Thiên Thần Công Lý Peppermint (2018)

Pierre Morel's Peppermint plants its flag firmly within the brutal terrain of the revenge thriller, a genre where moral ambiguities reign supreme. Drawing from his successful blueprint in “Taken,” Morel once again crafts a narrative around a protagonist stripped of everything, compelled to mete out their own brand of justice. The film's undeniable anchor is Jennifer Garner's compelling transformation. Her portrayal transcends mere physical prowess; Garner masterfully embodies a grieving mother's metamorphosis from helpless victim to a relentless urban vigilante, driven by an almost palpable anguish and an unyielding resolve.

Morel’s cinematic approach emphasizes a gritty, no-holds-barred realism, particularly evident in the meticulously choreographed close-quarters combat sequences that deliver a visceral impact. The film unflinchingly exposes the darker underbelly of a corrupt legal system, foregrounding a potent message about systemic failures and the yearning for self-delivered justice. While adhering to established genre conventions, Peppermint distinguishes itself through Garner’s intense performance and its uncompromising action ethos. It reinforces the enduring appeal of vigilante narratives, offering audiences a potent, if violent, sense of catharsis in the face of perceived societal injustice.