Death Wish 5: A Brutal Finale Or Final Nail?

Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the gritty world of vigilante justice with a review of Death Wish 5: The Face of Death. This film marks the final chapter in the Death Wish saga starring Charles Bronson, and it's safe to say it's a controversial one. Released in 1994, the movie sees Paul Kersey, our favorite architect-turned-avenger, relocating to New York City and getting entangled in a web of violence involving his fiancée and her ruthless ex-husband, a mob boss with a penchant for distributing deadly cocaine. Now, before we get started, let me put a disclaimer: this review will be dripping with spoilers, so buckle up!

Plot Overview: Kersey's Last Stand

Death Wish 5 kicks off with Paul Kersey attempting to lead a normal life. He’s now dating Olivia Regent, a fashion designer with a past that comes back to haunt them both. Her ex-husband, Tommy O’Shea, is not only a violent gangster but also a major player in the cocaine trade. When Olivia decides to take O’Shea to court to keep him away from her daughter Chelsea, things escalate rapidly. Kersey finds himself thrust back into the role of vigilante when O’Shea and his goons begin terrorizing Olivia and her family. The violence quickly escalates, forcing Kersey to once again take the law into his own hands. This time, however, Kersey isn't just cleaning up the streets; he's protecting the woman he loves and her daughter from a relentless and brutal enemy. The plot thickens with double-crosses, betrayals, and a series of increasingly elaborate and deadly traps set by Kersey. He uses his architectural skills to turn everyday objects into instruments of death, ensuring that O'Shea's gang pays a heavy price for their misdeeds. The film culminates in a showdown where Kersey confronts O’Shea, delivering a final, decisive blow to end the cycle of violence once and for all. The narrative, while straightforward, is laced with the signature Death Wish themes of justice, revenge, and the moral complexities of taking the law into one's own hands.

Performances and Characters

Charles Bronson, at this stage in his career, delivers a performance that is both stoic and weary. As Paul Kersey, he embodies a man who is tired of violence but compelled to engage in it to protect those he loves. His portrayal is less about rage and more about a grim determination. Lesley-Anne Down as Olivia Regent brings a vulnerability and strength to her role, portraying a woman caught between her past and her desire for a peaceful future. Michael Parks as Tommy O’Shea chews the scenery with gusto, embodying the ruthless and sadistic nature of a mob boss. His performance is over-the-top, but it fits the tone of the film perfectly. The supporting cast includes familiar faces, each adding to the atmosphere of gritty urban decay. Overall, the performances are solid, with Bronson's understated presence anchoring the film. While the characters may not be deeply complex, they serve their purpose in driving the narrative forward and providing a backdrop for Kersey's vigilante actions. The interactions between Kersey and Olivia add a touch of humanity to the otherwise bleak and violent world, giving the audience a reason to root for their survival.

Action and Violence: Over the Top or Just Right?

Death Wish 5 amps up the violence, featuring some of the most creative and outlandish death scenes in the entire series. Kersey's methods become increasingly elaborate, turning everyday objects into deadly weapons. From exploding busts to poisoned cannoli, the film revels in its over-the-top depictions of violence. Some viewers might find this entertaining, while others may see it as gratuitous. However, it's undeniable that the action sequences are memorable, if not particularly realistic. The film doesn't shy away from showing the consequences of violence, but it also presents Kersey's actions as a necessary evil. The moral ambiguity of his vigilante justice is a recurring theme, and the film leaves it up to the audience to decide whether his actions are justified. Despite the heightened violence, the film maintains a sense of suspense and tension, keeping viewers engaged as Kersey navigates the dangerous world of organized crime. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and the special effects, while dated, are effective in conveying the brutality of the violence. Ultimately, the level of violence in Death Wish 5 is a matter of personal taste, but it's an undeniable element of the film's identity.

Directing and Style

Allan A. Goldstein directs Death Wish 5 with a straightforward, no-frills approach. The film lacks the stylistic flourishes of some of its predecessors, but it delivers a competent and engaging action experience. The cinematography is functional, capturing the gritty atmosphere of New York City without drawing too much attention to itself. The editing is tight, keeping the pace brisk and the action flowing. Goldstein focuses on delivering the core elements of the Death Wish formula: a wronged protagonist, brutal violence, and a sense of vigilante justice. While the film may not be a masterpiece of cinematic art, it succeeds in providing a satisfying conclusion to the series. The direction is effective in conveying the themes of revenge, morality, and the consequences of violence. Goldstein allows Bronson to carry the film with his stoic presence, and he balances the action with moments of quieter character development. Overall, the directing and style of Death Wish 5 are competent and effective, serving the needs of the story and delivering a satisfying experience for fans of the series.

Themes and Moral Ambiguity

At its core, Death Wish 5 explores the themes of justice, revenge, and the moral complexities of taking the law into one's own hands. Paul Kersey is a man driven by a desire to protect the innocent, but his methods are often brutal and ethically questionable. The film raises questions about the nature of justice and whether it's ever acceptable to resort to violence in the name of righteousness. The moral ambiguity of Kersey's actions is a recurring theme throughout the series, and Death Wish 5 continues to grapple with these issues. The film doesn't offer easy answers, but it forces viewers to confront the difficult questions surrounding vigilante justice. Is Kersey a hero or a villain? Is he a symbol of hope or a harbinger of chaos? The answers are not always clear, and the film leaves it up to the audience to decide. By exploring these themes, Death Wish 5 transcends the realm of simple action entertainment and becomes a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of justice and the human capacity for violence.

Final Verdict: A Fitting End or a Disappointment?

So, is Death Wish 5 a worthy conclusion to the Death Wish series? It's a mixed bag. On one hand, it delivers the action and violence that fans have come to expect. Bronson is solid as always, and the supporting cast does a decent job. However, the plot is somewhat predictable, and the over-the-top violence may not appeal to everyone. Ultimately, Death Wish 5 is a film that is likely to divide audiences. Some will appreciate its gritty realism and its exploration of complex themes, while others will find it to be a shallow and gratuitous exercise in violence. Whether you consider it a fitting end or a disappointment will depend on your personal tastes and expectations. But one thing is for sure: Death Wish 5 is a memorable and controversial film that will continue to spark debate among fans of the series for years to come.