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After their collaboration on The Beekeeper in 2022, action hero Jason Statham joins forces again with director David Ayer for A Working Man, which is currently in theaters. Ayer, known for films that often center around law enforcement and military themes, has made a name for himself with ten feature films. His 2014 World War II epic, Fury, starring Brad Pitt, remains a standout with its intense portrayal of a tank crew facing dire circumstances.
Fury immerses viewers in the harrowing experiences of an American tank battalion as they push through enemy lines in Germany in 1945, near the conclusion of World War II. The film is recognized for its visceral and realistic depiction of war, showcasing Ayer’s talent not only for military narratives but also for gritty, corruption-centered stories. Fans of Statham, as well as newcomers attracted by A Working Man, will likely find Fury available on Netflix to be an exhilarating watch.
Fury Is a Great WWII Movie With an A-List Cast
Inspired in part by Belton Y. Cooper’s memoir Death Traps, Fury unfolds in April 1945, as the German forces mount their last efforts against a U.S. tank battalion led by Don “Wardaddy” Collier (Pitt) and his M4 Sherman tank, aptly named “Fury.” Wardaddy’s crew includes seasoned soldiers such as the driver Trini Garcia (Michael Peña), gunner Bible Swan (Shia LaBeouf), ammo loader Grady Travis (Jon Bernthal), and newcomer bow gunner Norman Ellison (Logan Lerman).
Norman steps into the tank crew following the death of the previous gunner, Red. His inexperience becomes a liability, leading to a brutal ambush that creates tension within the squad. As blame shifts towards Norman, Wardaddy seeks to maintain morale while pushing their mission deeper into enemy territory. The dynamics further complicate when Norman forms a bond with a local woman under Wardaddy’s encouragement.
Assigned to secure a strategic roadway, Fury teams up with additional tanks, only to face relentless ambushes that cripple their equipment, requiring on-the-spot repairs amidst the chaos. The crew’s ingenuity shines when they use the damaged tank as a ruse to launch a surprise counterattack. Without revealing plot details that build upon the film’s suspenseful conclusion, Fury exemplifies Ayer’s trademark storytelling style, which continues in his collaboration with Statham.
Why ‘Fury’ Appeals to Fans of ‘A Working Man’
Whether through the lenses of Fury or A Working Man, both featuring cinematic heavies like Brad Pitt and Jason Statham, director David Ayer has cultivated a distinct directorial voice that channels themes of intense masculinity and graphic violence. Both films echo Ayer’s consistent formula of showcasing a lone hero forging through tumultuous circumstances to deliver justice, albeit in different contexts. While A Working Man follows a former military operative taking on a vicious crime ring, Fury presents a raw portrayal of soldiers navigating the horrors of war.
Despite the time and setting differences—World War II for Fury and a contemporary Chicago for A Working Man—both stories reveal echoes of military pasts and personal battles. Levon Cade, Statham’s character in A Working Man, is depicted as an ex-U.S. Royal Marine, who applies his combat skills against human traffickers while trying to adapt to civilian life.
Another shared thread between the two films is the presence of Michael Peña, who transitions from portraying Trini Garcia in Fury to Joe Garcia in A Working Man. While the characters are separated by decades in narrative, audiences familiar with Peña’s performances will find enjoyment in seeing him share screen time with Statham, particularly given his prior experience acting alongside Ayer in End of Watch.
Ayer’s future projects include a remake of the iconic Dirty Dozen, where it is plausible that Statham could appear yet again. Similarly, Brad Pitt is slated to star in Ayer’s upcoming film, Heart of the Beast, where he will take on the role of a retired Special Forces soldier. For those anticipating more action from Ayer, Fury and A Working Man are essential viewing for fans of both directors and stars.
How David Ayer Became a Prominent Director
Ayer’s journey in filmmaking, heavily influenced by his past as a U.S. Navy submariner, began with the screenplay for U-571, drawing from his military background. He later transitioned to law enforcement narratives with Training Day, followed by projects like Dark Blue and S.W.A.T.. His directorial debut, Harsh Times, set the tone for subsequent films like Street Kings, End of Watch, and Sabotage, all of which delve into gritty crime and ethical dilemmas.
Ayer’s 2014 return to war themes with Fury was a critical and commercial success, further solidifying his reputation. Though he experienced a setback with Suicide Squad, which fell short of expectations, he redirected his focus back to his strengths with projects like Bright and The Tax Collector.
Now, with Statham alongside him, Ayer is set to continue exploring war and military narratives, with upcoming remakes and original works in the pipeline. While it remains uncertain if Statham will feature in future projects, both Fury and A Working Man showcase Ayer’s unique storytelling approach and his ability to captivate audiences. Fury is available on Netflix, and A Working Man is currently screening in theaters.
Source
movieweb.com