Directed by
Michael Winner
Made by
Columbia Pictures
The film begins with a stunning panorama of Los Angeles, accompanied by a news report highlighting a troubling surge in crime within the city. As the credits roll, our focus shifts to Paul Kersey, portrayed by Charles Bronson, at his new home. The house is bustling with activity thanks to the maid, Rosario (Silvana Gallardo), as she prepares dinner. Paul seems to have finally begun to piece his life back together, romantically involved with Geri Nichols (Jill Ireland), a KABC news/radio reporter. The couple also takes a trip to the hospital to greet Carol (Robin Sherwood), who has recently been undergoing treatment.
During a conversation with the doctor, Paul learns that despite her earlier traumatic catatonia, Carol is beginning to regain her ability to speak. It’s mentioned that her husband, Jack Toby, is presumably out of the picture. The three later enjoy a lively day at a carnival, where Paul leaves briefly to purchase ice cream. However, while in line, he falls victim to a robbery orchestrated by five gang members who not only snatch his dollar bill but also steal his wallet. Initially unfazed, he later realizes the severity of the situation as he attempts to chase one of the thieves, Jiver (played by Stuart K. Robinson).
While Geri heads off for an interview with a senator, Paul and Carol embark on a boat ride. Unbeknownst to them, the very gang members who robbed Paul are determined to eliminate him. They break into his home, binding and gagging Rosario before brutally assaulting her. When Paul arrives home with Carol, he is ambushed and knocked unconscious. Rosario, in her attempt to call the police, becomes a victim when the criminals bash her head in. They subsequently abduct Carol, leading her to a horrific encounter before she escapes by jumping from a window, only to suffer grave injuries.
As Paul regains consciousness, he finds Geri at his side, with the police arriving shortly after. Lt. Mankewicz (Ben Frank) questions Paul about the culprits, but his description is somewhat vague. In the wake of Carol’s death, Paul is taken to the station for identification purposes but dismisses Mankewicz’s request to view mug shots, stating, > “it won’t do any good.”
The tone shifts at a funeral attended by both Paul and Geri. That night, driven by rage and sorrow, Paul retrieves a concealed .32 caliber semi-automatic handgun from his closet. He rents a cheap apartment in the inner city to serve as his operational base for vengeance. The following day, after almost getting discovered by Geri, he takes precautionary steps, including changing the locks on his home.
His journey into vengeance truly begins when he spots one of the gang members, Stomper (played by Kevyn Major Howard), and stalks him to an abandoned hotel where a drug deal is taking place. Attempting to remain unnoticed, Paul accidentally alerts the group to his presence, leading to a fight where he kills Stomper and his partner in self-defense.
On another night of patrol, Paul hears a woman’s scream in an underground parking garage. Upon rushing in, he sees several muggers attacking a man and a woman. Among them is Jiver, and in a furious confrontation, Paul takes out two of the muggers, severely wounding Jiver, who narrowly escapes. Determined, Paul tracks down and finishes him off at a nearby warehouse.
As the police catch wind of the vigilante killings, Detective Frank Ochoa (Vincent Gardenia) from the NYPD is brought in to assist the LAPD, suspecting Paul to be behind the murders. Ochoa investigates further, uncovering Paul’s past that makes him suspect a deeper connection to the events.
Complications arise as Geri becomes entangled in Ochoa’s investigation, while Paul, unaware of the scrutiny, still pursues justice against the remaining gang members: Cutter ([Laurence Fishburne]), Punkcut ([E. Lamont Johnson]), and Nirvana ([Thomas F. Duffy]). During a tense drug deal at an abandoned park, Paul faces off with these criminals, leading to a chaotic shootout in which more than one life is lost—including that of Ochoa, who tries to save Paul but ultimately meets a tragic end.
In the aftermath, with the police growing increasingly suspicious, Paul learns of Nirvana’s potential location thanks to police radio chatter. As he makes desperate attempts to find him, he inadvertently gets injured but is determined to catch him first. When Nirvana is finally arrested following a violent altercation, the law sends him to a psychiatric facility, which becomes vital for Paul’s plan for revenge.
The tension climaxes when Paul infiltrates the hospital to confront Nirvana, where they engage in a brutal struggle. Paul ultimately manages to strike back by electrocuting Nirvana, securing his own revenge while ensuring his escape. But as Paul returns to a sense of normalcy, it’s revealed that Geri has discovered his secret life—driving a wedge between them as she leaves him.
The movie concludes with an enigmatic scene showcasing Paul at work, seemingly back to his routine. When asked about the evening’s plans, he quips, > “What else would I be doing?” As the sound of gunfire echoes in the background of L.A.’s skid row, the implication is clear: Paul Kersey will persist in his quest for vigilante justice, undeterred and relentless.
Introduction to Los Angeles
The film opens with a breathtaking panorama of Los Angeles, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. A news report highlights the alarming increase in crime plaguing the city, foreshadowing the dark events to come.
Paul's New Life
We see Paul Kersey settling into his new home, which is characterized by a lively atmosphere due to the maid, Rosario, who is busy preparing dinner. At this moment, Paul appears to have moved on from his past traumas and is romantically involved with Geri Nichols, a local news reporter.
Hospital Visit
Paul and Geri visit Carol, who is recovering in the hospital after a traumatic experience. During their visit, the doctor notes Carol's progress in regaining her speech, hinting at the struggles she has faced while possibly being abandoned by her husband.
Carnival Day
The couple enjoys a bright day at the carnival alongside Carol. Paul briefly separates from them to buy ice cream, unwittingly setting the stage for a fateful encounter when he becomes a victim of a gang robbery.
The Robbery
While waiting in line, Paul is targeted by five gang members who rob him of his wallet and a dollar bill. This incident marks the beginning of a series of violent encounters and propels Paul into a journey of vengeance.
Home Invasion
Unbeknownst to Paul, the gang members retaliate by breaking into his home while he and Carol are out. They bind and assault Rosario, leading to a tragic series of events that marks a turning point in Paul's life.
Carol's Abduction
The gang takes Carol hostage, and despite her valiant escape attempt by jumping from a window, she suffers severe injuries. This incident transforms Paul’s grief into rage, driving him towards vengeance.
The Funeral
A somber funeral takes place for Carol, attended by Paul and Geri. The weight of grief pushes Paul to retrieve his hidden handgun, marking the start of his quest for vengeance against those who wronged him.
Paul's Transformation
Paul rents a cheap apartment in a crime-ridden area, using it as a base for his new vigilante mission. This signifies his full transformation from a man in mourning to one seeking justice, armed and ready.
Confrontation with Gang Members
Paul stalks one of the gang members, Stomper, leading him to a dangerous location where a drug deal is happening. In an unexpected confrontation, Paul ends up killing Stomper in self-defense, solidifying his role as a vigilante.
Rescue Attempt
During a nighttime patrol, Paul hears a woman scream in a parking garage and intervenes in a mugging. In a furious battle, he manages to defeat two muggers but is unsuccessful in preventing Jiver from escaping.
Tracking Down Jiver
Determined to finish what he started, Paul tracks down Jiver and confronts him at a nearby warehouse. Their encounter ends in a brutal fight where Paul avenges his earlier humiliation by killing Jiver.
Detective Investigation
As the vigilante killings escalate, Detective Frank Ochoa from the NYPD is brought in to aid the investigation. He uncovers clues that lead to Paul, creating a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic between them.
Showdown with Remaining Gang Members
In a chaotic shootout during a drug deal with remaining gang members, Paul faces Cutter, Punkcut, and Nirvana. The confrontation grows deadly, resulting in significant casualties and ultimately leading to Ochoa's tragic death.
Final Confrontation with Nirvana
The film reaches its climax as Paul infiltrates a psychiatric hospital to confront Nirvana. After an intense struggle, he exacts revenge by electrocuting Nirvana, but at the cost of complicating his relationship with Geri.
Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson)
Paul Kersey is a deeply troubled and conflicted character, propelled by the traumatic loss of his loved ones to pursue vigilante justice. Initially shown as a man attempting to rebuild his life, his journey into darkness reveals a transformation driven by grief and rage. Paul embodies the struggle between morality and survival in an unforgiving urban environment.
Geri Nichols (Jill Ireland)
Geri Nichols is a supportive yet vulnerable character in Paul's life, representing a potential source of normalcy and stability. However, her relationship with Paul becomes strained as his secretive actions put their bond to the test. Geri's involvement in the investigation surrounding the vigilante killings highlights the personal cost of Paul’s choices.
Detective Frank Ochoa (Vincent Gardenia)
Detective Frank Ochoa is portrayed as a determined investigator who becomes suspicious of Paul’s actions amidst a string of vigilante killings. His character embodies the complexity of law enforcement in the face of rampant crime, attempting to connect the dots while also representing the moral quandaries faced by police in a volatile environment.
Time period
While the specific time period is not explicitly stated, the film seems to be set in a contemporary context relative to its 1982 release. This era is characterized by rising crime rates in major cities across America, influencing societal fears and perceptions about safety and justice.
Location
Los Angeles
Los Angeles, known for its sunny climate and sprawling urban landscape, serves as the backdrop for the intense narrative of 'Death Wish II'. The city is depicted as rife with crime, reflecting a growing anxiety within its communities. Iconic for its entertainment industry, L.A.'s duality of glamour and danger is central to the film's exploration of vengeance.
🔫
Vigilantism
The theme of vigilantism is central to 'Death Wish II', as Paul Kersey takes the law into his own hands following the traumatic loss of his loved ones. The film examines the moral complexities and consequences of seeking personal justice outside the legal system. It poses challenging questions about retribution and the impact of crime on individuals and society.
💔
Loss
Loss permeates the narrative, driving Paul Kersey's transformation into a vigilante. The brutal death of Carol amplifies his grief and fuels his quest for revenge. The emotional toll of such trauma is explored, showcasing how personal tragedy can lead to a cycle of violence and retribution.
🚔
Justice
The pursuit of justice is depicted through both the conventional legal system and Paul’s personal vendetta. The film contrasts the ineffectiveness of law enforcement with Paul's own methods, provoking thought on what true justice entails. The complexity of justice in a crime-ridden city is critically examined as the authorities track the very man seeking to uphold it.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.