R | 1h 39m | Action, Thriller | 2016
Britain has faced numerous threats throughout its storied history, including invasions, wars, and recently, terrorism. Seventy years post-World War II, Britain finds itself under the threat of a new adversary—jihadist terrorists. In 2016, the action-packed film “London Has Fallen,” fueled by Gerard Butler and supported by Aaron Eckhart, confronts this issue directly.
In today’s climate with safe spaces, cry closets, and outrage culture, “London Has Fallen” presents audiences with a raw and intense “what if” scenario, unencumbered by self-censorship. The film occasionally exaggerates elements of the action genre, but this approach adds to its gritty and immersive vibe.
This is the second film in the “Has Fallen” film franchise, following closely on the heels of the 2013 action hit “Olympus Has Fallen,” directed by Antoine Fuqua. In the previous film, the White House falls victim to a surprise attack orchestrated by North Korean communists. In this sequel, London becomes the battleground where Western forces clash with those who embrace terrorism.
The film kicks off in spectacular (and explosive) fashion, with Western intelligence services getting the green light to carry out a military drone strike on head Islamic terrorist, Aamir Barkawi (Alon Aboutboul). The drone attack is considered successful, and Barkawi and his family are no longer deemed a threat.
Fast forward a couple of years, and we learn that the British prime minister mysteriously died. Given the UK’s significance on the global stage, leaders from the other G7 nations converge in London to pay their respects at the funeral.
Of course, the funeral presents a logistical challenge of monumental proportions, with each of the G7 leaders accompanied by his or her own extensive security details. Among them is U.S. President Benjamin Asher (Eckhart), who is slated to attend the services and will be under the protection of Secret Service Director Lynne Jacobs (Angela Bassett), along with his number one bodyguard, Mike Banning (Gerard Butler).
Soon after the corporate media boasts that the funeral is the most secure event on the planet, catastrophe strikes. Echoing “Olympus,” terrorist forces attack from unexpected vectors and lots of innocent bloodshed ensues. However, once Banning regains his footing, he rapidly ratchets up the body count, but only against the bad guys. Banning battles the evildoers all across London as he tries to escort Asher to safety.
The inclusion of London’s iconic landmarks adds a captivating dimension to the film, providing breathtaking visuals amid the chaos of the action-packed sequences. From the majestic St. Paul’s Cathedral to the serene, natural beauty of Hyde Park and the regal splendor of Buckingham Palace, these landmarks serve as stunning backdrops and contribute to the movie’s atmosphere.
It also provides viewers with a glimpse into the selfless and perilous world of secret service agents—men and women who undergo rigorous training and willingly put themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of those they’ve sworn to protect. Indeed, this entire series serves as a tribute to the dedication, bravery, and sacrifice of these heroic people.
The film also highlights the personal sacrifices that secret service agents like Mike Banning endure. Banning’s dilemma between his duty to protect the president and his desire to be with his pregnant wife, Leah (Radha Mitchell), underscores the challenging balance these agents must strike between their professional responsibilities and their personal lives.
Despite the exaggerated violence, which can sometimes border on the cartoonish, this film (like its predecessor) manages to balance nostalgia with real-world geopolitics. It touches on issues of terrorism, political intrigue, and the complex international relations, grounding the action in a contemporary context.
“London Has Fallen” is an action fan’s dream come true and a worthy follow-up to Mr. Fuqua’s 2013 hit. Packed with fast-paced action sequences, a gripping plot filled with twists and turns, and nostalgic one-liners reminiscent of the ‘80s, the film offers a highly entertaining viewing.
