The equalizer (El protector)

Denzel Washington delivers a commanding and nuanced performance as Robert McCall in "The Equalizer," a role that showcases his ability to seamlessly blend quiet intensity with explosive action. As McCall, a former intelligence operative with a mysterious past, Washington exudes a calm, collected demeanor that belies the simmering rage and expertise lurking beneath the surface. His portrayal is one of restraint and precision, whether he's meticulously timing his actions with a stopwatch or coolly assessing his adversaries. Washington brings a depth of humanity to the character, imbuing McCall with a moral code and a genuine compassion for the downtrodden, which is evident in his relationships with his colleagues and the vulnerable individuals he chooses to protect. When McCall's protective instincts are triggered, Washington's transformation into an avenging force is both believable and chilling, as he employs his particular set of skills to deliver justice with an almost surgical finesse. His performance elevates "The Equalizer" from a standard action thriller to a gripping character study of a man seeking redemption and atonement through the path of the vigilante.

Chloë Grace Moretz delivers a compelling performance as Teri, a young prostitute with a heart of gold in Antoine Fuqua's "The Equalizer." Moretz brings a raw vulnerability to the role, expertly balancing the character's streetwise exterior with the underlying innocence of a girl who has been dealt a difficult hand in life. Her interactions with Denzel Washington's character, Robert McCall, are particularly poignant, as she portrays Teri's yearning for a better life and her quiet resilience in the face of systemic abuse and exploitation. Moretz's nuanced acting allows Teri to emerge as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for McCall's transformation from a quiet man with a mysterious past into a fierce avenger. Her performance is a testament to her range and depth as an actress, as she holds her own against Washington, contributing to the film's emotional resonance and the audience's investment in the characters' fates.

David Harbour's portrayal of Masters in the 2014 film "The Equalizer" is a compelling embodiment of a complex and ruthless antagonist. As the right-hand man of the Russian mafia, Harbour brings a chilling intensity to the role, showcasing Masters as a formidable and unyielding figure. His performance is nuanced, balancing the character's brutal efficiency in enforcing the will of his criminal syndicate with a calculating intelligence. Harbour's Masters is not merely a stock villain; he is a man driven by a twisted sense of loyalty and order, which he upholds with an icy demeanor that contrasts sharply with Denzel Washington's stoic heroism. Harbour's physical presence and deep, commanding voice lend an air of gravitas to the role, making his confrontations with Washington's protagonist some of the most gripping moments in the film. His ability to convey menace with subtlety and to humanize a character that could easily have been one-dimensional is a testament to Harbour's skill as an actor.