Lionsgate has released The Furious, a high-intensity martial arts thriller directed by Kenji Tanigaki. The film stars Xie Miao and Joe Taslim in a story centered on a father's violent mission to recover his kidnapped daughter.

The $1 billion shadow of the John Wick franchise

Lionsgate is currently attempting to diversify its action catalog to avoid over-reliance on a single intellectual property. As the source reports, the John Wick series has grossed over a billion dollars globally,creating a massive benchmark for any new action project the studio undertakes.

While Lionsgate is expanding the John Wick universe with spin-offs like Ballerina and the upcoming Caine, The Furious represents a strategic pivot toward original content. This move mirrors a broader industry trend where studios seek "franchise starters" that can replicate the success of established hits without being direct spin-offs, testing whether a standalone martial arts epic can capture a similar global audience.

Kenji Tanigaki's blend of Hong Kong artistry and Hollywood scale

The technical pedigree of The Furious is anchored by director Kenji Tanigaki , a veteran of Hong Kong cinema known for his work on Ip Man and Raging Fire. According to the report, Tanigaki utilizes long takes and minimal cuts to immerse viweers in the combat, a style that emphasizes the physical agility of lead actor Xie Miao.

The film distinguishes itself from standard Western action by integrating traditional Chinese martial arts, specifically kung fu and staff fighting, with modern weaponry. This hybrid approach is supported by the presence of Joe Taslim, an actor recognized for his visceral performances in The Raid and Fast & Furious 6, who portrays a character named Navin.

A perfect Rotten Tomatoes score from 20 early reviews

Early critical reception for The Furious has been overwhelmingly positive, resulting in a perfect score on the Rotten Tomatoes aggregator. The source notes that this score is currently based on approximately 20 reviews, which highlights the film's ability to maintain narrative clarity despite a relentless pace and a 113-minute runtime.

Critics have specifically praised the "blood-fueled ballet of carnage" and the fact that Xie Miao performs many of his own stunts.. This commitment to authenticity is a key selling point for a demographic of viewers who prioritize choreography over CGI-heavy spectacle, positioning the film as a focused alternative to larger summer blockbusters.

Whether the Asian market will drive The Furious' commercial success

Despite the critical acclaim, several questions remain regarding the film's financial viability. While early reviews are stellar, it is still unknown if the general public will embrace a film with such a simple premise—a father rescuing a kidnapped daughter—in a crowded theatrical window.

Furthermore, the report indicates that commercial success will likely hinge on performance in Asia, where martial arts cinema has a deeply entrenched following. It remains to be seen if Lionsgate's Hollywood production values will translate effectively into those specific regional markets or if the film will remain a niche critical darling without the brand recognition of a pre-existing franchise.