MONKEY MAN – Certificate 18 – WOW!

Dev Patel (Writer/Actor/Director), Jordan Peele (Producer), Sobhita Dhulipala, Sikander Kher, Aidthi Kalkunte, Makarand Desphpande, Sharlto Copley, Ashinwini Kalsekar, Pitobsh Tripathi.Apologies to unmentioned cast – there are very many talented actors in this saga. 

Influenced by the iconography of Hanuman the monkey man who is a deity in the Hindu religion and has reams of material in print about him, Dev Patel has scripted a saga that will have some viewers at times with their fingers over their eyes yet the passion and fury that motivates the story keeps you glued to your seat!

Dev says when he was growing up in Harrow he used to try and watch some of his favourite action heroes occasionally actually through the banisters as he was supposed to be in bed.  These heroes include Bruce Lee and now his story of Monkey Man has echoes in its genre of recounting it with John Wick films.   So far Netflix is not showing Monkey Man but Universal Pictures has it on general release in cinemas so you’ve got a treat in store!

The revenge drama is a popular theme especially in “Asian inspired” stories and this one is no exception but no spoilers from now on! Poor Dev Patel has said he sustained injuries making the film and let’s hope he’s recovered now. We know him from Skins, Best Exotic Marigold Hotel one and two, and David Copperfield amongst other films and he is breaking new ground in this one.

The iconography of his character is influenced by stories on demiGod Hanuman including the splitting of his chest.  Monkey Man has his friends so it’s not all doom and gloom for him which is engrossing for the audience as its dark humour unfolds.

Interestingly the film was mainly made in Indonesia.  Censors are still taking time out over the release of Monkey Man in India. It’s controversial but what good film isn’t??

Jed Kurzel, Bron Studios, Thunder Road Films,and Monkeypaw Productions, are amongst the film organisations who helped in the making of Monkey Man. There are even more than these and are itemised in the film’s credits.

The Bonnet Macaque is a monkey in South India with long tails (lion tails) and some whiteness in its coat, and is regarded as a protector of the people. Hanuman – the legend is a combination of various monkeys living in India.

News is Dev Patel may make a romance or non violent drama for his next film but I think Monkey Man is one of the greats of its kind. Note an 18 Certificate is for a reason and also means less bums on seats at the cinema but he’s made the film and it is very worth watching.

Look out for the mask that Monkey Man wears and his dual life as he fights throughout the film for his sweet revenge. There are no cartoons in this film.  This is purely made with real people and real actors. ENJOY!

Penny Nair Price