Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen, and Angel Has Fallen: A Comparison of Realism in the 'Has Fallen' Series

When evaluating the realism of the Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen, and A ngel Has Fallen—important to consider their portrayal of events, security protocols, and military tactics.

Introduction

While these films are part of the popular Has Fallen series and share a similar premise of government officials fighting terror, their level of realism varies. Each film offers its unique spin on the narrative, blending entertainment with elements of reality. However, all three films ultimately sacrifice a high level of realism for dramatic effect and action thrill.

Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

The first installment of the series, Olympus Has Fallen, narrates a terrorist attack on the White House. Although it includes realistic scenes of security measures and protocols, the film exaggerates the effectiveness of a single attacker against a highly fortified location. The action sequences, while intense, are not entirely plausible when considering how real security forces would respond. The protagonists' actions often border on the unbelievable for the sake of entertainment.

London Has Fallen (2016)

London Has Fallen, the sequel, involves a coordinated attack during a world leader's funeral. The film presents a more chaotic and unpredictable scenario, reflecting the true nature of terrorist attacks in public spaces. This movie, however, stretches credibility with its action sequences and the protagonists' ability to navigate through such dangerous situations against all odds. While it captures the unpredictability of such events, it still prioritizes dramatic tension over absolute realism.

A ngel Has Fallen (2019)

A ngel Has Fallen focuses on a conspiracy against the President and includes elements of political intrigue and betrayal. Although it retains some level of realism with its depiction of personal conflict, the overall complexity and the protagonist's ability to evade capture contribute to a less realistic portrayal. The film emphasizes personal drama over the broader geopolitical implications seen in the previous films.

Comparative Analysis

While all three films contain elements of realistic scenes, they all rely heavily on action tropes and exaggeration for entertainment. In terms of the unpredictability of attacks in public settings, London Has Fallen might be considered the most realistic. Nevertheless, the series as a whole sacrifices realism for dramatic effect and engaging storytelling.

Antoine Fuqua's Contribution

It's worth noting that Antoine Fuqua, the director of Olympus Has Fallen, brings a unique vision to the series. Despite some elements of believability, the actions in these films often cross the line into the realm of fantasy, especially considering the nature of real-world security protocols and military tactics.

Conclusion

Ultimately, while these films do offer an intriguing blend of realism and entertainment, they are not entirely faithful to the true nature of government and military operations. The audiences seeking historical accuracy will likely find these films less satisfying, but those looking for high-octane action and a compelling story may find them thoroughly enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

For viewers interested in trivia, the author suggests that Antoine Fuqua's direction of Olympus Has Fallen makes it the most entertaining of the series, though some actions depicted therein stray from practical reality.

Both London Has Fallen and A ngel Has Fallen are as unrealistic as Olympus Has Fallen, so it's like comparing two fictional characters to determine which would make a better babysitter. The answer likely lies in the personal tastes of the viewer.