Monkey Man Spoiler-free Review

Monkey Man releases at cinemas this week. It’s Dev Patel’s directional debut and he stars in in too. The film has also been supported by producer Jordan Peele. In Monkey Man, an anonymous young man unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless.

Check out our team’s spoiler-free review below to decide it this is something you should check out this weekend. Short answer? YES! Please note that the film is rated 16 (DLNSV).

MONKEY MAN opens only at cinemas on Friday, 5 April.

Cineman’s Review

Monkey Man was a pleasant surprise, full of heart, tons of kickass action with a fair share of gory fights. Dev Patel’s directional debut proves that he’s a talent both in front of and behind the camera. The action in every fight was clear and the kinetic camera work enhanced the immersion – I felt each punch as if it had landed on my own chin. What I loved most about the film is how unconventional it is in its narrative. While having a very liberal view on the world, and following the classic heroes journey we all know and love, the story isn’t a mouthpiece for traditional Western values, which is especially refreshing as this is a revenge story. Sometimes it’s just cathartic to see a scorned hero kick ass and take names! And that’s what Monkey Man gave us. I smiled, I cringed at the violence, I laughed, I wept and I cheered – and that’s what I go to the movies to do. I am in awe

The film has amazing, gory, well-choreographed action, beautiful kinetic camerawork and direction, a heart-wrenching & very political narrative, and so much heart. This film an example of energetic, fun, smart storytelling. Dev Patel put his heart & soul into this in front of and behind the camera.

Cineman’s Rating: 10/10

Baneeno’s Review

I’ve been a fan of Dev Patel for a while. He’s always given incredible performances and when I heard that he wrote, directed and starred in his latest offering, I was already sold. Jordan Peele and Monkey Paw’s name on it was just the icing on the cake. This film has great cinematography and not a single shot was wasted. Revenge stories are nothing new, but the journey Patel’s character has to go through, and the diverse group of interesting characters that he encounters, made this world feel lived in. I commented on how the story structure made this feel like a video game – and this is not an insult in any way. I heard Patel broke bones and bled for this film. It shows. Highly recommend you see this.

Baneeno’s Rating: 9.5/10 

MONKEY MAN opens only at cinemas on Friday, 5 April.

Watch the trailer for Monkey Man Now

More About Monkey Man

Oscar® nominee DEV PATEL (Lion, Slumdog Millionaire) achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless.

Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash.

After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.

Packed with thrilling and spectacular fight and chase scenes, Monkey Man is directed by DEV PATEL from his original story and his screenplay with PAUL ANGUNAWELA and JOHN COLLEE (Hotel Mumbai, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World).

The film’s international cast includes SHARLTO COPLEY (District 9), PITOBASH (Million Dollar Arm), VIPIN SHARMA (Hotel Mumbai), SIKANDAR KHER (Aarya), ADITHI KALKUNTE (Hotel Mumbai), SOBHITA DHULIPALA (Made in Heaven),

ASHWINI KALSEKAR (Ek Tha Hero), MAKARAND DESHPANDE (RRR), JATIN MALIK in his film debut and ZAKIR HUSSAIN (Duranga).

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