Year: 1994
Runtime: 95 min
Language: English
Director: Allan A. Goldstein
In this chapter of the Death Wish series, Paul Kersey, portrayed by Charles Bronson, seeks retribution when his fiancée is targeted by a violent crime. Driven by a desire for justice, he wages a personal war against the criminal underworld. His actions lead to a dangerous confrontation with Tommy O'Shea, a ruthless mob boss, setting off a deadly pursuit filled with intense action and unwavering determination.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen Death Wish V: The Face of Death yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of Death Wish V: The Face of Death (1994), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Back in New York City, Paul Kersey is operating under the alias Paul Stuart while enrolled in the federal Witness Protection Program, where he teaches architecture at a local college. He attends a fashion show hosted by his girlfriend, Olivia Regent, who has a troubled past linked to mobster Tommy O’Shea, her former husband and father to their daughter, Chelsea. Tensions rise as O’Shea confronts Olivia backstage, demanding visitation rights to see Chelsea despite the law stripping him of those privileges.
O’Shea and his henchmen are entrenched in a money laundering scheme at a garment factory and apply pressure on Albert, the factory manager, to increase their illicit operations. When Kersey notices Olivia’s injuries and realizes O’Shea is present, he grows increasingly concerned. O’Shea’s threats escalate as he brutally injures Albert and Olivia before taking his violence further. After they take Albert to the hospital following his attack, Kersey learns that the police, led by Tony Hoyle and Hector Vasquez, have been trying to catch O’Shea for years.
Kersey proposes marriage to Olivia during dinner, but their celebration is cut short when she is ambushed in the bathroom by O’Shea’s associate, Freddie Flakes, who violently disfigures her. Kersey, distraught after finding out about Olivia’s need for reconstructive surgery and faced with the reality of O’Shea’s continued reign of terror, is warned by Lieutenant Mickey King to refrain from taking justice into his own hands.
As O’Shea continues his rampage, killing those who cross him, Kersey’s frustration mounts. When O’Shea’s maneuvers close in on Kersey and Olivia, Kersey takes matters into his own hands, leading to violent confrontations where he systematically begins to dismantle O’Shea’s operation. Each encounter becomes a deadly game, revealing the intertwining of dirty cops and mobsters.
Kersey’s prior life of vigilante justice reignites when he seeks to protect his loved ones. In a twisted turn of events, he cleverly takes down O’Shea’s crew while battling the looming threat of law enforcement discovering his dark undertakings. Following a series of gruesome confrontations, Kersey confronts O’Shea in a climactic battle where vengeance collides with a struggle for justice.
Ultimately, Kersey’s struggle culminates at the factory, where after a tense showdown, he manages to thwart O’Shea’s plans — but not without paying a heavy price. In the end, as police close in, Kersey is seen reuniting with Chelsea, reflecting the deep scars left behind by the unfolding chaos. With the words, > “Hey Lieutenant, if you need any help, give me a call,” he rides off, hinting at both closure and the lingering shadows of his past.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:05
Don't stop at just watching — explore Death Wish V: The Face of Death in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Death Wish V: The Face of Death is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of Death Wish V: The Face of Death with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Death Wish V: The Face of Death. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like Death Wish V: The Face of Death that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
Death Wish V: The Face of Death (1994) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
Death Wish V: The Face of Death (1994) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like Death Wish V: The Face of Death – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Death Wish II (1982) Complete Plot Breakdown
Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Death Wish (2018) Full Movie Breakdown
Death Wish 3 (1985) Detailed Story Recap
Death Wish (1974) Detailed Story Recap
Death Sentence (2007) Full Summary & Key Details
10 to Midnight (1983) Complete Plot Breakdown
The Evil That Men Do (1984) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Kinjite: Forbidden Subjects (1989) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Wild Card (2015) Full Movie Breakdown
Death Warrant (1990) Detailed Story Recap
Deathsport (1978) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
What Doesn't Kill You (2008) Story Summary & Characters
Death House (2018) Full Movie Breakdown
Shadowboxer (2006) Detailed Story Recap