When talking about the longest-running revenge film franchise in history, it's hard to avoid Death Wish, which started in 1974 and ended with the final installment Death Wish V: The Face of Death in 1994. The film stars a 73-year-old Charles Bronson as Paul Kersey, an engineer who turns into a vigilante dispensing violent justice. In this installment, Paul returns when his fiancée is threatened by the mafia. But the question is, after five films, does the movie still have anything new to excite fans? Let's find the answer in this review.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) lives a peaceful life with his fiancée Olivia (Lesley-Anne Down), a fashion designer whose business is thriving. Until a mafia group led by Tommy O'Shea (Michael Parks) and Sal Paconi (Chuck Shamata) wants to take over her business to use as a front for money laundering. When Paul refuses their offer, the mafia begins to threaten and use violence. Paul must once again use his skills with weapons and planning to protect the ones he loves. The film follows the franchise's usual formula of step-by-step revenge, but adds Paul's relationship with Olivia's young daughter as an emotional variable.
Acting and Characters
Charles Bronson, at 73, still has the charm of a seasoned actor, though his portrayal of Paul Kersey in this installment seems more tired and lifeless than in previous ones. His performance remains serious and solid, but lacks freshness. Lesley-Anne Down as Olivia does a good job as a threatened character, but her role is quite limited. Michael Parks plays a cunning villain, but he's not particularly memorable. Overall, the acting meets the standard of 90s action films but is not outstanding.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Michael Winner, the director who has been with the franchise since the first film, returns to direct this installment. His direction still emphasizes straightforward violence, but the cinematography and editing feel dated and old-fashioned. Many action scenes are shot plainly, lacking excitement. The score by John Barrass is not particularly impressive. Overall, the production feels more like a TV movie than a theatrical release.
Editorial Analysis
Death Wish V: The Face of Death is a prime example of a franchise that has run its course. The film tries to repeat the same successful formula but lacks both creativity and the energy of the earlier installments. Paul Kersey's return to violence feels repetitive, with no interesting character development. The film also suffers from realism issues, such as the elderly Paul easily defeating younger mafia members, which may bother modern audiences. However, for die-hard fans of Charles Bronson or those who enjoy classic revenge films, this installment may still hold some charm, especially in terms of nostalgia. But in terms of overall quality, it is the weakest entry in the series.
Verdict
Death Wish V: The Face of Death is suitable for die-hard fans of Charles Bronson and those who want to complete the series. But if you expect the fun of modern action films or a sensible plot, you'd better look elsewhere. Overall, it is the weakest installment and should be watched only for completeness.
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👍 Pros
- +Charles Bronson's performance remains serious and professional
- +Conclusion of the franchise that closes Paul Kersey's journey
- +Old fans may feel nostalgic from the 90s action film style
👎 Cons
- −Repetitive script with nothing new
- −Outdated action scenes and cinematography
- −Flat villains and supporting characters
- −Low realism, especially the hero's strength at age 73
Top Cast
FAQ
Yes, this is the last installment of the original Death Wish series starring Charles Bronson.
True. The film features straightforward violence such as shootings and physical assaults, but not as brutal as modern films.
Not necessary, but watching the earlier films will give you a better understanding of Paul Kersey's background.
