language in the title, but if you don’t find yourself exclaiming enthusiastically with some colorful phrases such as “Wow, amazing!” or “Unbelievable!” while watching “Rebel Ridge“, then you might be made of ice. The latest Netflix film by talented director Jeremy Saulnier, one of America’s rising stars, is already a classic. It’s not just an action-packed movie in the technical and aesthetic sense like those directed by John Woo or Johnnie To, but it certainly delivers on that front with some stunning action sequences. However, “Rebel Ridge” offers much more than action; it’s a powerful sociopolitical commentary, serving as a cinematic reflection of the current state of affairs, and also a deeply moving exploration of a veteran character’s soul.
Despite the obvious excitement, when people saw the trailer for Rebel Ridge, they immediately compared it to First Blood — a veteran is hounded by local police, who abuse him enough that he lashes back with violence, using his considerable military skills to survive. That basic storyline certainly applies to Rebel Ridge, but Saulnier’s film goes so much further. It is a socially better Rambo movie, a modern Rambo, a smarter Rambo. As such, Rebel Ridge manages to provide powerfully provocative political statements while also being enough of a crowd-pleasing, fist-pumping action spectacle that it hardly requires its audience to be ACAB leftists. Though it may make you one in the process.
Rebel Ridge Has a Perfect Opening Scene
In the vein of its Marine Corps-honed protagonist, Rebel Ridge exhibits ruthless efficiency in its execution. The initial scene serves as a testament to exceptional writing, editing, and acting, encapsulating most of the necessary information. We meet Aaron Pierre’s character, Terry Richmond, in a mid-shot pedaling his bike to the rhythm of his “Metal Mix,” enjoying Iron Maiden while pumping the bicycle, unaware of the flashing lights from a police car following him. When the cop car fails to catch his attention, it merely drives into him, sending him and his bike sprawling. From that moment on, guns are trained on his head. They label this incident as “fleeing and eluding.
In the small town of Shelby Springs, Alabama, Terry, a Black man, resides in an environment potentially hostile towards him. Unbeknownst to him, the local law enforcement in this town is notoriously corrupt. Despite being a decorated war veteran with an unblemished record, Terry’s intelligence unfortunately leads him astray in this situation. In his haste, he chooses to permit the police officers to search him for illegal substances, a decision that could prove costly. It is strongly advised never to consent to a search by the authorities.
Terry Is a Good Man Versus a Bad World
Turns out Terry’s carrying roughly $35 thousand cash with him to bail out his cousin — arrested for marijuana possession — and start a new life. He sold his truck and his business for that money, and now it’s the subject of a police seizure (property has no civil rights). It’s all ostensibly ‘legal,’ but it’s also BS and disgustingly immoral, and Terry knows it. It’s one of the many tiny iniquities that ruin Americans’ lives every day, and it may seem small, but that’s the point. It’s something any normal citizen could experience. But Terry isn’t a normal citizen, and he doesn’t have much left to lose.
Terry urgently needs to gather his bail money swiftly, as his cousin might be moved to state prison soon. In state prison, his cousin will face potential danger due to testifying against a criminal leader and sending him to jail. Unfortunately, it seems like the entire system is stacked against him, except for Summer, a compassionate woman at the courthouse who aspires to become a lawyer. Luckily for Terry, Summer (played by AnnaSophia Robb) is on his side.
Don Johnson Is Comin’ Straight from the Underground
That quick opening scene organically sets the stage for everything to come. Terry needs that money to save his cousin, but the corrupt police will not give it back; something has to give. The opening scene is also about as honest a depiction of police interaction as we’ll see in mainstream cinema. It must be said, any viewers who may have a Blue Lives Matter bumper sticker will likely cringe at this film.
Saulnier indeed tries to portray the challenging circumstances faced by rural police departments due to severe budget cuts and misguided social programs, leaving some officers with little choice but to take control of situations themselves. Although the police force as a whole can exhibit authoritarian tendencies, they are ultimately influenced by politics and bound within a large bureaucratic system that often seems to exacerbate problems rather than solve them. In this context, the police as a broader culture are given a more human perspective, but it’s crucial to understand that in ‘Rebel Ridge’, they play the antagonist role.
The series is headed by Chief Sandy Burnne, portrayed exceptionally well by Don Johnson. Unlike his role in Miami Vice as Sonny Crockett, this character presents a far more authentic portrayal of law enforcement. Throughout his career, Johnson has proven to be one of the underestimated actors of his generation. With suitable roles, he could have been equally revered as De Niro or Hackman, but it wasn’t until the 2010s (with projects like Eastbound & Down, Knives Out, Django Unchained, Watchmen, etc.) that we truly recognized his versatility. In this show, he excels as a formidable antagonist and soon becomes Terry’s adversary in what they describe as a “tug-of-war” of sorts.
The Perfect Action of Rebel Ridge
As a supporter, I must admit, it’s quite a standoff we’re witnessing. To put it simply, Terry seems to outshine the police chief in terms of persistence, but the chief has the advantage of a whole team at his back, leading to some captivating one-man-army-style scenes. Unlike many films in the one-man-army genre, which typically run for 90 minutes (think _First Blood_, _Cobra_, _Taken_, _John Wick_, _The Transporter_), _Rebel Ridge_ is an exception at a lengthy 130 minutes. This extended runtime is justified because the movie doesn’t rely solely on action to capture our attention; instead, it skillfully develops its characters, particularly Terry and Summer, without resorting to overused romantic subplots. It takes its time to unfold the plot and delve into its themes, yet it never becomes dull.
As a movie enthusiast, let me tell you that when the action unfolds in Rebel Ridge, I can’t help but be utterly captivated. Saulnier, the mastermind behind this film, skillfully edited it himself, showcasing his innate talent. His command over framing and spatial awareness is nothing short of magnificent. There are a handful of scenes that left me utterly spellbound, and I found myself just as aware of the space as Terry was when he was executing his tactical moves.
Aaron Pierre Is a One Man Army, and a True Movie Star
It is Aaron Pierre who takes center stage in this film, delivering an exceptional performance that cements him as one of the rising stars among American actors. Every actor in the movie delivers a top-notch performance, but it’s Pierre’s portrayal that truly stands out. He brings a raw authenticity to his role, and manages to convey deep emotions subtly, even when only hinting at intense feelings hidden beneath his actions.
Pierre embodies a unique blend of relatability and vulnerability, combined with an awe-inspiring intensity and sheer brilliance during action scenes. His talent, evident without the aid of CGI or vast financial resources, is nothing short of remarkable. He’s a star in every sense, a fusion of Alan Ritchson, Chow Yun-fat, and Cary Grant. One might say, “Hollywood, pay attention,” but he seems to be beyond the worn-out glamour of Hollywood franchises.
In the movie titled “Rebel Ridge“, you’ll find a harmonious blend of action and sociopolitical commentary, making it more than just an entertaining film – it’s also thought-provoking agitprop. Whether you appreciate its profound messages about power structures without delving into analysis or simply enjoy the exhilarating action scenes, “Rebel Ridge” offers something for everyone. Currently streaming on Netflix, don’t miss out – follow this link to watch it now: [Netflix Link]
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2024-09-07 15:31