Death Wish (1974 film)

Death Wish is a 1974 American vigilante action film directed by Michael Winner and starring Charles Bronson. Based on the 1972 novel of the same name by Brian Garfield, it tells the story of Paul Kersey, a New York City architect who becomes a vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter is sexually assaulted during a home invasion.

The film explores themes of urban decay, crime, and the limitations of the justice system. Disillusioned by the police's inability to protect him and his family, Kersey takes matters into his own hands, roaming the streets at night and killing criminals.

Death Wish was a box office success but also generated considerable controversy. It was praised by some for its depiction of a man fighting back against crime, but criticized by others for its endorsement of vigilantism and its perceived glorification of violence. Critics also debated whether the film offered a realistic portrayal of crime and its impact on victims, or if it sensationalized violence for entertainment purposes.

The film spawned a series of sequels, none of which involved the original director or author of the novel. The sequels continued to explore the theme of vigilante justice, but generally received less critical acclaim than the original. Death Wish remains a significant and debated film in the action and crime genres.