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Falcon Rising
Falcon Rising
Falcon Rising
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Falcon Rising
Theatrical release poster
Directed byErnie Barbarash
Written byY.T. Parazi
Produced by
  • Shahar Stroh
  • Etchie Stroh
Starring
CinematographyYaron Levy
Edited byPeter Devaney Flanagan
Music byNeal Acree
Production
companies
Moonstone Entertainment
Strohberry Films
Distributed byFreestyle Releasing
Release date
  • September 5, 2014 (2014-09-05)
Running time
100 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$4.5 million[1]
Box office$11,774[2]

Falcon Rising is a 2014 American action film directed by Ernie Barbarash and starring Michael Jai White, Neal McDonough, Laila Ali and Masashi Odate. Formerly titled Favela, Falcon Rising was intended to be the first installment of Moonstone Entertainment's "CODENAME: FALCON" action franchise which was to revolve around former Marine character John "Falcon" Chapman, "a dark anti-hero driven by guilt, who will destroy himself unless given something else to destroy - a useful weapon-of-last-resort for the foreign ministry."[3] Falcon Rising had a limited theatrical release on September 5, 2014.

Plot

[edit]

John "Falcon" Chapman is a United States Marine Corps veteran who suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder. After playing Russian roulette, he enters a convenience store moments before it is robbed. He demands one of the robbers shoot him, and when the man hesitates, Chapman grows impatient, disarms the robbers, and foils the robbery. When he meets with his sister Cindy, who has briefly returned to New York for a wedding, she chastises him for not taking his medication and explains that she is returning to Brazil, where she has been doing charity work for a non-profit organization. Chapman receives word from Manny Ridley, a fellow veteran and diplomat, that his sister has been severely beaten. Chapman immediately leaves for Brazil.

Chapman meets Thiago Santo and his partner Carlo Bororo, who are investigating his sister's assault. Though no witnesses have come forward, Santo promises justice. Santo and Ridley warn Chapman to avoid the gangster-controlled favelas, but Chapman insists on performing his own investigation. Katarina Da Silva, a beat cop, shows Chapman where his sister was found. When Chapman visits his sister in the hospital, an Asian nurse administers medicine to Cindy's IV. Cindy goes into convulsions, and Chapman calls for help. The hospital says they have no Asian nurses, and Ridley suggests that the yakuza may be involved, as Brazil has a sizeable Japanese immigrant population.

Chapman returns to the favela and beats up several people when he notices one is wearing Cindy's necklace. Da Silva arrives and stops him, explaining that the man is Cindy's friend. Da Silva translates for him, and Chapman learns that Cindy gave her necklace to him after his sister disappeared. The man gives Chapman Cindy's torn journal, which he recovered, and Chapman apologizes. Using carbon paper, Chapman recovers a phone number and contacts another of Cindy's friends, a photographer, who explains that she was investigating corruption and a possible conspiracy involving human trafficking. When the photographer is unwilling to part with proof, Chapman pickpockets it. The photographer dies in a car bomb seconds later.

After engaging in a gun fight with yakuza gangsters, Chapman investigates a nightclub with yakuza ties. There, he beats up a Brazilian smuggler who works for Hirimoto, the yakuza boss. Ridley identifies official documents as fakes and the two realize the yakuza are kidnapping young girls from the favela and forcing them into prostitution. At the same time, Santo organizes a violent raid of the favela, killing many Brazilian drug dealers. When one of his officers stumbles onto a yakuza kidnapping, Santo kills the officer and demands double his pay from the yakuza. Chapman investigates a yakuza brothel, where he is recognized and beats up several gangsters. Santo is called to kill him, but when Da Silva also arrives, Santo is unable to do anything.

Chapman hands over the evidence of smuggling and human trafficking to Santo but becomes suspicious when Santo accidentally reveals knowledge of the operation. On a hunch, Chapman sends Da Silva to protect his sister, and Da Silva kills the same yakuza assassin who previously pretended to be a nurse. Chapman tracks down a meeting between Santo, Bororo, and Hirimoto. After alerting Ridley, Chapman kills several yakuza and confronts the three men at once. Santo goes down first, then Bororo, and finally Hirimoto. As he lies dying, Santo denies involvement with Cindy's near-fatal attack, gives Chapman a key to a locker full of incriminating evidence, and requests a gun to commit suicide; Chapman obliges. Later, at a cafe, Ridley offers Chapman a job with the state department as an agent, which he accepts.

Cast

[edit]

Release

[edit]

Falcon Rising was released on Video on Demand (VOD) platforms on September 4, 2014, and had a limited release in ten North American theaters on September 5, 2014.[4] The film grossed $8,691 in its opening weekend and grossed $11,774 by the end of its theatrical run.[2] Falcon Rising was released on DVD on October 27, 2014.[5]

Reception

[edit]

Rotten Tomatoes, a review aggregator, reports that 43% of seven surveyed critics gave the film a positive review; the average rating is 5.5/10.[5] Metacritic rated it 49/100 based on four reviews.[6] Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter called it "a by-the-numbers thriller that mainly serves as a showcase for its star’s considerable fighting abilities".[7] Nicolas Rapold of The New York Times likened the film to a 1980s TV cop show and wrote that although White's character is likeable, he is not menacing.[8] Tom Long of The Detroit News wrote, "Falcon Rising is filled with so many action-flick cliches it could serve as a text on how not to do things."[9] Simon Abrams of The Village Voice compared it to Commando. Abrams wrote that White's character, despite his charisma, "comes across like another pseudo-heroic American behaving badly abroad".[10] Soren Andersen of The Seattle Times wrote, "Nothing new here, in other words, but White’s electrifying performance makes it all seem somehow fresh."[11] Charles Bramesco of The Dissolve rated it 3/5 stars and wrote, "Though Falcon Rising occasionally fails to distinguish itself from the glut of similar globe-trotting action potboilers, it succeeds on the merits of White's winning performance."[12]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Falcon Rising

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Falcon Rising is a American directed by Ernie Barbarash and written by Y.T. Parazi, centering on John "Falcon" Chapman, a former U.S. Marine grappling with , who travels to Rio de Janeiro's favelas to investigate a on his that uncovers ties to a Japanese syndicate. The film stars in the lead role as Chapman, an anti-hero driven by guilt and rage, alongside as his sister Cindy, a whose attack propels the plot; as the CIA operative Manny Ridley; Masashi Odate as the Yakuza boss Hirimoto; and supporting actors including Devanny Pinn, Jimmy Navarro, and Lateef Crowder. Produced on a of $4.5 million by Strohberry Films and Moonstone Entertainment, it was filmed primarily on location in Rio de Janeiro to capture the gritty atmosphere of Brazil's slums, blending choreography with themes of and international crime. Released theatrically in limited U.S. theaters on , 2014, before its DVD and video-on-demand release on January 27, 2015, Falcon Rising earned $11,774 domestically and $267,476 worldwide, reflecting its trajectory despite positive notes on White's physical performance and fight scenes. Critically, it holds a 43% approval rating on based on seven reviews, with praise for its old-school action homage but criticism for a formulaic script and uneven pacing; Roger Ebert's site awarded it 3 out of 4 stars, calling it an entertaining throwback to vigilante films.

Development and Production

Concept and Writing

The screenplay for Falcon Rising was penned by Y.T. Parazi, who crafted a centered on an ex-Marine vigilante navigating the dangers of Brazil's urban underbelly while confronting operations and entrenched corruption. This script emphasized high-stakes action and moral ambiguity in a gritty international setting, positioning the protagonist as a haunted anti-hero driven by personal loss. Drawing from the conventions of 1980s action cinema, the film's concept evoked the lone-wolf hero archetype—think rugged protagonists like those in films by or —while incorporating as a pivotal to underscore real-world exploitation in marginalized communities. Parazi's writing integrated these elements to blend visceral fight sequences with commentary on systemic injustice, aiming for a taut thriller that prioritized character-driven vengeance over complex subplots. Initially envisioned as a modest-scale action thriller with a , Falcon Rising was developed for a market or limited theatrical rollout, reflecting the era's trend toward affordable, star-vehicle genre fare targeted at home entertainment audiences. This approach allowed for focused planning around practical and location authenticity without the pressures of a . Ernie Barbarash joined as director, bringing his expertise from prior action projects such as the 2012 film , where he helmed a similar tale of a unraveling a criminal network. Barbarash's involvement shaped the script's translation to screen, emphasizing efficient storytelling and Michael Jai White's physicality in the lead role to anchor the vigilante's intensity.

Casting

Michael Jai White was cast in the lead role of John "Falcon" Chapman, drawing on his extensive expertise—including proficiency in seven styles such as and —to deliver authentic and dynamic action sequences throughout the film. White prepared specifically for the role by emphasizing cardio training to achieve a lean, agile physique that suited the character's ex-marine persona. Neal was chosen for the supporting role of Manny Ridley, leveraging his established reputation for portraying intense, dramatic characters in action and thriller genres. Laila marked her acting debut as Cindy Chapman, utilizing her background as the daughter of to credibly perform the physical demands of her scenes. Masashi Odate, a Japanese with prior experience in roles depicting Japanese cultural elements, was selected as Hirimoto to ensure cultural authenticity in the portrayal. Produced on a modest of $4.5 million, the film encountered challenges in assembling a diverse international cast, with casting director auditions prioritizing actors' to support the rigorous action-oriented requirements.

Filming

for Falcon Rising took place in , substituting for Rio de Janeiro, , to authentically depict the urban slum environments of the favelas on a modest $4.5 million . Specific sites included the La Perla neighborhood in San Juan, whose colorful, densely packed and vibrant street life provided the gritty aesthetic needed for the film's action sequences. This choice allowed the production to leverage cost-effective local resources while evoking the chaotic energy of Brazilian slums without the logistical hurdles of filming abroad. Directed by Ernie Barbarash, the shoot emphasized dynamic visuals captured by cinematographer Yaron Levy, who focused on fluid camera work to highlight the intensity of the . Production companies Moonstone Entertainment and Strohberry Films navigated the low-budget limitations by prioritizing practical effects and on-location shooting for the fight scenes, minimizing reliance on expensive digital enhancements. Principal filming wrapped in 2013, followed by post-production that extended into early 2014, during which performed much of his own stunt work to ensure realistic choreography. Key challenges arose in simulating the backdrop, as the Puerto Rican locations required careful set dressing and lighting to mask geographical discrepancies and maintain immersion. Additionally, coordinating an international crew and cast for the sequences involved navigating cultural and logistical differences, including collaboration with Japanese actor Masashi Odate to authentically portray the antagonists' movements and weaponry. These efforts underscored the production's resourcefulness in delivering high-energy action within tight constraints.

Plot and Themes

Plot Summary

John "Falcon" Chapman, a former Marine struggling with (PTSD), travels to Rio de Janeiro after learning that his sister, Cindy, a social worker in the city's favelas, has been brutally assaulted and left in a . Driven by guilt over his past failures to protect his family, Falcon begins a personal investigation into the attack, navigating the dangerous slums and questioning locals amid rising tensions. His probe uncovers a sophisticated ring led by , in collaboration with corrupt local officials and mobsters including the Japanese gangster Hirimoto and the ruthless Rio police detective Thiago Santo. The operation exploits vulnerable residents in the favelas, entangling Falcon in a web of and as he pieces together the connections to Cindy's assault. Falcon forms alliances with his old war buddy, U.S. Manny Ridley, who provides consular resources and intel, and local beat cop Katarina Da Silva, who aids in the investigation. Together, they orchestrate a series of intense action sequences, from hand-to-hand combats against armed enforcers to targeted strikes on syndicate outposts, while Falcon grapples with his PTSD-fueled inner demons and the moral weight of his path. The narrative builds to a climactic raid on the trafficking , where confronts the ring's leaders in a high-stakes showdown that forces him to reconcile his personal losses. The film concludes with achieving a measure of redemption, culminating in an offer from the State Department to channel his skills into official anti-trafficking work, securing care for his sister. Running 103 minutes, Falcon Rising escalates from intimate family stakes in the opening act to expansive confrontations with in its latter half.

Themes

Falcon Rising centrally explores the psychological toll of (PTSD) on military veterans, depicting John "Falcon" Chapman's struggles through vivid flashbacks stemming from his combat experiences and the accompanying guilt that manifests in self-destructive behaviors like . This portrayal underscores the moral dilemmas faced by returned soldiers, as Chapman's internal conflicts drive his relentless pursuit of justice, highlighting the lingering impact of war on personal identity and ethical decision-making. The film offers a pointed critique of and systemic corruption in urban environments of developing regions, particularly through the lens of exploitative networks operated by international syndicates like in . It exposes the complicity of local authorities in these operations, emphasizing how such crimes thrive amid institutional failures and economic disparities. This theme serves to illuminate the broader social injustices affecting vulnerable populations, without delving into exploitative sensationalism. A core tension in the narrative contrasts with institutional , as Chapman's lone-wolf methodology bypasses diplomatic and official channels in favor of direct confrontation with criminal elements. This approach critiques the limitations of bureaucratic responses to , portraying individual agency as both a necessary and perilous alternative. The film thereby questions the efficacy of formal systems in addressing immediate threats, while acknowledging the risks of unchecked personal retribution. Family bonds and the quest for redemption form an emotional backbone, with the between Chapman and his sister providing high personal stakes that propel his actions toward for past failures. This dynamic humanizes the , transforming his vengeance into a redemptive arc rooted in and protection. Additionally, the story navigates cultural clashes between American ideals of heroism and the realities of international crime networks, presenting Chapman's outsider perspective in a foreign setting as a catalyst for mutual understanding rather than division.

Cast and Characters

Principal Cast

Michael Jai White stars as John "Falcon" Chapman, a former U.S. Marine and skilled martial artist who returns to Rio de Janeiro as a vigilante after his sister's brutal assault, employing his extensive combat expertise in intense fight sequences throughout the film. White, known for his background in martial arts and roles in action films such as Spawn (1997), where he became the first African American to portray a major comic book superhero in a major motion picture, Blood and Bone (2009), and Undisputed II: Last Man Standing (2006), brings authenticity to the physically demanding lead performance. Laila Ali portrays Cindy Chapman, Falcon's sister and a journalist whose violent attack by a criminal syndicate sets the story in motion. This role marked Ali's feature film acting debut, leveraging her athletic background as a retired professional boxer who competed undefeated from 1999 to 2007, the daughter of , to inform her character's resilience and physical presence. Neal McDonough plays Manny Ridley, a U.S. and Falcon's former Marine comrade stationed in , who offers crucial institutional support and logistical aid during the investigation. McDonough's portrayal highlights Ridley's loyalty and resourcefulness as an ally navigating bureaucratic channels. Masashi Odate embodies Hirimoto, the menacing leader of a Japanese organization operating in Rio's underworld, serving as the primary with a cold, calculated demeanor. Odate, previously seen in (2003), delivers a restrained yet intimidating performance that underscores Hirimoto's ruthless authority.

Supporting Roles

Lateef Crowder plays Carlo Bororo, a brutal Yakuza enforcer and drug dealer affiliated with Brazilian criminal cartels, who engages in several intense hand-to-hand combat sequences that escalate the film's action. Jimmy Navarro portrays Thiago Santo, a corrupt police detective collaborating with the Yakuza in their human trafficking operations, embodying the theme of institutional corruption and betrayal within Rio's law enforcement. The ensemble of Brazilian locals and mob underlings, including uncredited roles as favela residents and members, underscores the expansive scale of the criminal network and provides contextual depth to the urban setting's dangers.

Release

Marketing

The marketing campaign for Falcon Rising centered on building anticipation through digital and targeted genre outreach, given the film's and model. Official trailers were released online via platforms like starting in late July 2014, with key versions dropping in August, prominently featuring Michael Jai White's high-octane action sequences, including and the film's intense confrontations set amid Brazil's . Promotional posters and key artwork depicted White in a dynamic pose against gritty urban Brazilian backdrops, underscoring the vigilante ex-marine's quest for justice and appealing directly to fans of action thrillers with themes of personal redemption and street-level heroism. With a constrained typical of independent action productions, efforts prioritized video-on-demand (VOD) and screenings at genre-oriented events, such as the 18th Annual Urbanworld in September 2014, featuring a screening of the film followed by session with star . Interviews with White, conducted during promotional tours including stops in and New York, emphasized his execution of authentic stunts, drawing on his extensive expertise to highlight the film's realistic fight choreography. The campaign incorporated tie-ins with and athletic communities by leveraging the real-life backgrounds of , a black belt in multiple disciplines, and co-stars , a professional boxer and daughter of , as well as expert Lateef Crowder, whose involvement was spotlighted in discussions to authentically connect with enthusiasts of sports cinema. Digital initiatives on platforms like and further targeted the direct-to-video audience, with trailer views surpassing 1 million and user-generated buzz amplifying reach among action aficionados seeking underexposed genre fare.

Distribution and Box Office

Falcon Rising premiered on (VOD) platforms in the United States on September 4, 2014, followed by a the next day, September 5, 2014, distributed by across 10 North American theaters. The film's international distribution was limited, with most markets opting for releases rather than wide theatrical runs; for example, it received a DVD and Blu-ray launch in on December 4, 2014, and similar formats were prioritized in various European and Asian territories. At the , Falcon Rising earned $11,774 domestically during its brief run, with an opening weekend of $8,691, underscoring its position within the for independent action films. Globally, the film grossed $267,476, with the majority of revenue coming from international markets. Home media availability expanded its reach, with a U.S. DVD release on January 27, 2015, by Freestyle , which contributed to ancillary revenue streams beyond initial theatrical earnings. The film runs 103 minutes and received an R rating from the MPAA for violence throughout and some sexual references and content.

Reception

Critical Response

Falcon Rising received mixed reviews from critics, with aggregate scores reflecting appreciation for its action elements alongside criticisms of its predictability. On , the film holds a 43% approval rating based on seven reviews, with an average score of 5.5/10. Critics praised Michael Jai White's charismatic physical performance and the thrilling fight sequences, while faulting the clichéd plot and reliance on action-flick tropes. Metacritic assigns the film a score of 49 out of 100, derived from four reviews, indicating mixed or average reception. Reviews highlighted the strong execution of action scenes, particularly White's combat prowess, but noted issues with predictable storytelling and underdeveloped characters that undermined the overall coherence. In a positive take, Sheila O'Malley of awarded the film three out of four stars, describing it as an entertaining throwback to action movies featuring a lone hero against clear evil, with standout fight choreography that avoids quick-cut editing for clear, impactful sequences. The Hollywood Reporter's review acknowledged solid performances from the cast but criticized the formulaic narrative and uneven pacing, which prevented the film from rising above standard thriller conventions despite its showcase of White's skills. Overall, the critical consensus appreciated the film's physicality, including White's dynamic presence and the handling of themes like through its Rio de Janeiro setting, but frequently faulted it for ethnic stereotypes, thin character development, and a lack of originality in its revenge-driven plot.

Audience Reaction

Audience reception to Falcon Rising has been mixed, with viewers appreciating its high-octane action while critiquing its narrative shortcomings. On , the film holds a user rating of 5.8 out of 10 based on nearly 9,800 votes as of November 2025, reflecting a generally lukewarm response from a broad audience. Many users praised the film's fight and Michael Jai White's commanding performance as John "Falcon" Chapman, noting his prowess as a highlight that delivers authentic, effects-free combat sequences. Similarly, on , the audience score stands at 43% from over 500 ratings as of November 2025, where fans of the genre commended the movie's replay value for its adrenaline-fueled battles, often recommending it as a solid pick for enthusiasts seeking straightforward entertainment. Positive feedback has particularly resonated in home video and streaming contexts, where the film appeals to direct-to-video action aficionados. Viewers on platforms like Best Buy's DVD reviews rated it 4.4 out of 5 stars, highlighting its suitability for casual watches and binge sessions among fans of 1980s-style brawlers. Its availability on services such as and has sustained niche interest as of November 2025, with audiences valuing it as an undemanding option for lovers drawn to White's physicality and the film's exotic Brazilian setting. However, common criticisms from audiences center on cultural inaccuracies and underdeveloped elements. Brazilian viewers and others pointed out stereotypical depictions of favelas, influences, and inauthentic accents, which detracted from the film's credibility. Subplots involving Falcon's PTSD and family dynamics were often described as predictable and rushed, failing to add depth beyond the action. While the film lacks a major , it enjoys modest appreciation within direct-to-video action communities for its unpretentious thrills, though it has not garnered widespread grassroots enthusiasm.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2295722/
  2. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/falcon-rising-film-review-731214/
  3. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/falcon_rising
  4. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2295722/fullcredits/
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2295722/companycredits/
  6. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/falcon-rising-2014
  7. https://www.dvdsreleasedates.com/movies/7073/falcon-rising
  8. https://www.nytimes.com/2014/09/05/movies/falcon-rising-features-a-crusading-ex-marine.html
  9. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Falcon-Rising
  10. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1975249/
  11. https://kungfukingdom.com/interview-with-ernie-barbarash/
  12. https://www.blackbeltmag.com/happy-birthday-michael-jai-white-10-unforgettable-michael-jai-white-fight-scenes-that-will-leave-yo
  13. https://theactionelite.com/michael-jai-white-talks-falcon-rising/
  14. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/falcon_rising/cast-and-crew
  15. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1296595/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1372891/
  17. https://filmcombatsyndicate.com/falcon-rising-2014-case-for-better/
  18. https://blackcinemaconnection.com/2014/08/10/falcon-rising/
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  20. https://www.blu-ray.com/Falcon-Rising/361845/
  21. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0925220/
  22. https://www.michaeljaiwhite.com/about
  23. https://www.biography.com/athletes/laila-ali
  24. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2295722/characters/nm0568180/
  25. https://villains.fandom.com/wiki/Thiago_Santo%2C_Carlo_Bororo_and_Hirimoto
  26. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/270938-falcon-rising/cast
  27. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2295722/fullcredits
  28. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wys_7B16BVY
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCMH549C7v8
  30. https://filmcombatsyndicate.com/falcon-rising-takes-off-with-new-poster/
  31. https://www.blackfilm.com/read/18th-annual-urbanworld-film-festival-preview/
  32. https://urbanworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/URBANWORLD_FILM_FESTIVAL_ANNOUNCES_AvaDuVernayAndSelmaPressRelease091114FINAL.pdf
  33. https://www.denofgeek.com/movies/michael-jai-white-interview-falcon-rising-black-dynamite/
  34. https://kungfukingdom.com/interview-with-michael-jai-white-2/
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2295722/releaseinfo/
  36. https://www.boxofficemojo.com/title/tt2295722/
  37. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2295722/news/
  38. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/falcon_rising/reviews
  39. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/falcon-rising/
  40. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/falcon-rising/critic-reviews/
  41. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2295722/ratings/
  42. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2295722/reviews/
  43. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/falcon-rising
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