
When his family is brutally attacked, a grieving surgeon, Paul Kersey, is driven to take the law into his own hands in a crime-ridden city. Seeking justice outside the failing legal system, he embarks on a violent vendetta against those who prey on the innocent. His actions quickly gain media attention, transforming him into a vigilante figure. As he wages his one-man war, Paul struggles to maintain control and confronts the moral implications of his actions, blurring the lines between hero and criminal.
Does Death Wish have end credit scenes?
No!
Death Wish does not have end credit scenes. You can leave when the credits roll.
Explore the complete cast of Death Wish, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.
Discover where to watch Death Wish online, including streaming platforms, rental options, and official sources. Compare reviews, ratings, and in-depth movie information across sites like IMDb, TMDb, Wikipedia or Rotten Tomatoes.
See how Death Wish is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where Death Wish stands among top-rated movies in its genre.
The remake struggles to deliver on style and depth, yielding a mixed viewing experience. Critics noted that the film's violent sequences lack thematic rationale and character development, while several users appreciated the brisk pacing and straightforward story. While the gore elements provide a visceral note, the consistent criticism of flat performances and simplistic plotting tempers enthusiasm. Overall, Death Wish emerges as an uneven vigilante thriller with limited lasting impact.
The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for Death Wish
Art & Craft
In terms of direction and visual craft, the film offers functional suspense sequences but lacks distinctive cinematic flourishes. Critics described the tone as workmanlike and noted an absence of stylistic risk, while user feedback highlighted competent staging of violent scenes. Although the production design supports a gritty urban atmosphere, the overall presentation remains unremarkable. The film's art direction ultimately feels serviceable rather than striking.
Character & Emotion
When it comes to character depth and performances, the film leans heavily on Bruce Willis’s deadpan portrayal, which many critics and viewers found underwhelming. Reviews point to shallow emotional resonance and limited chemistry, despite occasional commendation for supporting cast members. The protagonist’s transformation into a vigilante is conveyed with minimal development, yielding few moments of genuine empathy. As a result, the character work feels perfunctory and lacks enduring emotional engagement.
Story & Flow
In terms of plot and pacing, the remake delivers a straightforward revenge narrative that some users found brisk yet predictable. Critics described the storyline as simplistic and plodding, citing missed opportunities for thematic depth and surprising twists. While the central premise maintains momentum and avoids outright boredom, the lack of narrative complexity limits engagement. Thus, the story framework sustains basic genre conventions but fails to offer substantial originality or cohesion.
Sensory Experience
Regarding the sensory experience, the film’s violence and sound design generate a visceral impact that appeals to genre enthusiasts. Critics acknowledged the gruesome sequences as effective, even if lacking refinement, and users praised the neat death scenes and suspenseful moments. However, the visual style was often described as utilitarian with few standout cinematographic choices. Overall, the sensory elements satisfy expectations without elevating the material.
Rewatch Factor
On rewatch potential, the film’s straightforward thrills and occasional action set pieces offer moderate appeal for genre fans. Some viewers noted that brisk pacing and visceral scenes could warrant repeat viewings, while others found the lack of narrative depth and flat performances diminished replay value. Consequently, Death Wish presents modest rewatch appeal but is unlikely to sustain frequent revisits.
31
Metascore
6.9
User Score
17%
TOMATOMETER
70%
User Score
6.3 /10
IMDb Rating
62
%
User Score
2.6
From 16 fan ratings
3.76/5
From 38 fan ratings
Challenge your knowledge of Death Wish with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.
What is Paul Kersey's profession?
trauma surgeon
detective
lawyer
police officer
Show hint
Read the complete plot summary of Death Wish, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.
Paul Kersey, portrayed by Bruce Willis, is a dedicated trauma surgeon residing in Chicago with his wife, Lucy, and their college-bound daughter, Jordan. Their lives take a tragic turn during a seemingly normal lunch when Paul’s brother, Frank, asks him for a loan to settle a debt, to which Paul reluctantly agrees. This seemingly small favor leads to dire consequences when a valet named Miguel, excited by the news of Paul’s financial support, deceitfully photographs the family’s address.
That fateful evening, while Paul is at work, three masked intruders break into their home. In a horrifying turn of events, both [Jordan] and [Lucy] are shot; Paul receives the devastating news at the hospital that he has lost Lucy, and Jordan is left in a coma. Among the investigating officers is Detective Kevin Raines, who soon realizes the gravity of the situation.
Fueled by rage and frustration over the police’s inability to apprehend the perpetrators, Paul turns into a vigilante, taking to the treacherous streets under the guise of the “Grim Reaper.” When a wounded gang member arrives at the hospital, Paul seizes the opportunity to steal the man’s weapon, thwarting a carjacking in the process, which leads to a viral video of his heroic act. His quest for justice intensifies when he finds his watch on Miguel after the latter is hospitalized.
In a brutal twist, Paul ensures Miguel’s demise, forcing a doctor to administer fatal electric shocks. Driven by relentless vengeance, he discovers a lead through a text on Miguel’s phone, which leads him to a bar where he confronts a suspicious owner named Ponytail. Tension escalates when Paul is forced to wrestle information from a reluctant Ponytail, and in a chaotic turn, Fish makes an ill-fated entrance, resulting in a deadly shootout.
Paul’s interrogation methods grow increasingly desperate as he confronts Joe, a mechanic tied to Lucy’s murder. After torturing him for intel, Joe spills the details of a sinister mastermind named Knox, ultimately meeting a gruesome fate himself. With the police informing Paul that Jordan has regained consciousness, he rushes to the hospital to reveal to her the harrowing truth about her mother.
However, the dark path Paul has chosen comes with a price. An ominous message from Knox threatens to expose his vigilantism unless Paul complies with a serpentine arrangement. This culminates in a bloody shootout at a nightclub, where Knox narrowly escapes a showdown with Paul. When Knox attempts to invade Paul’s home, the stakes reach an explosive climax. Paul protects Jordan, who bravely calls out to him during a deadly encounter with Knox. In a moment of raw determination, Paul retrieves an assault rifle and eliminates Knox, ensuring his daughter’s safety.
As the police arrive, the lines between right and wrong blur, with [Detective Raines] suspecting Paul to be the elusive “Grim Reaper.” In a moment of uneasy calm, Paul drops Jordan off at the university. A chilling radio broadcast speculates about the vigilante’s whereabouts, with Paul catching sight of a thief as he leaves, pointing with a finger gun, hinting that his fight for justice may not be over just yet.
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