MR-9: Do or Die (2023) User Reviews

Waste of time and money

[debumymailbox · 3/10 · 29 August 2023]

A very poor work. I don't know who appointed the director to direct a film of this legendary character. Masud Rana never looked like a secret agent in the film. His movement, expression, dialogue delivery everything looked like nothing more than a Bodyguard. Story was also very weak. Acting was immature by most of the actors. Very poorly executed film as per the production house claims the budget. There was no climax in the whole movie. A secret agent's film should have been more intense. No way the film met the standard of the original character of the book. If same director directs the second part, then that will be a disaster like this one.

Disappointed!!!

Below average

[razzadraz · 3/10 · 25 August 2023]

The aftermath of the first showing of MR9: Do or Die left the audience in an unusual silence, as they departed from the theater and resumed their day. The film's disoriented beginning and lack of coherence left it struggling to establish a clear direction, resulting in its forgettable nature mere hours after viewing.

MR9: Do or Die grapples with an identity crisis, wavering between a buddy cop drama and a budget James Bond imitation. This attempt to cater to both the US and Bangladeshi markets unfortunately misses the mark on both fronts.

The story, though often conforming to the cliché "evil Russian with grand world-ending plans," remains the most logically sound aspect of the movie. However, the forced romantic subplot and the introduction of Masud Rana's origin story felt jarring and unwelcome. Compounding the issue, the protagonist, Masud, conveys his emotions through minimal dialogue, hindering audience connection.

The characters suffer from one-dimensionality, particularly Masud Rana, who lacks meaningful interactions with others. On a positive note, the performances of the actors portraying the CIA detectives were commendable, with Duke emerging as a standout favorite. The remaining characters merely occupy space within the movie.

Thankfully, the film refrains from including gratuitous elements like item songs, maintaining a clean presentation. Despite leaning into certain stereotypes, the film offers a fresh perspective on the beloved character Masud Rana. However, the decision to end with sequel bait was ill-advised, leaving an unsatisfying aftertaste. The film would have been better served by concluding when the primary story wraps up.

A torture of 2.20 hours....

[sefatishtiak · 3/10 · 25 August 2023]

First of all, as a movie adapted from a novel, it didn't work well because of poor casting at the leading role Masud Rana. He doesn't look like the character as well as he doesn't act like him at all. ABM Sumon (MR 9) acts like an expressionless android. Besides that, the storyline is not so engaging and the direction is very poor. I am not sure if it is the first movie of the director Asif Akbor or not. The visuals are not so good as well specially the part where blood was spitting out after taking a shot. It felt like the blood was vapor out in the air. Finally, the main torture was the horrible sound design. It felt like a real torture with too much loud sound and illogical sound placement. Overall, the movie was below average with poor direction, artificial acting and intolerable sound mixing.

Ridiculous : A total Disaster

[jubayerbinazim · 2/10 · 6 September 2023]

The director, storywriter, and others involved probably never read any Masud Rana books before. Masud Rana doesn't resemble the character, and he doesn't act like him at all in this film. He didn't even look like a secret agent; instead, he came across as a trainee, a secondary character, and a weak, unintelligent, and immature one.

The special effects and CGI are worse than what you'd find in average budget social media content. Everything went horribly wrong in this movie. Not every idea deserves to be turned into a film, and this one is a prime example of that. It's a disheartening disappointment for fans and cinema enthusiasts alike.

Utter Disaster !!!

[zeehad · 1/10 · 30 August 2023]

Utter Disaster!!!

A miserable attempt at copying Hollywood. Everything from acting to direction to editing was disgusting.

If you want to show yourself off as James Bond on the big screens, please learn how to hold a gun first. And that applies to almost all characters of the film. Even seasoned actors like Frank Grillo and Michael Jai White looked like a fool at times. This goes to show that it was due to some horrible direction / editing.

Did you enjoy seeing the technologies straight out of the 1960s movies, like the rolling sky background when they jumped out of the aircraft, or the fake looking gears that were provided to MR-9 when he started the mission?

Rest in peace, Kazi Anowar Hossain, glad you didn't have to watch this.

Don't watch this

[manalidey-42998 · 1/10 · 27 August 2023]

This is one of the worst movies I have ever watched. Right from the storyline to action sequences, from acting to cinematography, there is not a single aspect of this movie that had anything positive about it. Most action set pieces looked like they have picked some random people with big bodies from street, handed them some fake firearms and asked them to play tag. The production value is extremely poor and resembles that of the Kanti Shah movies. Let alone the Bollywood spy movies of the Jitendra era, this could not even match the semi B-grade spy movies of Mithun.

If only stuck to the original storyline this could have been a much more compelling movie. Kabir Khan, was an iconic villain in the Masud Rana universe. They reduced him to a caricature at best.

Please save yourself from headache and avoid watching this movie.

A Painful Cinematic Catastrophe

[arishtiak · 1/10 · 27 August 2023]

Where do I even begin with MR9: Do or Die? This movie is a prime example of everything that can go horribly wrong in film making. From the brick faced acting to the childish scripts, this cinematic disaster is a painful experience that should be avoided at all costs.

Let's start with the plot-or lack thereof. It's as if the writers threw a bunch of random ideas into a hat, pulled them out one by one, and decided to mash them together into a supposed "story." The result is a convoluted mess that leaves the audience scratching their heads in confusion.

The acting is a whole other level of awful. It's almost impressive how consistently terrible the performances are across the board. The lead actor delivers lines with all the emotion of a cardboard cutout, and the supporting cast doesn't fare any better. It's clear that acting lessons were nowhere to be found during the production of this train wreck.

And let's not forget the cringe-worthy dialogue that plagues every scene. It's as if the script writer was a student of primary school, learning new English from 10 minutes school.

The special effects are equally atrocious. The CGI looks like it was done by a first-year graphic design student who just discovered Photoshop. The "spilling blood" effects were so poorly executed that doesn't seem near to be realistic and the "gun shots" are so poorly executed that they border on comical.

Even the soundtrack seems to be in on the joke, as it switches between inappropriate genres with reckless abandon. One moment, we're subjected to a dramatic orchestral score during a supposedly intense action scene, and the next, we're treated to a jaunty polka tune during a somber moment. It's like the filmmakers took a random playlist and hit shuffle.

In conclusion, MR9: Do or Die is an absolute disaster from start to finish. It's a painful reminder that not every idea deserves to be turned into a movie, and not every movie should see the light of day. Save yourself the agony and stay far, far away from this cinematic catastrophe. Your brain cells will thank you.

A total disgrace!

[alamin-88032 · 1/10 · 29 August 2023]

I have doubt that the director ever read any Masud Rana. Absolutely disappointed. The story was weak. Poor casting. ABM Sumon does not look like Masud Rana that was portrayed by Kazi Anwar Hossein.

I have doubt that the director ever read any Masud Rana. Absolutely disappointed. The story was weak. Poor casting. ABM Sumon does not look like Masud Rana that was portrayed by Kazi Anwar Hossein.

I have doubt that the director ever read any Masud Rana. Absolutely disappointed. The story was weak. Poor casting. ABM Sumon does not look like Masud Rana that was portrayed by Kazi Anwar Hossein.

Absolutely disappointed.

Very Good Movie

[khabir-54020 · 9/10 · 27 August 2023]

A very well crafted movie. The story could be well comprehended. The action sequences were perfectly projected with good sets and locations. The overall acting of the casts was very good. Specially, the lead role ABM Shumon could successfully portray the legendary novel character of 'Masud Rana', which was very important from the perspective of Bangladeshi fans. The cinematography was good. Overall very good movie as an action thriller. However, in addition to few minor lapses, the storyline can be improved in future. Considering a first kind in nature from Bangladesh, an wonderful attempt. Best of luck.

This is what happens when you order James Bond from Wish...

[paul_haakonsen · 3/10 · 7 May 2024]

Of course I opted to sit down and watch "MR-9: Do or Die", as I happened to stumble upon it by random luck here in 2024. It was an action thriller with Frank Grillo and Michael Jai White on the cast list, so of course I sat down to watch it. Sure, I had never heard about the movie before, but that hardly mattered.

The storyline in "MR-9: Do or Die" wasn't exactly interesting or captivating. And it was a constant struggle to maintain interest in the movie, because it made very little sense, and there just wasn't anything overly enjoyable happening throughout the course of the mundane and long 106 minutes that the movie trotted on for.

It was rather impressive that a collective three writers could manage to conjure up something this weak and disappointing. Writers Asif Akbar, Nazim Ud Daula and Abdul Aziz delivered something that felt like something that would happen if you ordered James Bond from Wish.

The acting performances in the movie were, for the most part, rather rigid and devoid of life and emotion, and that made sitting through the movie all the more painful. And I have to say that this movie was definitely not the finest moments in the careers of Frank Grillo and Michael Jai White, the only two familiar faces on the cast list. Grillo and White were like fish out of water in this movie. Leading actor Abm Sumon, playing MR-9 Masud Rana, was not a particularly good actor, and that sort of shunted the movie.

The music in the movie was so over-dramatic that is quickly became a nuisance to listen to. And I really wish that I had the option to turn off the music, because it was seriously ruining the movie.

The blood effects from the gunshots was just laughably bad to look at. No one buys into those God awful sprays of red CGI mist as being blood from gunshot wounds. It just looking atrocious and gave a low budget and amateurish atmosphere to the movie.

"MR-9: Do or Die" is definitely not a movie that I would recommend you waste 106 minutes of your life on watching. Some of us suffered through it and took one for the team, so you don't have to; you're quite welcome. Nor is it a movie that will ever find its way back to my screen a second time, as it was difficult enough to sit through it the first time.

My rating of director Asif Akbar's 2023 action thriller "MR-9: Do or Die" lands on a very, very generous three out of ten stars.

Bangladesh Spy Movie - MR9

[maruefer-96955 · 10/10 · 27 August 2023]

Really did not know what to expect as this was my first movie watched with a non-USA or British spy twist but was impressed with the get to the point beginning scenes of the MR9 character.

The CIA cast and scenes were sequenced for story line at the exact time along with MR9 spy life and how he came to be.

Missing is the 100's of millions of $$$ that a full Hollywood film has its disposal but for audiences this was made for, film hits it mark with a ten.

The downside is the lack of advertising here in the states for the film. Probably would have larger audiences watching if some effort was made in most large markets. Perhaps I'm not watching the the correct marketing channels?

Hopefully the sequel of this movie is out in 6 months to year.

Not quite upto the mark!

[ashprobal · 7/10 · 26 August 2023]

Watched the US-Bangladesh joint venture spy action thriller movie MR 9 today .. MR 9 is our very own desi James Bond "Masud Rana" .. The movie is based on the first book of the Rana series, "Dhongsho Pahar" (1966), by Qazi Anwar Hussain!

ABM Sumon as Masud Rana looks the part, but except action scenes he did not get to show his acting prowess .. Some of the action sequences was good, the cinematography was top notch, background score was excellent but the movie was too much slow-paced .. At some point it became boring .. It really needed to be fast-paced .. The acting was just about ok .. The makers clearly lost the vision of Qazi Anwar Hussain somewhere down the line!!

The movie was not upto the mark .. But atleast now a Bangladeshi movie has joined the Spyverse!!!

I grew up reading the spy-thriller books, written by Qazi Anwar Hussain, about the legendary international espionage agent Masud Rana (MR 9) of the Bangladesh Counter Intelligence .. From school life till now I just love reading the Masud Rana books!!!!

Good movie

[prevelmahmud · 10/10 · 27 August 2023]

This movie is so much good. Hero is super. He is an Bangladeshi. Some actress Indian and American. Bangladeshi Big Budget movie. This Story take Anwar Hussain books famous Masod Rana series "Dhongso Pahar". I hope everybody Like this movie. Go Cineplex and enjoy Full family. This movie is Spy Thriller type. This is historical movie & Big Bazaar movie. Cinema hall is Housefull, Cineplex is Housefull, all are crowd Hall of Fame, enjoy, surrounding. Cineplex ticket are booked one week ago. It's seems to me every person seen this movie in the Cineplex and enjoy yourself. Thanks for all. May God help us.

Super hit movie

[ahmedtonmoy-38380 · 10/10 · 27 August 2023]

Bangladesh is good as first worldwide release ABM Sumon's good looking performance is good enough but the story of the movie could have been better. Though as a movie based on a novel, it did not work well due to weak story with Masood Rana in the lead role. The story is a bit more interesting. The visuals aren't that great, along with the part where the blood spews out after taking a shot that couldn't be drawn in. Finally, the main gripe was the horrible sound design. It felt like a real torture with the excessive loudness and absurd sound placement. Overall, the movie was below average with poor direction, and unbearable sound mixing. But I hope the second part will be better than the first part.

Action movie makers now know what exactly they should not do.

[rifat-61712 · 6/10 · 28 August 2023]

I've a mixed feeling about this. They had good actors/actresses with years of experience, new faces, good storyline (from the book), a decent budget and this is what they come up with?

Unnecessarily loud background music, out of context transitions, forced backstories of protagonists that failed to touch the audience, lame comedy attempts, too much location transitions (At some point it felt like a geographical documentary), lazy character introductions, John Wick'ed dialogue deliveries, everyone in the movie felt like video game NPCs.

I feel bad for ABM Sumon. This guy clearly has the talent but his potential was reduced to ashes.

Actually VERY GOOD!!! Come Back Rana!!

[leenquazi · 10/10 · 26 August 2023]

So happy to see Bangladeshis make us beam with pride once again!!! I can only imagine that it was no easy feat to NOT ONLY pull off a portion of the decades long Famous MASUD RANA series, But Also portray a film in the Espionage/Action/Thriller genre worldwide. Very pleasantly satisfied even though I've only heard about the Masud Rana books and their great legacy!!! Hope this is truly only the beginning and that we Bangladeshis don't shy from celebrating this moment and spreading the word of this achievement, and show our enthusiasm and encouragements to improve and continue the story! Let's keep cutting Rana's vacations short lol 😉😉😉

A GREAT first step

[drmoktadirmomc · 9/10 · 26 April 2024]

Though there are a lot of flaws in the storytelling, Background music selection, Transitions but I will hope it will develop through the upcoming sequels... This movie was watched by mostly hollywood movie spectators thus they are comparing... Thats not fair for a highly ambitious, risky step taken by the project developers... For the first ever in Bangladesh history this level has been touched, so we should be praising and longing... To the producers and director, please don't let it be a solo, bring sequels... There are a lot of difficulties for the first but sense of establishment too... I have a high hope for the next projects and best wishes... Keep grinding, this will bring excellence to our movie industry... Take nothing but love from us...

Great Story and Action!

[wudangspirit · 10/10 · 30 April 2024]

This film was filled with action from the beginning to the end. With the help of Abm Sumon, Michael Jae White and supporting cast. Would love to see a sequel! I really like the camera angles and fight scenes. I think all the characters fit the part. The ending was begging for the story to continue with the introduction of Snow Xueli Zhang and Meiying Wang's characters (Agent Kong and Agent Wong). There's something refreshing about introducing star actors from other countries as well as popular stories from lands far way. Cannot see what lies ahead from Asif Akbar and his team! I thought this was very entertaining!

Very Entertaining

[mikes-09177 · 8/10 · 7 September 2023]

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MR-9: DO OR DIE Starring: Abm Sumon, Michael Jai White and Frank Grillo Directed by: Asif Akbar Rated: Not Rated Running time: 2 hrs 4 mins Premiere Entertainment Group

I have followed the career of filmmaker Asif Akbar since his eye-opening documentary "Top Priority: the Terror Within" in 2010. In 2018, he made his solo feature directing debut with the sci-fi thriller "Astro," a film he co-wrote. As the years rolled on, his films became bigger and better. And with his latest, "MR-9: Do or Die," he has delivered the biggest and the best.

In a remote C. I. A. Field office, a pair of agents are planning their upcoming mission. After going through all the particulars, one says to the other, "Let's not make a scene this time." Oops.

Action packed from start to finish, "MR-9: Do or Die" follows the adventures of B. C. I. (Bangladesh Counter Intelligence Agency) agent Masud Rana (Sumon), code name MR-9. He is put to work to investigate a pair of brothers whose robotics company is up to no good. As he literally travels the world to foil the brothers plot the body count grows. And grows. And grows!

There are two kinds of action films. One kind is horribly paced, with really nothing going on between the action scenes. For an example I offer the George Clooney film, "The American," which was such a snoofefest I had to think for a couple of minutes before I remembered the title. An example of a great action film is this summer's latest installment in the "Mission Impossible: series, "Dead Reckoning." As in that film, the action here is non-stop, with the characters only taking a few moments to catch their breaths, presumably to allow the audience to do the same.

The performances are strong and Akbar's pacing spot on. Like "MI: Dead Reckoning," the extended running time moves quickly. Another thing in common - there is more to this adventure to come.

The film is beautifully shot, with each of the global destinations captured in their own individual beauty. Credit Director of Photography Mark David and Production Designer Chad Quick for the amazing look of the film and composer Ricky Kej for his Bondian-themed score, a perfect accompaniment for the action on-screen.

MR-9: Do or Die" receives four out of a total of five stars.

One of the best action based movie as the standard of bangladesh

[tanveerul-45785 · 10/10 · 5 September 2023]

MR-9: Do or Die is a well-made spy action thriller that is sure to please fans of the genre. The film features exciting action sequences, impressive performances, and stunning visuals. ABM Sumon is excellent as Masud Rana, and he is supported by a strong cast of actors. The film's story is engaging and suspenseful, and it keeps the viewer guessing until the very end. MR-9: Do or Die is a must-see for fans of action films.

Here are some specific points that I would mention in the review:

The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting.

The performances are strong, with ABM Sumon giving a particularly good performance.

The story is engaging and suspenseful.

The film is visually stunning.

MR-9: Do or Die is a must-see for fans of action films.

Action from start to finish. Great way to end the summer!

[shagee7977 · 10/10 · 30 August 2023]

"MR-9: Do or Die" centers around the enigmatic MASUD RANA aka MR-9 skillfully portrayed by ABM Sumon. The movie takes its inspiration from the 1966 novel "Dhongsho Pahar," which marks the inception of the beloved spy series from Bangladesh.

The film delves into the intricate world of espionage as MASUD RANA, a battle-hardened agent for the BCI, joins forces with an elite ensemble of international espionage experts, including charismatic CIA operatives Duke (Michael Jai White) and Taylor (Niko Foster), along with the cunning Indian spy Devi (Sakshi Pradhan).

As time slips away, the team engages in a high-stakes race against the clock to prevent an imminent international terrorist attack targeting Las Vegas. Orchestrated by the enigmatic RNR organization and headed by the evil Roman Ross (Frank Grillo), the sinister plot unveils itself. The stakes soar as they confront a villain fueled by audacious ambitions to reshape the very foundation of the global order, intensifying the suspense and tension to remarkable levels.

Despite its extended duration, the film's pacing mirrors the swiftness of the action, ensuring that time seems to fly by for the audience. Beautifully shot and paced, this film moves swiftly, treating the audience to visuals that will leave them awe-struck. The cinematography, along with a great soundtrack and precise editing, showcases the talent behind bringing this epic novel to the screen. The casting played a crucial role, with Abm Sumon embodying the hero Masud Rana and super villain Frank Grillo as Roman Ross, evoking a sense of classic cinema. To truly experience the film's full impact, I strongly recommend watching it on the big screen. Witnessing every fight, explosion, and meticulous detail on display enhances the beauty of this adaptation, unfolding right before your eyes.

Bangladesh-born director Asif Akbar was undoubtedly the best choice, having grown up following the adventures in book form and dreaming of one day bringing them to life in grand fashion. He and his team have accomplished that with utter respect for the adaptation of this classic series. A sequel is hinted at the end, which I eagerly anticipate.

In closing, Watching MASUD RANA transported me back to my childhood, where films like the Bond series held an irresistible charm, capturing my undivided attention and offering an escape into sheer delight. The experience of MASUD RANA rekindled those nostalgic emotions, reminding me of a time when watching movies was a source of unadulterated fun, allowing you to wholeheartedly cheer for a genuine hero.

The effort to bring this adaptation to life extended over numerous years, culminating in a treatment that would undoubtedly have garnered pride from its author, Qazi Anwar Hussain. This collaborative US-Bangladesh production was shot across the vibrant landscapes of Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Dhaka. The roster of producers includes Al Bravo, Hemdee Kiwanuka, Colin Bates, Asif Akbar, Philip Tan, and Abdul Aziz. Serving as executive producers are Niko Foster, Peter Nguyen, and Phillip B. Goldfine. The screenplay was skillfully adapted from the "Dhonghsho Pahar" novel, a part of the Masud Rana series, by Asif Akbar, Abdul Aziz, and Nazim Ud Daula. Helmed with finesse by director Asif Akbar, the film showcases a stellar ensemble cast, promising an immersive and captivating cinematic journey for its audience.

Explosive Bangladeshi action

[straightrazor80 · 9/10 · 10 May 2024]

MR-9 is a great character that exudes the charisma needed to make a great hero. He constantly shows his abilities to not only crush his foes but destroy their entire existence.

Forest act does a fantastic way to suck you into the story in a nail groping fashion. MR-9 must rescue an important character to the special assignment Jess been tasked with.

Second act really sealed the deal on how destructive our James Bond type villain hell bent on destroying everything in his path with his robotics corporation.

Third act really sews up everything in a nice package as our hero comes face to face with our villain. Oh did I mention you get a great performance from Michael Jai White to round it out.

Give this a shot and disregard the negative comments that do nothing to add anything positive about this film sure it's far from perfect but has so much charm and heart to make up for it.