Death Wish II (1982) Movie Review: A Darker, Grittier Revenge Sequel
Released in 1982, Death Wish II is the brutal sequel to the 1974 cult classic Death Wish, once again starring Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey, a man pushed to extreme measures after personal tragedy. Directed by Michael Winner, who helmed the original film, Death Wish II continues the story of Kersey as he descends deeper into vigilante justice after yet another devastating loss. The movie amps up the violence and grit, diving headfirst into controversial territory with a much darker tone than its predecessor.
While Death Wish II doesn’t stray far from the original film’s revenge-fueled plot, it raises questions about morality, justice, and the consequences of taking the law into one’s own hands. Despite its controversial nature, Death Wish II solidified Kersey as an iconic vigilante character in American cinema.
Plot Overview: A New City, A New Tragedy
The story picks up several years after the events of Death Wish. Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) has relocated to Los Angeles, trying to move on from the violent aftermath of his vigilante actions in New York. He has rebuilt his life, now living with his daughter Carol (Robin Sherwood), who is recovering from the psychological trauma of her mother’s death and sexual assault in the first film. Kersey has also found love with radio reporter Geri Nichols (Jill Ireland), and it seems like he’s finally putting the past behind him.
However, tragedy strikes again when Kersey’s home is invaded by a gang of thugs. They attack Geri and kidnap Carol, leading to a horrific sequence where Kersey’s daughter is brutally assaulted and later dies in a desperate escape attempt. This event reignites the fire of vengeance in Kersey, and he once again takes to the streets, this time targeting the gang members responsible for his daughter’s death.
Armed with a new sense of righteous fury, Kersey hunts down each member of the gang, leading to violent and bloody confrontations. As he enacts his brutal form of justice, the film raises the same moral questions about vigilantism that it posed in the first film: Is Kersey a hero for avenging the innocent, or has he become just as monstrous as the criminals he hunts?
Themes: The Cycle of Violence and Moral Ambiguity
One of the central themes in Death Wish II is the never-ending cycle of violence and the emotional toll that revenge takes on a person. Kersey, once a mild-mannered architect, is now fully consumed by his desire for vengeance. The film makes it clear that he’s not only seeking justice for his daughter, but he’s also feeding his own inner demons that were unleashed in the first movie.
Unlike many action films of its time, Death Wish II forces audiences to grapple with the consequences of vigilantism. Kersey’s actions, while understandable in the context of his personal loss, are morally ambiguous. The movie doesn’t glorify his killing spree; instead, it shows the dehumanizing effect of revenge, where Kersey becomes more and more detached from his once-principled nature.
Moreover, Death Wish II explores the failures of the justice system, a theme that resonated with many viewers at the time. Kersey’s transformation into a vigilante comes from his belief that the system has failed to protect the innocent, pushing him to take matters into his own hands.
However, the film’s portrayal of violence, particularly sexual violence, sparked significant controversy. The graphic nature of these scenes has been criticized for being exploitative, raising questions about the film’s intent and its ethical implications in depicting such brutality.
Charles Bronson’s Performance: Stoic and Relentless
At the heart of Death Wish II is Charles Bronson’s portrayal of Paul Kersey, the stoic and unyielding vigilante. Bronson, by this point in his career, had become synonymous with the tough-guy action hero archetype, and his performance here solidifies that image. Bronson’s quiet intensity is what drives the character; he doesn’t need many lines to convey the depth of Kersey’s rage and sadness.
Bronson’s portrayal of Kersey is notably more hardened in this sequel. In the original film, Kersey’s descent into violence was gradual and reluctant. Here, he’s almost resigned to his role as an avenger. His emotional journey is more internal, expressed through his increasingly brutal methods of dealing with criminals. Though the film doesn’t delve deeply into his psychology, Bronson’s performance gives the audience enough to understand that Kersey’s actions are as much a result of his broken spirit as they are about avenging his daughter.
Direction and Cinematography: A Dark, Gritty Atmosphere
Director Michael Winner returns to the franchise, bringing with him the gritty, exploitative style that characterized the first film. However, Death Wish II pushes the boundaries even further, with more graphic violence and a seedier portrayal of urban life. Los Angeles, where the movie is set, is depicted as a decaying metropolis overrun by crime, much like the New York City of the first film.
The cinematography, handled by Thomas Del Ruth, emphasizes the bleakness of Kersey’s world. The night scenes are particularly effective, as Kersey prowls the dark streets, seeking out his targets. There’s a coldness to the film’s visual style, mirroring Kersey’s emotional detachment and the grim reality of the world he inhabits.
Winner’s direction makes no attempt to soften the brutality of the action. The shootouts and confrontations are raw and violent, lacking the slick, choreographed style typical of many 1980s action films. This gritty realism contributes to the film’s controversial reputation but also gives it a sense of urgency and danger that some action films of the time lacked.
Soundtrack: A Collaboration with Jimmy Page
One unique aspect of Death Wish II is its soundtrack, composed by Jimmy Page, legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin. Page’s score adds an unexpected layer of intensity to the film, blending rock elements with dark, atmospheric tones. The music works well to heighten the tension during Kersey’s hunts, with its moody, almost haunting quality reflecting the inner turmoil of the main character.
Though the music doesn’t stand out in the way a traditional score might, Page’s contribution gives the film a distinctive sound that sets it apart from other action-revenge movies of the era.
Controversy: The Film’s Legacy and Reception
Upon its release, Death Wish II was met with a mix of box-office success and critical backlash. The film’s graphic depictions of sexual violence, particularly the assault on Kersey’s daughter, drew heavy criticism for being exploitative and unnecessarily brutal. Many critics accused the movie of using violence as a form of cheap shock value, rather than exploring the deeper themes of justice and morality.
However, despite the controversy, the film found an audience, particularly among fans of Bronson and those who enjoyed the first Death Wish. The film tapped into the fears and frustrations of viewers who felt disillusioned by the justice system, and Kersey’s brand of violent retribution resonated with some.
Over time, Death Wish II has become a cult classic within the revenge-thriller genre, though it remains a polarizing entry. Some see it as a necessary continuation of Kersey’s story, while others criticize its reliance on violence and its lack of moral complexity compared to the original.
Where to Watch Death Wish II Online
If you’re interested in revisiting this gritty revenge thriller, Death Wish II is available on several streaming platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Available for rent or purchase.
- Google Play Movies: Rent or buy the movie here.
- Apple iTunes: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Rent or purchase options are available.
These services allow fans of the Death Wish franchise to experience Paul Kersey’s darkest chapter in high quality.
Conclusion: A Controversial, Hard-Hitting Sequel
Death Wish II is a darker, more violent sequel that dives deeper into the psyche of its vigilante protagonist, Paul Kersey. Charles Bronson delivers a stoic, intense performance that anchors the film’s gritty, revenge-driven narrative. While the movie’s graphic violence and controversial subject matter have earned it criticism over the years, it remains a significant entry in the action-thriller genre, especially for fans of vigilante justice films.
For viewers interested in a raw, morally ambiguous take on justice and revenge, Death Wish II offers an uncompromising, hard-hitting continuation of the Death Wish saga, though its brutality and bleak outlook may not be for everyone.
