The movie that sealed Bronson's reputation as a tough guy.
Death Wish (1974)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:22
Fresh:15
Rotten:7
Average Rating:5.9/10
Runtime: 1 hr 33 mins
Genre: Action/Adventure
Synopsis: Charles Bronson stars in a genre-defining vigilante thriller that made him a household name. A fatal sexual assault on his wife and daughter leads mild-mannered architect Paul Kersey (Bronson) to... Charles Bronson stars in a genre-defining vigilante thriller that made him a household name. A fatal sexual assault on his wife and daughter leads mild-mannered architect Paul Kersey (Bronson) to rethink the justice system in his own terms when he discovers the police to be ineffectual, bureaucratic slackers. He then starts to single-handedly reduce New York's crime rate by murdering every thug, scumbag, and no goodnik he lays eyes on. The film, despite its use of graphic violence as entertainment, was hailed as a socially complex and engaging movie that shocked audiences across the country. Subsequently, Bronson filmed a long series of films as Kersey that were heavier on violence than substance. However, DEATH WISH is a classic American film whose themes and style have been imitated by filmmakers all over the world. [More]
Starring: Charles Bronson, Vincent Gardenia, William Redfield, Hope Lange
Starring: Charles Bronson, Vincent Gardenia, William Redfield, Hope Lange, Steven Keats, Stuart Margolin, Stephen Elliott, Kathleen Tolan, Jeff Goldblum, Christopher Guest, Jack Wallace, Fred Scollay
Director: Michael Winner
Director: Michael Winner
Screenwriter: Wendell Mayes
Producer: Hal Landers, Bobby Roberts, Michael Winner
Composer: Herbie Hancock
Get This Movie
Reviews for Death Wish
A compulsively watchable bit of '70s nostalgia, a curious counterpart to Dirty Harry and an icon of New York-brand justice.
Even those who disagree with its knee-jerk vigilante ideology have a hard time denying its impact because the film digs deep and works on an almost subconscious level.
There's an undeniable thrill when Bronson blows away some sleazy mugger.
Sumptuously photographed and scored, the movie is an excellent capsule of ‘70s filmmaking -- thrilling, thought provoking and sending us off with a wink at the end.
The movie has an eerie kind of fascination, even though its message is scary.
Poisonous incitement to do-it-yourself law enforcement is the vulgar exploitation hook on which Death Wish is awkwardly hung.
The violence is excessive and the plot predictable, although there is some style to director Winner's approach.
Winner's recourse to caricature when dealing with police and thugs, and his virtually overt sympathies with the confused, violent Bronson, make for uncritical, simplistic viewing.
Latest News for Death Wish
July 02, 2008:
Total Recall: RT Celebrates the Bill of Rights
We the people of Rotten Tomatoes, in order to make this Independence Day more perfect, do ordain and establish this Total Recall as a cinematic tribute to the Bill of Rights. More...
March 24, 2008:
Fifth Rambo on the Fast Track?
Who's ready for more Rambo? More...
January 11, 2008:
Sylvester Stallone Wants White Collar Death Wish
Sylvester Stallone has brought back his two beloved franchises, Rockyand Rambo. Now he's working on someone else's. However, his idea for a Death Wish remake is to tackle the... More...
November 05, 2007:
Sylvester Stallone Has a Death Wish; Who Smells Franchise Reboot?
Now that he's succeeded in resurrecting two of his own film franchises, Sylvester Stallone has apparently decided to pick up where another action hero left off. More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 66% 66% | Public Enemies |
| 83% 83% | Harry Potter and the H… |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 75% 75% | Julie & Julia |
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 90% 90% | District 9 |
| 86% 86% | 500 Days of Summer |
| 63% 63% | Extract |
| 06% 06% | All About Steve |
| 78% 78% | It Might Get Loud |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Around The Network
- Death Wish at Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh Links
Featured

Take a look at MSN's choices for the Top 10 films of 2009.

What were your favorites? Least favorites? The funniest and scariest? Moviefone wants to know!

Hollywood.com explores why QT's characters resonate so well with audiences.

TIME chimes in with their own list of the best films released this year.

Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic



