Death Wish II

Death Wish II

Year: 1982

Runtime: 88 min

Language: English

Director: Michael Winner

ActionDramaThrillerCrime

In this gripping thriller, Charles Bronson reprises his iconic role as Paul Kersey, a New York City vigilante seeking a fresh start in Los Angeles with his traumatized daughter Carol. But when his home becomes a scene of brutal gang rape and murder, Kersey's rage ignites, driving him to exact bloody justice on the streets of L.A.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Death Wish II (1982)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Death Wish II (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

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.

🌆 City 🏙️ Urban Life

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:44

Main Characters – Death Wish II (1982)
Meet the key characters of Death Wish II (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

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.

🧑‍🌾 Vigilante 😡 Grief 🔍 Justice-Seeker

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.

❤️ Love Interest 🔍 Investigative Journalist 👩‍🏫 Supportive

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.

🚔 Law Enforcer 🔍 Investigator 🕵️‍♂️ Determined

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:44

Major Themes – Death Wish II (1982)
Explore the central themes of Death Wish II (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔫 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.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:44

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