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It had been 30 years since its predecessor released; Mad Max Fury Road wasn’t necessarily what the world was asking for, but as it turns out it was exactly what we needed. It crushed at the box office, killed it critically, and even got 10 Oscar nominations including Best Picture, of which it took home six. That is unheard of for action movies; Black Panther pushing Marvel into the top category was still three years out. Fury Road proved that big budget, high concept, female-driven action pieces can get there.
As it says in the title, Fury Road is a feminist masterpiece. Sure it says “Mad Max” in the title, but he for sure isn’t the lead. Charlize Theron’s Imperator Furiosa takes the reigns soon after Max is captured by the war boys in the opening sequence. The movie becomes not about his escape, but everyone’s escape from under the iron fist of Immortan Joe. More specifically we follow Furiosa as she tries to extract Joe’s many abused and enslaved wives. Max joins their quest but is merely an accessory. Aiding where he can, but largely letting Furiosa point the way. Ultimately they succeed and it’s Furiosa who ascends into fame and leadership in the new world, while Max disappears into the throng of now freed people.
Mad Max Fury Road was not made to be “feminist”. It simply is because someone, George Miller, dared to make a movie with a female lead and mostly female supporting cast in which many MANY men are disgusting pieces of garbage. It was presented in a way digestible by the typical “man” who thinks all rom coms are girly and lame. It’s just as action-packed as any action movie I’ve ever seen and it’s exceptionally well-executed. In an ideal future, the fact that it’s female-led shouldn’t make any difference at all.
We very highly recommend watching Mad Max Fury Road if you haven’t already. Not only is it incredible, but it gets even more incredible the more you watch it. Let us know what you think over on Twitter! But if you’re ready, hop in the War Rig with us for today’s episode of So…I’m Watching This Show!
