THE FURIOUS

The Furious (2026)

Directed by: Kenji Tanigaki

The best thing about this action-packed film is that all opponents are physically capable in fighting and that they also have equal chances of winning. Everyone seems to be aggressive, which adds up to the intensity of the battles.

Possessing extraordinary strength and remarkable longevity, they can easily pass as mutants. Yet the film gives constant reminders that they are not invincible, showing signs of weakness and exhaustion every once in a while.

Whenever they take a hit, you can feel the pain as they endure it. But beneath the pain, their will to live is much stronger.

The film is set somewhere in Southeast Asia. While the location generally fits that premise, its identity feels like a rough mix of influences from different countries rather than a cohesive whole. It’s disorienting to see actors who look like Thai and Indonesian, while others speak Filipino and Chinese.

Some characters’ voices sound unnatural, much like the dubbed voices commonly heard in animé shows.

The story is simple.

The action scenes are not.

The first fight is already intense, yet each succeeding round proves even more relentless than the last. It unfolds like advancing through the stages of an arcade game, with the final boss waiting at the end.

Weapons ranging from hammers to arrows add variety. Yet their most effective and satisfying weapons are still their bare hands. Watching them perform their own stunts without doubles or cheats is admirable.

The film promises action—and that’s what it delivers. There’s hardly a moment to catch your breath, much less step away for a bathroom break. The action scenes, especially the finale, are impressively long.

Indeed, it’s not fast. It’s furious.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐔𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒

Cast: Xie Miao, Joe Taslim, Yang Enyou, Brian Le, Yayan Ruhian, JeeJa Yanin, Joey Iwanaga, Sahajak Boonthanakit

Screenplay by: Mak Tin-shu, Lei Zhilong, Frank Hui, Shum Kwan-sin

Presented by: Edko Films, XYZ Films, Zhejiang Hengdian Film Production

Release Date: July 1, 2026 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews