Mad Max is one of the most iconic action franchises in Hollywood, having thrived for over 40 years. The first film premiered in 1979, opening up a captivating world that continues to draw audiences in. Despite its controversial content filled with graphic violence, the film was critically acclaimed for its creativity and pioneering filmmaking style. Mad Max even set a Guinness World Record as the highest-grossing film in history at the time when it earned $100 million against a budget of only $380,000.
Part 2 – The Road Warrior (1981) – is regarded as a classic in the post-apocalyptic film genre, showcasing numerous iconic moments and memorable action sequences. Meanwhile, Part 3 Thunderdome (1985) was seen as a blockbuster endeavor that sparked debates over its quality yet became a fan favorite.
Mad Max officially returns with Fury Road (2015), featuring stars Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron in leading roles. The film shocked global audiences with its stunning visuals and numerous breathtaking action sequences. Nearly nine years later, this franchise continues to bring us a fresh story, this time focusing on the origins of the character Furiosa.
The Exciting Story of Furiosa’s Past
The screenplay begins with Furiosa, played in her younger years by Alyla Browne, living in a green zone, a rare place still developed amidst the desolate wasteland. During a scavenging mission, she falls into the grasp of the tyrannical warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth), who later orders the execution of her family. From there, she witnesses the brutal power struggles among the warlords of The Wasteland.
One day, Furiosa becomes a bargaining chip in the exchange between Dementus and Immortan Joe – a character from Fury Road. As she grows up, the character – now portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy – becomes a key player in the convoy transporting the resources of Citadel. Trained in harsh conditions, Furiosa emerges as a fierce and resilient warrior. Yet again, she encounters the tyrant Dementus, leading to a journey fraught with pain and the loss of her identity.
The story revolves around Furiosa’s coming-of-age journey, the beloved warrior of the Mad Max brand.
The narrative is built as a “road movie” similar to previous installments, with Furiosa following the main character on a journey from the green zone to the desolate wasteland, trying to survive in the harsh environment of The Wasteland. However, this screenplay is crafted in a more traditional style, divided into multiple chapters to illustrate the origins of the formidable warrior closely associated with the Mad Max brand.
Through Furiosa’s journey in the wasteland, audiences have the opportunity to explore and understand more about the realm of The Wasteland, where tyrants like Dementus and Immortan Joe reign. Here, characters like Furiosa are unwittingly drawn into the conflicts over land and resources. In this challenging landscape, the main heroine emerges as a resilient survivor, just like a lone flower blooming amidst the desolation. Both versions of Furiosa by Anya Taylor-Joy and Alyla Browne showcase the essence of the character with great depth.
A Prequel That Resonates with Fury Road
The unique charm of the Mad Max franchise lies in its distinct blend of action and visual storytelling, led by the renowned director George Miller. The settings of the wasteland, where human civilization is on the brink of collapse, continue to be built with exceptional precision. Viewers remain immersed in the stark landscape of The Wasteland, which is both harsh and captivating.
Like Fury Road, Furiosa is also seen as a masterpiece in production design. The costumes, settings, and cinematography are all crafted with meticulous attention to detail, creating a stunning visual experience. In this installment, George Miller employs many wide-angle shots complemented by CGI technology to deliver breathtaking panoramic scenes.
The action sequences in Furiosa also showcase many fresh takes compared to previous installments. George Miller continues to demonstrate his mastery in crafting exhilarating action sequences that leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Notably, the motorbike combat scenes of the characters in Mad Max remain intense, keeping audiences glued to their seats. Furiosa also brings new character dynamics, such as the large convoy led by Dementus, with soldiers that add a fresh layer to the already rich universe.
New cast members are also introduced to leave a significant mark in this installment. In this film, both versions of Furiosa by Anya Taylor-Joy and Alyla Browne shine brightly. If the younger version is depicted as a smart and quick-witted girl, the adult version becomes a fierce warrior, captivating audiences through numerous waves of hardship. Chris Hemsworth also has a pivotal role highlighted in his career as he portrays the ruthless character of Dementus, balancing charm with a menacing demeanor.
Chris Hemsworth delivers a standout performance in his career.
One significant point about Furiosa is its release following the massive success of Fury Road, making it a challenge to escape the shadow of such a monumental film. The film captivates, though it may struggle to recreate the same overwhelming sensation for viewers as its predecessor. Nevertheless, it can still be viewed as a blockbuster worthy of attention during Hollywood’s summer movie season.
Rating: 4/5
Overall, Furiosa serves as a meaningful prequel that continues the legacy of Mad Max: Fury Road, a film that garnered six Academy Awards. The scale of production and the captivating narrative make it stand out amidst numerous other action blockbusters like Fast & Furious or Mission: Impossible. The uniqueness in production design and the distinct combat scenes enhance the film’s already rich universe. Director George Miller continues to impress, proving that he is still at the top of his game at the age of 79.
