6 Underground - Film Review

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6 Underground, directed by Michael Bay, is a 2019 action thriller that combines high-octane action sequences, a unique concept, and a star-studded cast led by Ryan Reynolds. Known for his explosive directing style, Bay brings his signature flair to this Netflix original, creating an intense, globe-trotting adventure filled with rapid pacing, stunning visuals, and adrenaline-pumping stunts. Written by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, the team behind Deadpool, 6 Underground promises entertainment in the form of a blend of chaotic action and sharp, irreverent humour.

The film opens with a car chase through the streets of Florence, Italy, a sequence that immediately showcases the film’s commitment to non-stop action and visually striking scenes. Here we’re introduced to One (Ryan Reynolds), who serves as the film’s narrator and ringleader. He’s a billionaire tech mogul who has “faked” his own death in order to operate outside the boundaries of law and government. His aim? To take down powerful, corrupt individuals around the world whom he believes traditional justice systems are unable to reach.

The main characters in 6 Underground have only numbers as names, signifying their detachment from their past lives and identities. Each member of One’s team has their own specific skillset, allowing them to tackle various missions as a well-coordinated unit:

One – The wealthy strategist and leader of the group.
Two – A former CIA operative with expertise in combat and espionage.
Three – An ex-hitman who brings toughness and firearms expertise.
Four – A parkour expert who excels in agility and quick escapes.
Five – A doctor who provides medical support for the team.
Six – The getaway driver, who brings finesse to vehicle-based stunts.

The story’s central mission is to overthrow Rovach Alimov (Lior Raz), a brutal dictator of the fictional country of Turgistan, who rules his people with an iron fist and oppresses them through violence and fear. One’s motivation stems from witnessing the devastation that leaders like Rovach cause, and he assembles his team with the intent to bring about regime change through unconventional means.

Each team member has their own tragic backstory and reason for joining One’s mission. While the film doesn’t delve deeply into character development, it relies on the actors’ performances to add depth to their roles.

One (Ryan Reynolds): As the charismatic leader and the face of 6 Underground, One brings an element of humour and charm to the team. His character represents the film’s central philosophy of taking justice into one’s own hands, outside the constraints of traditional systems. Reynolds, known for his quick wit and comedic timing, delivers a performance that blends irreverence with a sense of determination, making One both likeable and morally ambiguous. His character sets the tone for the rest of the film, guiding the team’s actions with a combination of confidence and self-assuredness.

Two (Mélanie Laurent): Two is a skilled assassin and former CIA agent, and she brings a stoic presence to the group. Laurent portrays Two with a cold precision that balances well with One’s charisma, providing a contrasting sense of seriousness. Her character’s experience in espionage and combat proves essential for the missions, and she often leads in strategic and tactical aspects.

Three (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo): As the hitman of the group, Three is often impulsive, bringing an edgy, almost reckless quality to the team’s dynamics. While he can be brash, his loyalty and ability to handle difficult situations make him an indispensable part of the team. Garcia-Rulfo’s portrayal is intense, adding an element of grittiness to the group.

Four (Ben Hardy): A former extreme sports athlete, Four is a parkour expert, giving the team the level of agility needed for urban escapes and covert infiltration. Hardy’s athleticism shines as he performs several stunts, emphasizing Four’s physical prowess and adding to the film’s action-packed scenes.

Five (Adria Arjona): Five serves as the team’s medic, providing the necessary medical assistance in the field. Her character’s empathy and calm demeanour contrast with the intensity of the others, giving the group a much-needed compassionate side. Arjona’s portrayal adds a layer of humanity to the team, showing that they are not entirely hardened by their missions.

Six (Dave Franco): As the getaway driver, Six is a crucial element of the team’s mobility and quick exits. Although his character has limited screen time, Franco makes an impression, especially in the opening car chase sequence, where his skills are on full display.



6 Underground centres around themes of justice, revenge, and the moral implications of vigilantism. The film’s premise—that a group of individuals fake their own deaths to live as “ghosts” and pursue their own vision of justice—reflects a common theme in action cinema: the desire to correct what is perceived as the world’s injustices. However, unlike traditional heroes who work within societal structures, the team in 6 Underground operates entirely outside the law, taking on a radical, morally ambiguous approach to solving global issues.

The film explores the notion of sacrifice and freedom that comes with letting go of personal identity and dedicating oneself to a cause. Each character has had to sever ties with their former lives, a theme that resonates with those seeking redemption or a fresh start. However, this theme also raises questions about the cost of such freedom—whether abandoning personal connections and moral accountability leads to fulfilment or isolation. Though the film doesn’t delve deeply into these existential dilemmas, it hints at the psychological weight of being a “ghost” and the struggle to retain humanity amidst relentless missions.

In true Michael Bay fashion, 6 Underground delivers an endless stream of elaborate set pieces, explosive sequences, and meticulously choreographed stunts. Bay, known for his affinity for big-budget action, uses a dynamic camera style to capture each scene with intensity and flair. The film’s action sequences span various international locations, giving the audience a sense of globe-trotting adventure that adds to the narrative’s scope.

The opening car chase in Florence is a standout, as it combines elements of humour, suspense, and explosive action. Bay’s direction emphasizes the high stakes and frenetic energy, using close-ups, wide shots, and rapid cuts to immerse viewers in the chaos. This sequence, much like others in the film, is saturated with the visual trademarks Bay is known for: high-speed chases, slow-motion explosions, and stylishly lit scenes that bring a sense of spectacle to the screen.

From rooftop chases in Hong Kong to high-stakes infiltrations in the Middle East, 6 Underground maintains a breakneck pace, moving from one action-packed sequence to another. The parkour stunts performed by Four, the tactical shootouts led by Two, and the chaotic, vehicle-based sequences involving Six add layers of visual diversity to the film. Bay’s use of vivid colour contrasts, fast zooms, and fluid camera work enhances the immersive quality of the scenes, creating an experience that’s both entertaining and visually intense.

The script, written by Wernick and Reese, injects humour throughout the film, largely driven by Ryan Reynolds’s witty performance. Known for their work on Deadpool, the writers bring a similar blend of sarcasm and dark humour to 6 Underground, using humour as a way to balance the film’s otherwise serious tone. Reynolds’ character, One, often serves as the comedic relief, offering quips and meta-humour that lighten the mood amidst the chaos. This approach not only makes the film more accessible but also helps to offset the more violent and intense sequences.

6 Underground received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. The film’s action sequences and production design were widely praised, with Bay’s direction being commended for delivering exactly what fans of the genre expect: explosive, fast-paced, and visually appealing action. However, some critics noted that the film’s plot and character development were underwhelming, with the focus on style over substance leading to a somewhat hollow narrative.

One of the film’s critiques is its handling of character backstories and emotional depth. While the premise of “ghosts” sacrificing their identities has potential for rich storytelling, 6 Underground leans more heavily into spectacle than into exploring the psychological effects of the characters’ decisions. Some viewers felt that the movie’s fast pacing and rapid transitions between action scenes left little room for audiences to connect with the characters on an emotional level.

Additionally, Bay’s directing style, while iconic, is often polarizing, as it prioritizes energy and aesthetics over realism and coherence. For fans of Bay’s previous works, 6 Underground delivers in terms of visual thrill, but for others, the relentless action and lack of narrative depth can feel exhausting.

As one of Netflix’s high-budget films, 6 Underground marked a significant entry into the platform’s catalogue of original action movies. The film’s open-ended conclusion leaves room for potential sequels, suggesting that One and his team might have future missions. Given Netflix’s investment in the action genre and the film’s popularity with audiences, a follow-up is possible, especially with an established cast and the potential to further explore the characters’ journeys and missions.

6 Underground is a quintessential Michael Bay film: it’s explosive, fast-paced, visually stunning, and packed with relentless action. With Ryan Reynolds leading a cast of “ghosts” dedicated to global justice, the film presents a unique take on the vigilante genre, combining humour, spectacle, and international intrigue. While it may lack character development and emotional resonance, 6 Underground remains an entertaining ride for fans of adrenaline-fueled action cinema. Its mix of breathtaking visuals, rapid pacing, and irreverent tone has cemented it as a noteworthy addition to Netflix’s line-up, appealing to audiences who crave high-energy escapism.

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