The 2018 film Death Wish is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name, which is based on the 1972 novel by Brian Garfield. The film is directed by Eli Roth and stars Bruce Willis as Paul Kersey, a Chicago surgeon who sets out to get revenge on the men who attacked his family.
Plot Summary
Dr. Paul Kersey is a respected surgeon who has dedicated his life to saving others. However, his world is shattered when his wife, Lucy, is murdered and his daughter, Jordan, is left in a coma after a brutal home invasion. Devastated and frustrated by the lack of progress in the police investigation, Paul decides to take matters into his own hands.
Armed with a gun, Paul begins to patrol the streets of Chicago, targeting criminals and dispensing vigilante justice. As his actions gain notoriety, Paul becomes known as the "Grim Reaper," and the city is divided between those who support his vigilantism and those who fear it.
Paul's transformation from a peaceful doctor to a ruthless vigilante takes its toll on him, and he begins to question the path he has chosen. However, he is driven by his desire for revenge and his belief that the justice system has failed him.
- Traumatic Event:
Dr. Paul Kersey is a successful surgeon living in Chicago with his wife Lucy (Elisabeth Shue) and daughter Jordan (Camila Morrone). Their lives take a dark turn when a group of burglars breaks into their home. During the invasion, Lucy is killed, and Jordan is left in a coma.
- Frustration with the Justice System:
Frustrated with the slow progress of the investigation and the lack of results from the police, Paul becomes disillusioned with the justice system. The violent incident prompts him to consider taking matters into his own hands.
- Vigilante Transformation:
Paul starts learning about firearms and self-defense, eventually obtaining a gun. As he becomes more proficient with his newfound skills, he embarks on a mission to track down the criminals responsible for his family's suffering.
- Media Attention:
Paul's vigilante actions attract media attention and become a controversial topic of discussion. Some see him as a hero, while others condemn his methods. The police, represented by detective Kevin Raines (Dean Norris), are conflicted about how to handle the situation.
- Hunt for Justice:
Paul systematically tracks down and confronts the criminals responsible for his family's tragedy. As he dispenses his form of justice, he becomes known as the "Grim Reaper" in the media.
- Confrontation with the Criminals:
The film builds toward a climactic confrontation between Paul and the remaining criminals, with both the police and the media trying to intervene and manage the escalating situation.
- Resolution:
The movie explores the consequences of vigilantism and raises questions about the effectiveness and morality of taking the law into one's own hands. Paul's actions have a profound impact on those around him, and the film concludes with the aftermath of his quest for justice.
Themes
Death Wish explores themes of revenge, justice, and the consequences of violence. It asks the question of whether it is ever right to take the law into one's own hands, and it examines the dark side of vigilantism.
Critical Reception
Death Wish was met with mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film's action sequences and Bruce Willis' performance, while others criticized its violence and its portrayal of vigilantism.
Overall, Death Wish is a dark and violent film that is not for the faint of heart. However, it is well-made and thought-provoking, and it raises important questions about the nature of justice and the consequences of violence.
Cast
- Bruce Willis as Dr. Paul Kersey, a trauma surgeon turned vigilante known as The Grim Reaper
- Vincent D'Onofrio as Frank Kersey, Paul's brother
- Elisabeth Shue as Lucy Kersey, Paul's wife
- Dean Norris as Detective Kevin Raines
- Kimberly Elise as Detective Leonore Jackson
- Beau Knapp as Knox
- Stephanie Janusauskas as Sophie
- Camila Morrone as Jordan Kersey, Paul and Lucy's daughter
- Jack Kesy as Tate "The Fish" Karp
- Ronnie Gene Blevins as Joe
- Len Cariou as Ben, Paul's father-in-law
- Kirby Bliss Blanton as Bethany
- Wendy Crewson as Dr. Jill Klavens
- Mike Epps as Dr. Chris Salgado, Paul's coworker
- Luis Oliva as Miguel
Director: Eli Roth
Writer: Joe Carnahan
Box Office Gross: $49,562,710
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Genre: Action Crime Drama Thriller
Release Date: March 1, 2018