David Ayer's 2014 war film, Fury, has recently achieved a new milestone by landing on Netflix's Global Top 10 chart. Directed by Ayer, who is also known for the 2016 film Suicide Squad, Fury tells the gripping story of a five-man American tank crew on a dangerous mission behind enemy lines in Nazi Germany during the final stages of World War II. With an impressive cast including Brad Pitt, Shia LaBeouf, Logan Lerman, Michael Peña, Jon Bernthal, Jason Isaacs, and Scott Eastwood, the film has captivated audiences worldwide.
The resurgence of Fury's popularity on Netflix is evident through the viewing statistics for the week of January 29 to February 6. During that time, the film accumulated 7.3 million hours of watch time and received a total of 3.3 million views. This achievement placed Fury in ninth position on Netflix's Global Top 10 chart, surpassing Dennis Quaid's sports movie The Hill, which was in its second week on the chart.
Unlike Ayer's later film, Suicide Squad, which received mixed reviews from critics, Fury was praised for its exceptional performances and intense combat sequences. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a respectable 76% score among critics, with the consensus stating, 'Overall, Fury is a well-acted, suitably raw depiction of the horrors of war that offers visceral battle scenes but doesn't quite live up to its larger ambitions.' The film accurately captures the high casualty rates suffered by American tank crews, who were at a disadvantage with the inferior M4 Sherman tanks when compared to the formidable German Panzer tanks.
The inspiration for Fury came from Belton Y. Cooper's memoir, Death Traps: The Survival of an American Armored Division in World War II, published in 1998. Ayer skillfully translated this source material into a gripping war film that resonated with both audiences and critics alike.
Alongside its critical acclaim, Fury also achieved success at the box office, grossing an impressive $211 million worldwide. This accomplishment nearly tripled its estimated production budget of $68-80 million. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film boasts an audience score of 84%, surpassing the critic score. It stands as one of the highest-rated films in Ayer's career, alongside End of Watch. Fury truly deserves its position in Netflix's Global Top 10, especially when compared to the critically panned flops and box office failures that often occupy that list.
In conclusion, Fury directed by David Ayer and starring Brad Pitt as tank commander Don 'Wardaddy' Collier, offers a powerful and visceral depiction of the challenges faced by American tank crews during World War II. The film's resurgence on Netflix's Global Top 10 chart is a testament to its enduring appeal and the captivating storytelling abilities of its director and cast. If you haven't seen Fury yet, it's definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
