Release: 2014-09-24
Runtime: 2h 12m (132 minutes)
McCall believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when he meets Teri, a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can’t stand idly by – he has to help her. Armed with hidden skills that allow him to serve vengeance against anyone who would brutalize the helpless, McCall comes out of his self-imposed retirement and finds his desire for justice reawakened. If someone has a problem, if the odds are stacked against them, if they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer.
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Genres: Action, Thriller, Crime
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Denzel Washington, Bill Pullman, more
Chloë Grace Moretz
as Teri
Denzel Washington
as Robert McCall
Bill Pullman
as Brian Plummer
Haley Bennett
as Mandy
David Harbour
as Masters
Vladimir Kulich
as Vladimir Pushkin
Marton Csokas
as Teddy
Johnny Messner
as P&E Worker
David Meunier
as Slavi
Melissa Leo
as Susan Plummer
Tait Fletcher
as Teddy's Guy
Sala Baker
as Teddy's Guy
McCall believes he has put his mysterious past behind him and dedicated himself to beginning a new, quiet life. But when he meets Teri, a young girl under the control of ultra-violent Russian gangsters, he can’t stand idly by – he has to help her. Armed with hidden skills that allow him to serve vengeance against anyone who would brutalize the helpless, McCall comes out of his self-imposed retirement and finds his desire for justice reawakened. If someone has a problem, if the odds are stacked against them, if they have nowhere else to turn, McCall will help. He is The Equalizer.
What do you see when you look at me?
The Equalizer is a 2014 American action-thriller film directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by Richard Wenk. The movie is inspired by the 1980s television series of the same name and features Denzel Washington in the lead role. Other notable cast members include Marton Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Harbour, Bill Pullman, and Melissa Leo.
In this film, Washington plays the character Robert McCall, a former Marine and officer who steps back into action to save a teenage girl named Alina, played by Moretz, from the clutches of the Russian mafia. The story unfolds as McCall seeks to protect Alina after discovering her dire situation, leading to a series of intense confrontations with criminals.
The film began shooting in Massachusetts from May to September 2013. It premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on 07 September 2014 and was released in theaters in the United States on 26 September 2014. It was met with mixed reviews but proved to be a box office success, grossing approximately $192.3 million worldwide against a budget of $55–73 million.
Washington's character, Robert McCall, leads a quiet life in Boston, working in a home improvement store. His routine changes when he befriends Alina, a young girl trapped in a life of human trafficking. When Alina gets hurt due to her abusive pimp, McCall decides he can no longer stand idly by. He confronts her aggressors and quickly finds himself embroiled in a violent battle against a larger crime syndicate led by a dangerous Russian oligarch.
As McCall takes on the criminals, he employs his skills to deliver justice, becoming a vigilante hero. The film is marked by high-octane action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. McCall’s journey also subtly explores themes of redemption and the struggle to protect the vulnerable.
In addition to the thrilling narrative, the film’s music score by Harry Gregson-Williams received praise for enhancing the movie's tension and emotional depth. Notably, the song "Guts Over Fear" by rapper Eminem featuring Sia, played a significant role in the film's marketing.
After the success of the first installment, the story continued with sequels: The Equalizer 2, released on 20 July 2018, and The Equalizer 3, which premiered on 01 September 2023. These films have further expanded McCall's adventures and solidified Washington's role as an iconic action hero.
Overall, The Equalizer combines action, drama, and a compelling narrative, making it a notable addition to the action genre, all while showcasing Denzel Washington's powerful performance.
