Did you know about the movie “Free Fire” which is also about surviving a shootout. It features…
The movie “Free Fire,” which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival a year before the release of the Garena Free Fire game, is not directly connected to the game’s creation. The game was developed by 111 Dots Studio and published by Garena. While both share the name “Free Fire,” they have different origins and purposes. The game’s success in India and worldwide can be attributed to its engaging gameplay and marketing efforts rather than inspiration from the movie.
Free Fire movie release date
“Free Fire,” directed by British filmmaker Ben Wheatley, is indeed a black comedy-action movie. It had its initial premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2016, but it didn’t reach cinema audiences in the United Kingdom until March 31, 2017.
Despite featuring a notable cast, “Free Fire” faced challenges at the box office and struggled to meet its budget expectations. With an initial budget of $7 million, it only grossed $3.8 million, making it a financial disappointment in terms of box office returns.
Free Fire movie cast
In the 2016 action movie “Free Fire,” a talented young cast took on lead roles. Cillian Murphy portrayed Chris, a character associated with the Irish Republican Army, aiming to end British rule in Northern Ireland. Before his role in “Free Fire,” Murphy had achieved success in several films, including his notable appearances in “The Dark Knight Trilogy” and “Inception.” It’s worth mentioning that he received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his portrayal of a trans-woman in the movie “Breakfast on Pluto.”
Brie Larson, known for her success in the Captain Marvel and Avengers series, played the role of Justine in the movie “Free Fire.” Justine serves as an intermediary between the IRA organization and the arms dealer in the film. Her versatility as an actress is evident in her ability to take on a wide range of roles, from superhero epics to character-driven action-comedies like “Free Fire.”
Brie Larson’s impressive achievements, including her Oscar win for “Room” in 2015, and her established reputation in the industry are indeed noteworthy. It’s interesting to note that despite the talented cast, “Free Fire” faced challenges at the box office.
Furthermore, the movie featured notable actors like Armie Hammer, who portrayed Ord, an IRA member; Sharlto Copley, who played Vernon, an arms dealer; and Jack Reynor, who took on the role of Harry, Vernon’s associate. The film’s ensemble cast brought diverse characters to life in this action-packed story.
Free Fire movie plot
At the start of the film, “Free Fire,” the plot unfolds as two groups, the IRA and the arms dealer, come together for a meeting at a Boston warehouse. They convene to discuss their deal, facilitated by the intermediary, Justine. The representatives from the arms dealer group are Vernon and Harry, while the IRA sends Chris, Ord, and several others to participate in the meeting. This initial setup sets the stage for the intense and action-packed events that follow in the movie.
The conflict in “Free Fire” escalated when one of the IRA members discovered that Harry had beaten him a few days earlier, intensifying tensions between the two groups. This tension erupted into a chaotic shootout. Amidst the mayhem, it became apparent that two additional individuals were present with the intent to kill both groups. It was later revealed that someone had hired Ord to take all the money from the deal and eliminate all members of both sides.
Before the traitor could disclose the truth behind the ambush, he was accidentally shot dead by the IRA group. This triggered a free-for-all, with everyone desperately firing at one another to survive. As the movie concluded, Justine emerged as the sole survivor, limping toward the warehouse entrance. However, the sound of approaching sirens signaled that escape was no longer an option, leaving her in a dire predicament.
Did Free Fire movie inspire Garena Free Fire?
Indeed, the beginning of “Free Fire” introduces a tense situation as the IRA and the arms dealer groups converge at a Boston warehouse. Justine serves as the mediator for their deal. On one side, you have Vernon and Harry representing the arms dealer group, while the IRA sends Chris, Ord, and their associates. This initial meeting becomes the catalyst for the high-stakes and action-packed sequences that unfold throughout the film.
“Free Fire” (2016) is indeed known for its intense and gritty action sequences, featuring bloody scenes of gunfights and firefights. The film’s primary focus is on the interpersonal conflicts and battles among its characters. Each character possesses unique skills and backgrounds, similar to the variety of characters found in the Free Fire game. This adds depth and complexity to the story, making it a thrilling and action-packed experience for the audience.
The existence of video games with a last-man-standing format predates the “Free Fire” movie, with games like Bomberman from 1983 being early examples. Additionally, having the same title for a movie and a game does not necessarily imply direct inspiration or copyright infringement. It’s entirely possible that someone at Garena was a fan of the movie and suggested the name, but as you rightly pointed out, the term “Free Fire” is not uncommon in the context of shooting scenes, making it a plausible coincidence.
Video games with last-man-standing formats existed long before the movie, and the use of a common phrase like “Free Fire” in the context of shooting scenes is not uncommon. It’s interesting to see how different forms of entertainment can sometimes coincide in name and theme without a direct connection. Like this post? Don’t forget to check out our other short stories in our Quick Read section