Playing safe to deliver an enthralling action film, the creation of "Earth and Blood" must've been from the guidance of an action film making playbook as it comes out as a not so stellar thriller with nothing new to offer not even Bouajila as a lethal invincible father.
The story of "Earth and Blood" follows a terminally ill Saïd (Bouajila) who wants to sell his Sawmill and live in a cabin in the woods but he, unwittingly, got entangled with drug dealers, led by Adama (Eric Ebouaney), when his apprentice (Samy Seghir) hid a large amount of drugs in the factory. Unafraid to resort to violence to get what they want, Saïd must now fight off these drug dealers and at the same time protect his deaf daughter (Sofia Lesaffre).
"Earth and Blood" is part exciting and most of the time, boring. Yes, the movie has taken no time in setting up its plot and get going with the action but it simply ran out of gas midpoint. The direction it took becomes predictable with mundane action sequences, forgettable characters and an out of focus narrative -- everything turns out to be unworthy of attention in the end despite an 'okay' editing and technical.
Even if we are unfamiliar with the actors in this movie, Sami Boauajila undeniably stands out in "Earth and Blood" as he delivers a swashbuckling performance. Sami did an amazing job portraying a stoic yet cool father, but the other supporting cast is dull and really aren't as compelling as they should've been.
As a whole, "Earth and Blood" never really impress as an action movie. It's unoriginal and prosaic, and it only has one bearable performance and that alone will never be enough for it to be thrilling and rewarding to watch. It's probably for the best to skip this dull film for other heart-pounding movies.
1/5
