Death Wish [DVD] [1974]

Great actor film still watchable today after all these years

CLASSIC MOVIE MILESTONE - It was left to MICHAEL WINNER to shock the world and show us how best to deal with the scum that infests society. And he did it so well in this, initially, unique movie.Charles Bronson is superb as the original vigilante, seeking revenge for vicious attacks on his wife and daughter, and who does his utmost, without regret, to cut down those who think nothing about ruining other peoples lives.The movie has some great set pieces, which no doubt give any law-abiding viewer a feeling of great satisfaction, where Bronson deals out his kind of immediate justice, the scene on the train being one of the best. Wouldn't we all like to be in his shoes at that moment and really FEEL the satisfaction?Michael Winner has to be commended for showing sickening violence as it really is, as those who have seen uncut versions of CHATO'S LAND, Bronson again, and LAWMAN, Burt Lancaster, can testify, and the attack on Bronson's wife and daughter in this movie is incredibly violent and shocking, but not for the sake of it, but to show how vile real life can be.Would there be anyone, if they were capable, and were given the chance to follow in Bronson's footsteps, who would not do so?Blame law's soft approach to crime, the light sentences, the do-gooders, the moralists, and the advocates for the Human Rights of scum for Bronson's reasons for revenge. But don't blame him. KAN

Although the production is a little cheap, the storyline and acting are OK, although the street punk gang members are extremely corny and dated. Bronson is very good, as the professional man who has had his wife killed and is out for revenge. Classic vigilante film. The four sequels weren't really worth it, but the remake with Bruce Willis is surprisingly good.

From all accounts this Michael Winner film shocked audiences back in 1974, and it's not hard to see why. From the early brutal attack on the main character's wife and daughter, to the unrelenting revenge dished out. Some of it feels a little dated nowadays, the side characters are given some truly awful dialogue (in particular Steven Keats as the son in law) , but the action and tension are all well delivered. Charles Bronson gives a mesmerising performance as the man driven too far. Bronson can deliver a look that can far more effective than anything he may say. Screen presence is often an over used compliment to actors, but Bronson has it in spades, watch the look he gives when he is first attacked in the park. Despite its flaws Death Wish is a classic 70's picture, and worthy of the highest praise.

Though it may seem like another cheesey Bronson action 'flick, this is a surprisingly realistic and thought-provoking film. When his wife is murdered and raped, Paul Kersey (Bronson) decides to take revenge on the criminals who destroyed his life. It's surprising, we see Bronson spiral into a violent vigilante, compared to the mild-mannered architect we saw before. There's a graphic rape scene, though it should be said that there are much worse things in modern cinema.There are sequels to the film, though they lost the realistic touch (especially DW3!), and seemed to take the more action approach. Overall, this film was, and still is, the best.N.B.- You should watch out for Jeff Goldblum, in his debut role as one of the hoodlums.

Death Wish is gritty and has a politically interesting ending but Michael Winner's direction and over all script have dated badly. Charles Bronsan gives a great performance and the rest of the cast support him well. The film is worth watching because it tries its best to capture the mood of the time it was made, early 1970's New York.

This was a great film. Ignore the follow ups, that never should of been made.After a violent attack on his wife and daughter, one of which dies and the other hospitalised, Paul Kersey(Charles Bronson) decides that he is not prepared to be an average helpless citizen, any more. Leading a double life at night, he plans to exact revenge on muggers, robbers and violent crooks.

Charles Bronson as the public avenger.Oh, for those days when we all hoped one honest man could reverse public decay, deal with the dirty little creeps undermining society, and somehow reestablish decency.Sadly, the rottenness had already undermined law, justice, and honour.Does that make you snigger?Then this film, cast in the style of an old fashioned Western, is not for you.It is for decent folk.

Nice being able to get old movies!

very good

Not able to use on Canada

This is the first death wish love Charles Bronson fan.

Just opened this gift and went to watch, message I get is “wrong region” and will not play. Help!!!!