The conclusion of Guy Ritchie’s 2021 heist thriller, Wrath of Man, delivers a potent narrative resolution for Jason Statham’s character, H. Statham, celebrated for his roles in blockbuster films such as Crank (2006), Spy (2015), The Meg (2018), and the recent surprise success, The Beekeeper, showcases his remarkable prowess in this gripping tale steeped in revenge and greed. The film boasts a talented supporting cast, including Josh Hartnett (notable for his roles in Oppenheimer and Lucky Number Slevin), Holt McCallany (known for Mindhunter and Fight Club), and Scott Eastwood as Jan, the principal antagonist.
Wrath of Man marks the fourth collaboration between Ritchie and Statham, preceding their fifth joint project, Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, which features Josh Hartnett and was released in 2023. The plot intricately unfolds as Statham’s character, who takes on a role within an armored truck service named Fortico, is revealed to be a skilled criminal whose previous life centers around the tragic loss of his son Dougie (Eli Brown), killed by a group of former military operatives turned cash truck thieves. Across four riveting chapters—A Dark Spirit, Scorched Earth, Bad Animals, Bad, and Liver, Lungs, Spleen & Heart—H embarks on a harrowing pursuit to uncover his son’s killer and exact just retribution.
H Kills Jan The Same Way His Son Died
The Coroner’s Report Gives Him A Blueprint
In the film’s climactic moments, Jan emerges as the sole survivor of a botched heist at Fortico on Black Friday. Significantly, Holt McCallany’s character, Bullet, who was the inside man, faces a devastating betrayal from Jan. Bullet is shot by Jan while attempting to escape with Jackson (Jeffrey Donovan) to safety through hidden tunnels.
Ultimately, Jan eliminates both Jackson and Bullet, escaping with a fortune hidden in an unsuspecting Prius. However, the tables turn dramatically when H confronts him at his condo, presenting a coroner’s report detailing how Dougie met his demise. As H compels Jan to read the chilling contents aloud, highlighting each organ that was damaged by Jan’s bullets, the retribution becomes resoundingly clear.
Without hesitation, H replicates the very sequence of Dougie’s death on Jan, shooting him in the same vital organs in a chilling “eye for an eye”act of vengeance. Impressively, H exits the condo without claiming any of the ill-gotten gains.
H’s Real Name & Mission Explained
H Is Simply A Nickname
Initially introduced under the alias Patrick Hill, H is a moniker used by his coworker Bullet at Fortico. However, his true identity is revealed to be Mason Hargreaves, a formidable and highly esteemed crime lord. His notoriety becomes apparent when, during a subsequent heist, robbers flee in fear after he removes his mask.
Mason’s resourcefulness is unveiled through a tense encounter with his colleague, Dana (Niamh Algar). As part of his undercover mission at Fortico, it’s revealed he sought to infiltrate the organization to regroup with his loyal crew, led by Mike (Darrell D’Silva), after unsuccessful attempts to extract information from rival crime lords.
Every Character Death In Wrath Of Man’s Ending Explained
Most Wrath Of Man Characters Die
As the narrative unfolds, nearly every prominent character in Wrath of Man perishes, leaving H as the last man standing after exacting revenge on Jan. In the lead-up to the explosive finale, H’s colleagues at Fortico—Shirley, Dana, Stuart, and Boy Sweat Dave (Hartnett)—fall victim to Jackson’s ruthless crew.
In a stunning twist, Bullet manipulates Stuart into trusting him before ruthlessly eliminating him and Dana. He similarly murders Boy Sweat Dave, yet fails to finish off H, who narrowly escapes before Jan executes both Jackson and Bullet and absconds with the stolen cash.
How Wrath Of Man’s Ending Sets Up A Sequel
A Sequel Seems Unlikely But Would Have Potential
With H’s unequivocal ruthlessness at the film’s conclusion, particularly against those tied to his son’s tragic demise, it seems improbable that he will resume life as a Fortico agent in any forthcoming sequel. Mason Hargreaves, however, remains one of the world’s most formidable crime lords, boasting numerous enemies made during his grim pursuit of justice.
This sets the stage for potential future conflicts with rivals eager for retribution. While Mason may have severed ties with his former role at Fortico, the rich tapestry of the criminal underworld presents numerous avenues for exploring his complex character further.
The Real Meaning Of Wrath Of Man’s Ending
Revenge Creates Darkness
The ending of Wrath of Man encapsulates the quintessential narrative of vengeance, showcasing the depths of a father’s grief while highlighting the formidable power of Mason’s character. Transformed into a relentless force after losing Dougie, Mason’s life converges on making Jan and his accomplices pay for their heinous crime.
By mirroring the events that led to his son’s demise, Mason achieves a semblance of balance in a chaotic world, but it leaves his future shrouded in uncertainty. His relationship with Dougie’s mother remains irreparably fractured, and finding purpose becomes an arduous journey.
An anticipated sequel might delve deeper into Mason’s life, potentially introducing new characters and conflicts that align with the original themes of vengeance. There’s a distinct possibility that surviving figures from Jan’s underworld or allies of Jackson could confront Mason, reigniting the cycles of retribution that defined the first film.
How The Wrath Of Man Ending Was Received
Wrath Of Man Received Mostly Positive Reviews
The collaboration between Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham has garnered largely favorable reactions from critics. With a score of 68% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and an impressive 90% audience score, the film’s climax has significantly contributed to its success.
Despite certain missteps and a lull in the story right near the end, the exceptional editing by James Herbert brings everything together as scenes of Jackson and his men preparing for the final heist are intercut with that of the action happening in real time. It makes for an exciting, somewhat chaotic, finale that is full of suspense and comeuppance.
Critics have characterized the finale as “a ruthlessly dark and virulent final act,” resonating strongly with the audiences. Although some viewers noted occasional pacing issues throughout the film, its satisfying conclusion has left a lasting impression.
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