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How Realistic Are Those Who Wish Me Dead?

Published in Film Realism 3 mins read

"Those Who Wish Me Dead" takes significant artistic liberties with overall realism to amplify its thrilling action sequences, yet it offers a surprisingly accurate portrayal of smokejumpers, especially for a high-octane action-thriller.

The film, which blends elements of a survival thriller with a disaster movie, prioritizes adrenaline-pumping moments and dramatic tension over strict adherence to real-world scenarios. This approach is common for "popcorn movies" designed for exciting cinematic experiences.

Realism Breakdown

The realism in "Those Who Wish Me Dead" can be assessed by distinguishing between its general plot and action sequences versus its depiction of specific professions within the film.

Artistic Liberties in Overall Plot & Action

The movie's overarching narrative, involving assassins and a child on the run amidst a raging wildfire, allows for numerous exaggerated situations. These "epic action sequences" are designed to create high stakes and visual spectacle, often pushing the boundaries of what would realistically occur. The pace and intensity of the danger, particularly from the fire and the human antagonists, are heightened for dramatic effect, making the film a captivating watch rather than a documentary.

Accuracy in Smokejumper Depiction

Despite the broader cinematic liberties, the film stands out for its relatively accurate depiction of smokejumpers. For a movie that leans heavily into "adrenaline-pumping disaster set-pieces," it manages to portray the profession of these elite wildland firefighters with considerable precision. This includes aspects such as:

  • Their perilous work: Showcasing the inherent dangers and challenges involved in parachuting into remote, burning areas to combat wildfires.
  • Equipment and gear: A realistic portrayal of the specialized tools and protective equipment smokejumpers utilize.
  • Tactics and operations: While dramatized, the core elements of how smokejumpers operate in the field are depicted in a believable manner.

This balance means that while the overall plot is a thrilling fantasy, the groundwork of the smokejumper profession within that fantasy is grounded in fact.

Summary of Realism

To summarize the film's realism:

Aspect Realism Level Notes
Overall Plot & Action Low (Artistic Liberties) Prioritizes dramatic "epic action sequences" and "adrenaline-pumping disaster set-pieces" over strict real-world accuracy.
Smokejumper Depiction High (for a popcorn movie context) Accurately portrays the profession, gear, and challenges faced by smokejumpers within the framework of an exaggerated action film.

In conclusion, "Those Who Wish Me Dead" aims to be an exhilarating action-thriller first and foremost. While it takes liberties with realism for its overarching plot and intense action, it does a commendable job of representing the challenging and dangerous work of smokejumpers with surprising accuracy for its genre.