Grade: A
This movie is quite possibly the best movie that I have seen in a long time. Usually, I am not much of an action fan, and you would think with Mad Max’s non-stop action plot, I would be repelled. Don’t get me wrong, I love action movies, but I also like to see some plot. This could not be farther from the truth. Heart-pounding scenes captured the audience’s attention from the moment the desolate landscape first flashes on screen. This movie is an example of a rare brand of diesel punk that often flops when viewed by wide audiences. Diesel punk closely relates to the steam punk genre in its roots of a dystopian world that has been destroyed by industrialization. However, with most steam punk films the world seems functional and still filled with life, but diesel punk offers a barren landscape where chaos reigns supreme.
By offering a strong female lead, Mad Max also appeals to the feminist audience that desires to see more women featured in films. Imperator Furiosa is a fierce leader and she aids five women called “The Wives” to the fabled Green Place and free them from Immortan Joe. The Wives are also strong characters because of their desire for freedom and their key phrase “We Are Not Things” describes their unique situation as breeders for the overlord of society.
Max Rockatansky is the brutish lead character is an ex-cop who has constant flashbacks of all those who he has wronged in the past. His need for redemption and instinct to survive drives the film and gives it an interesting edge. Also Nux, a War Boy turned ally, strives for the same type of redemption after turning from the way of belief he once followed.
The action packed film gives the audience something to look forward to at every turn and I highly recommend it.