The Equalizer: A trilogy of action and redemption from My Perspective

“I guess anybody could do it, but nobody does, Miles. Ends up with everybody complaining because nobody did what anybody could have done… or should have done to begin with”. - Robert McCall

Ever since I watched The Equalizer, the trilogy starring Denzel Washington has become one of my favorites. The story of Robert McCall, an ordinary man with a mysterious past and extraordinary abilities, captivated me from the very beginning. Through three thrilling films, we witness his transformation from a quiet man into a lethal weapon in the fight for justice. In this essay, I want to share my personal view of each installment, analyzing the evolution of the character and his impact on me as a viewer.

The Equalizer (2014): The Awakening of a Hidden Warrior

The first film introduced me to Robert McCall as a solitary and methodical man seeking to lead a peaceful life in Boston. His job at a hardware store and his fondness for reading classics of literature showed me a calm and ordinary man. However, his past as a CIA agent and his sense of justice are provoked when he meets Teri, a young prostitute who is brutally beaten by her Russian pimps. Despite his attempts to avoid violence, McCall cannot ignore the injustice and decides to use his skills to protect Teri and dismantle the criminal network. In this first installment, I was struck by the awakening of the warrior in McCall. His reserved personality and ordinary appearance conceal a man trained in combat and strategy. As he faces his enemies, McCall reveals his unrelenting brutality and his ability to use the environment as a weapon. The film showed me McCall as a relentless vigilante, but it also allowed me to see his human side and his desire to protect the innocent. The relationship he develops with Teri is a catalyst for his transformation, reminding me of the importance of compassion and empathy.

The Equalizer 2 (2018): Personal Revenge and Redemption at Stake

In the second film, McCall faces a more personal threat when his former CIA colleague, Susan Plummer, is murdered. Susan's death awakens McCall's fury and drives him to seek revenge against those responsible. As he investigates, McCall uncovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government. In this installment, I saw a more vulnerable and emotional McCall. The loss of Susan deeply affects him and leads him to question his methods and his purpose. Despite his pain, McCall stops at nothing to avenge his friend's death and bring the culprits to justice. The film made me reflect on the duality of McCall: a compassionate man who cares about others, but also a ruthless warrior capable of eliminating his enemies with precision and efficiency. McCall's pursuit of revenge becomes a path to redemption, where he must confront his own demons and accept the consequences of his actions.

The Equalizer 3 (2023): The Final Chapter: Justice and Community in Harmony

In the third and final installment of the trilogy, McCall finds himself in Italy, where he seeks respite from his life of violence. He settles in a small coastal town and begins to build a new life. However, his past catches up with him when he discovers that his new friends are being oppressed by the local mafia. Despite his desire to live a quiet life, McCall cannot ignore the injustice and decides to use his skills to protect his community. In this film, I saw a more mature and reflective McCall. He has learned to control his anger and channel his energy towards protecting the innocent. Although he remains a lethal weapon, McCall also shows his human side and his ability to connect with others. The film closes the trilogy satisfactorily, showing McCall's evolution from a solitary vigilante to a protector of his community. His decision to stay in the town and help his friends demonstrates his commitment to justice and his desire to build a better world.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Justice and Action that Transcends the Screen

The Equalizer trilogy is a thrilling action saga that has introduced me to a complex and fascinating character. Denzel Washington delivers a masterful performance as Robert McCall, a man who fights for justice in his own way. Through three films full of action and suspense, I have witnessed his transformation from an ordinary man into a lethal weapon. The trilogy has made me reflect on themes such as justice, revenge and redemption, and has invited me to reflect on the true meaning of being a hero. In short, The Equalizer is an essential trilogy for lovers of action cinema and for those looking for stories of complex and memorable characters. The trilogy leaves a lasting legacy in the action genre, demonstrating that action films can be intelligent, exciting and thoughtful. The evolution of McCall throughout the three films is a testament to the power of redemption and the importance of fighting for what is right. The Equalizer is much more than an action film, it is a reflection on justice, morality and the human condition.