Death Wish (2018 film)

Death wish 2017 poster

Death Wish (2018) is an American action film directed by Eli Roth and written by Joe Carnahan. It is a remake of the 1974 film of the same name which itself was based on the 1972 novel by Brian Garfield. The film stars Bruce Willis as Paul Kersey, a Chicago surgeon who becomes a vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter brutally attacked by robbers. The film explores themes of justice, revenge, and the moral implications of taking the law into one's own hands.

Plot

Paul Kersey is a respected surgeon living a quiet life with his wife, Lucy, and daughter, Jordan, in Chicago. His world is shattered when burglars break into his home while he is at work, killing Lucy and leaving Jordan in a coma. Frustrated with the police's inability to catch the criminals, Paul embarks on a quest for revenge. He becomes a vigilante, using his surgical skills to exact justice while evading the detective investigating the case, Frank Raines.

Cast

• Bruce Willis as Paul Kersey
• Vincent D'Onofrio as Frank Kersey, Paul's brother
• Elisabeth Shue as Lucy Kersey, Paul's wife
• Camila Morrone as Jordan Kersey, Paul's daughter
• Dean Norris as Detective Frank Raines
• Kimberly Elise as Detective Jackson

Production

The film was announced in 2016 with Eli Roth set to direct and Bruce Willis cast as the lead. Filming took place in Chicago and Montreal. The production aimed to update the story to reflect contemporary issues, including the debate over gun control in the United States.

Release

Death Wish was released in the United States on March 2, 2018, by MGM. It received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Willis's performance but criticized the film for its handling of its themes and accused it of being tone-deaf in the context of ongoing debates about gun violence in America.

Reception

The film has been the subject of controversy and debate. Critics and audiences were divided on its portrayal of vigilante justice and its relevance in contemporary society. Some viewed it as a straightforward action film, while others criticized it for glorifying violence and vigilantism.

See Also

• Vigilantism in film
• Action film
• Bruce Willis