“BEAST” Movie Review

The Plot: MMA legend Patton James, now a commercial fisherman, is pulled back into the cage when his brother is in danger. Reuniting with his old coach, Sammy, he commits to one final fight in ONE Championship against its brutal champion, Xavier Grau.

 Beasts In & Out of the Ring

This society we live in is undeniably harsh and unforgiving. While cages are not intended for human use, there are instances where they become necessary. For example, in this film, when engaging in boxing or fighting, participants are confined to a ring, which serves as a protective enclosure. This is a stark contrast to the unethical practice of holding individuals hostage in cages. Tragically, many innocent people find themselves imprisoned, akin to being caged, while some of the most heinous criminals evade justice.

The Capacity to Feel

The term “beasts” typically describes individuals who lack empathy, reveling in the infliction of pain and distress. Such individuals exemplify the darkest aspects of humanity, resembling sadists in their cruelty. The concept of being caged is inherently negative, regardless of the context, including combat. Our society contains not only those who pose a genuine threat but also individuals who have been unjustly imprisoned, neither of whom deserves to be confined.

These reflections overwhelmed me as I watched the film, leading me to consider its profound implications for our contemporary society. It is nearly impossible to view a movie of this nature without drawing stark parallels to the dangerous criminals who roam freely, individuals who undoubtedly deserve to be incarcerated, contrasted with those who have been wrongfully convicted and sentenced to life in prison despite their innocence. This disparity fuels my frustration when discussing the legal system, as it often appears unjust and biased. Regardless of what people may assert, the law frequently fails to protect the innocent and uphold justice, particularly in critical moments when it truly matters.

Every Choice We Make Has Consequences!

In this film, we encounter two characters who exemplify the tendency to react impulsively rather than thoughtfully. This behavior prompts us to consider the Southern saying, “A hard head makes a soft ass.”? This saying encapsulates the idea that stubbornness, disobedience, or a refusal to heed wise counsel can lead to dire repercussions. It implies that neglecting to engage one’s intellect and learn from experiences can result in suffering—whether physically, emotionally, or socially.

Growing up, my father often reminded me of this wisdom, and I discovered that this Southern saying resonates deeply not only in our everyday lives but also in the narratives of the two protagonists in this film. Their hasty decisions, made without careful consideration, ultimately lead them into perilous situations. The consequences of their actions serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of reflection and the potential fallout from acting on impulse. This theme of thoughtlessness versus deliberation is woven throughout the story, illustrating how critical it is to pause and think before making choices that could have lasting impacts on one’s life and the lives of others.