Reviews (29)

perfect revenge movie
Death Wish was an excellent movie that told the story of mild mannered common man Paul Kersey driven to become a vigilante after the murder of his wife and rape of his daughter. Death Wish is very artistic and was a hit that spawned 4 sequels. Death Wish 2 set the pattern for the other movies in the series and is a different type of film from the first. The second Death Wish falls into the category of revenge films and has a gritty look to it that captures the rawness of it's subject. Some have complained about the look of the film, but it serves to make it much more visceral from the first film and one of the grittiest films ever made. There's a disturbing snuff film/documentary feel about Death Wish 2 which both repulses and transfixes, and at the same time the film also works on a much more unreal level as a revenge fantasy.
In the first film Kersey never catches the thugs who destroyed his family, but in Death Wish 2 his revenge isn't just aimed at random criminals, but at specific thugs responsible for his daughter's death. The first Death Wish was about Kersey's transformation into a vigilante, but Death Wish 2 is about hunting down specific guilty criminals and seeing that they pay for their crimes. There have been many revenge films, but there's just something much more satisfying about the way justice is served in the Death Wish series than in other films. William Lustig's Vigilante is another good film of this type as is The Exterminator, but Death Wish 2, like the rest of the series, really provides the audience with a satisfying feeling of justice. The combination of the hyper real and the fantastic make Death Wish 2 compelling viewing. As a cinematic revenge fantasy it's the best of it's kind.

A sequel far from equal to the first.
For some reason it took 8 to 9 years for there to be a sequel made to the movie that most people associate with Charles Bronson. It wasn't worth the wait. Even revisiting the movie on DVD (sadly full frame, at least they could have restored it to its proper aspect ratio) did not improve my original thoughts on this follow up. Death Wish 2 is to Death Wish what Jaws 2 was to Jaws, a sequel that attempts to pass itself off as a continuation of the first film but largely recycles its plot and most memorable moments. Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson) is now living in Los Angeles and he has had his still mentally withdrawn (and actually younger looking) daughter Carol moved to a nearby facility. Evidently her husband left her, as that character is not mentioned this time out, even in passing. When Kersey and his new girlfriend (played by Bronson's real life wife Jill Ireland) take Carol out for some quality family time, Paul is attacked by muggers who steal his wallet. Of course Kersey gives chase and manages to pound one mugger against a wall, but they still have his wallet - which contains his address and, of course, the muggers are gunning for revenge. This is obviously meant to recreate (or homage) the set-up for the attack by a trio of thugs who get the Kersey home address at the supermarket in the first Death Wish. The muggers attack the Kersey household, sexually assaulting both the housekeeper as well as Kersey's daughter (again), both of whom die. The major difference from the first movie is that Kersey is there and thus knows just who to hunt down after a little alone time. In the first Death Wish it was a business trip to Tuscon, in Death Wish 2 it's a weekend at a friend's rustic cabin. The rest of the movie is basically Bronson wandering around the seedier areas of Hollywood until he finds his prey - that and avoiding his girlfriend while trying to keep her clueless about what he is doing at night. Death Wish 2 delivers on the violence and sleazy exploitation, but it misses the mark in even attempting to create a compelling story. Despite there being ample oppurtunity to do so. Some Bronson fans will no doubt want this, put it remains a poor follow up to a truly great movie.

A real Winner
Not sure where to begin with Death Wish 2. Significantly, it was directed by Michael Winner, who directed the first and would go on to direct the amazing third entry in this series about 'bleeding heart liberal' architect Paul Kersey and his vigilante side job.

Paul Kersey now lives in sunny Los Angeles, which like New York is depicted as a pit of human filth and depravity. The incredible cynicism of the filmmakers begins right away as Kersey's housemaid and daughter--who, remember, was violently raped in the original--are brutaly raped, with the maid murdered. Then Kersey's daughter is taken away, raped again, and decides to jump out a window rather than endure the rest of the film. Kersey then puts down his slide ruler and blueprints and takes up his old hobby of blowing away criminal scum.

The main difference between Part 2 and the original, besides an even deeper cynicism, a lower budget, and overall abysmal effort by all involved, is that Bronson actually hunts down the individuals responsible for these acts of malfeasance. His behavior now flat-out pathological, he rents a cheap office in a bad part of LA, using it as a home base for his vigilante operations. Donning ski cap and dark clothes and packing heat, he roams the streets of LA, looking for revenge.

Even the tagline is noteworthy:

Bronson's on the loose again! Seems to suggest that, in effect, it didn't matter who Bronson was playing, because 'he' was on the loose again!

Overall, it's bad. Very, very bad. Part 3 is bad, but it has other things going for it, namely that it cannot be taken seriously for a moment and it knows it, the tongue so firmly in cheek that it becomes an incredible guilty pleasure and one of the best bad movies of the 80s, perhaps ever. But Part 2, for the most part, is an exploitation movie. The film looks cheap, grimy, and rushed. It can't even succeed as a bad movie, which is pretty depressing. It feels seedy, right down to the very grainy film stock and washed out look to the picture. And to top it off, Jimmy Page contributes one of the most appalling scores I've heard in a movie of any genre. Not even his score for Part 3 was this embarassing. And yes, it is THE Jimmy Page.

As for Bronson, he's particularly wooden in this one. Which may be appropriate as at this point, Kersey is less than sane.

But alas! The Death Wish flicks finally reappeared on DVD, right around the time of Bronson's death in 2003. Obviously recommended if you like, well, Death Wish movies, the DVDs are capable, if pretty bare bones. I would love to hear Michael Winner do a commentary track to discuss his state of mind when he directed this one.

Character Development
REASONS TO BUY:
Unlike the first part, Bronson has a strong unyielding character. He's not the least bit afraid to get the job done this time and doesn't stop untill he gets every single on of those creeps that killed his daughter. It really gives you a sense of staisfaction even if it's just a movie.

REASONS NOT TO BUY:
This is the cut version. Evidently, some people believe that we are not intelligent enough to view certain scenes. I think it's worth the time to search the internet for the full uncut version.

Brutal reality
Plot
This film is the second appearance of the character of Paul Kersey, the liberal architect who became a vigilante after his daughter was assaulted (with spray paint) and his wife was killed while trying to stop the assault perpetrators. Kerseys daughter is visiting her father but is still in the state in which she was left in the first film, only she seems to be happier. Kersey takes his daughter and his girlfriend to a fair, then goes to get ice cream. But it seems that he is the only man in the world who can get mugged during such an activity; a gang with a kingpin played by Lawrence Fishburn steals his wallet. He chases after them and stops, but this is definitely not the last he hears of them as they use his ID to find his home then rape his maid; then he returns with his daughter and they knock him out, kidnap his daughter and rape her. She dies by throwing herself out a window. And so the plot is set for Charles Bronson's character to avenge his daughter and reenter the vigilante lifestyle.

Analysis
I very much enjoyed this movie, from seeing a movie shows reality in a form that's so blunt it offends many people, to the delivery of such lines as "Do you believe in Jesus...well now your going to meet him."

In this movie, unlike its predecessor, Kersey actually knows who he is hunting, and he does not to bother those who he did not see in the apartment, while in the first movie he simply capped those who tried to mug him, or in one case a gang who was harassing a middle aged man. Rather than simply being a vigilante, Bronson is now also playing an avenger.

There is another change in Kersey in this movie; he no longer is reluctant to kill. Granted that went away in the second half of the first movie but in the sequel that reluctance is even less. Kersey now delivers lines to his enemies before doing away with them, and does it as though it's the most natural thing in the world. Having Bronson play the protagonist really aids this effect; with is calm voice he can make statements in a straightforward and threatening manner but at the same time not show any signs that he has lost his cool. As though dispatching criminals and antagonizing them were just a normal part of life for him, oh wait, it is lol.

Notes
The film that was actually released in theatres is different from the original version in terms of graphic rape scenes. The MPAA was going to give it an X rating but gave it an R after the movie was toned down.

See Lawrence Fishburn playing a rapist known as Cutter; he doesn't have quite the same effect as the paint fetish guys from DW but he's still pretty sadistic. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Simply lousy...
I hate to see the rating on this film misrepresented so I have to rate it. Aside from the lousy picture and sound, the movie stinks. Hard to believe both John Sturges and Charles Bronson were involved in this schlup, if that's even a word...

charles bronson at his best...
CHARLES BRONSON ("DEATH WISH, THE DIRTY DOZEN"), STARS AS CHINO VALDEZ A LONE RANCHER, WHO WANTS TO LIVE HI LIFE IN PEACE BREEDING HORSES. ONE DAY A YOUNG STRANGER PASSES THROUGH THE RANCH LOOKING FOR A JOB. CHINO HIRES THE BOY AND DECIDES TO TEACH HIM THE ART OF BREAKING HORSES IN. THE YOUNG FELLOW TEACHES THE LONE RANCHER THE ART OF GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE. CHINO'S NEIGHBOR KATHERINE (JILL IRELAND) COMES TO THE RANCH FREQUENTLY FOR RIDING HORSES. SHE AND CHINO GET ALONG PRETTY WELL AND THEY FALL IN LOVE. MORELL WHI IS CHINO'S LONGTIME ENEMY AND THE BROTHER OF KATHERINE ISN'T HAPPY WITH HIS SISTER'S CHOICE. HE FORBIDS THE MARRIAGE AND THREATENS CHINO'D LIFE, LOVE, AND LIVELIHOOD. THEN BREAKS THE WAR BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM.

chino
i love this movie its one of bronson best

Yuck!
This is a spaghetti western with no sauce in it. Normally a western with Bronson and directed by Sturges would have been something to wet one's appetite. It is not so here. The movie is dry and the pace is so slow. The production value is cheap. Despite the presence of an internationally popular star at that time, Bronson just could not carry this one. It amazes me that the director associated with films like The Magnificent Seven and The Gunfight at the OK Corral could come up with something bad as this one. But the trend was already there when he directed Joe Kidd with Clint Eastwood. That was bad. This was worse. The DVD picture is bad and hazy. It seems that this was taken from an old and badly copied VHS and transferred to DVD. Shades of the old MC Clintok DVD from Goodtime Video. Don't waste your money on this one. This is Bronson's worst movie.

A western of modest virtues
Those seeking one of those "spaghetti westerns" which are filled with noise and violence and exaggerated flourishes will probably be disppointed in "Chino." It moves at a deliberate pace, keeps the action in check, and knows the virtue of silence. The result is an odd, understated movie that almost qualifies as a "character study."

Charles Bronson plays a loner who runs a small horse-farm in the waning days of the American frontier. He takes in a runaway boy as a helper, visits an Indian village on the verge of extinction, and engages in a hesitant courtship with the sister of a hostile landowner. That's about it for the plot which concludes in a somber, realistic fashion.

The by-play between Bronson and real-life wife Jill Ireland is mildly amusing, the scenery is attractive and well-photographed, and for those who like to see Bronson with his shirt off, there's a scene where he's hanged by the wrists and flogged across his bare back by one of the hostile landowner's hired men. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Unusual Western Ballad
FROM NOON TILL THREE is an entirely refreshing and unanticipated idiosyncratic Western full of sentimentalism from Charles Bronson and Jill Ireland. Knowing that Bronson and Ireland were man and wife in actual life makes this film more intimate as it unfolds as some affectionate parlor trick and wink of the eye. Bronson and Ireland explore unknown passions and tenderness of the soul as two strangers thrown together by fate for their accidental afternoon tryst. Elmer Bernstein is known for his more rousing scores that he composed for Westerns. Here Bernstein employs a romantic and bittersweet score for this fairytale Western that works beautifully for the charismatic Bronson and Epicurean Ireland. This is a wonderful film.

One of my favorite movies of all-time!
I first saw this movie in the early 1980's when Bronson was still very active in his film career. I had never been a fan of his movies--he just didn't seem to have a lot of personality. Then I saw "From Noon Until Three"; I could hardly believe he was the same actor I'd seen in other movies. He was GREAT in acting out the irony of the plot; he was funny, he was charasmatic, and he was sinister (at the beginning of the movie). It was as if Bronson finally "woke up" and came to life on the screen for the first time for me. He was great! His wife Jill was great!. I enjoyed the movie so much that I wanted to see it again, and the second time, I decided that it would become one of my all-time favorite movies. If I could give it more stars, I would. It is definitely a "Must See".

One of Bronson's best
This is one of Charles Bronson's best movies. No, it is not an action movie, there is very little action in it. It is a romantic western.Charles Bronson's real life wife Jill Ireland is in this and this is her best acting and role. This movie gripped me from beginning till end and never let go.
From Noon Till Three is about a bank robber known as Graham Dorsey and when something goes wrong with his horse on the way to a bank robbery he and his crew stop off at a ranchhouse where a widowed woman (whose only company is her servants most of the time) lives. The rest of the bank robbers leave Bronson and go to the bank and Bronson stays behind with Ireland.Ireland could have gotten rid of Bronson too because she had a horse in the barn but I suppose she would rather have Bronson there than part with her precious horse.
Bronson manages to get her into bed by pretending he is impotent-this is probably a challenge to Ireland.A romance ensues. They only have three hours until it all ends but already they are making plans for a future even though he is a bank robber, he is talking of going straight.
Soon a boy comes to the house and informs Ireland of a bank robbery gone wrong and that most of the crew are dead and there is to be a hanging of the survivor. Ireland tells Bronson but he doesn't want to risk his life to save his fellow bank robber. Somehow she persuades him to try and he leaves the house and gets chased by a posse. He dresses up as a dentist after he escapes the posse but finds himself in jail in a case of mistaken identity. In a way, lucky for him. In the meantime, this case of mistaken identity leads Ireland to believe that Dorsey is dead. Whilst he is in jail, she writes a book about their short affair and it becomes a bestseller. When Bronson gets out of jail he goes back to the house on a tour, gets let inside the house on the pretence he wants a glass of water before heading back to town.Even when he takes the beard off, for some reason she doesn't recognize him and it is not until he shows her his lower region that she does. But then she tells him there is no running off with him now. They have a responsibility to the legend.
Later, Bronson winds up in a mental institution and for some reason that I find it hard to believe, they recognize him as Graham Dorsey. A little hard to believe but a great movie. Don't miss it.

Unexpected Treat from Charles Bronson
This is a totally unexpected Victorian-like and romantic-comic Western from Charles Bronson and Jill Ireland. It's a bit of a conundrum that Bronson ever made this film. However, that's what makes it a real treat. Bronson is outlaw Graham Dorsey who spends three hours with Jill Ireland, the widow Amanda Starbuck, before a heist. Unlocking hidden passions in the frigid Amanda in her isolated mansion on the open plain, Bronson has every intention of returning from the job but events take a strange and unexpected twist. Bronson is very likable and charismatic in this role. Ireland is every bit the frigid Amanda Starbuck as she smolders sensuality from under her lace embroidered gowns. For Graham Dorsey, Amanda Starbuck is like a dream come true. For Amanda Starbuck, Graham Dorsey is the personification of some romanticized mysterious suitor. This offbeat and likeable tale comes to a most bizarre finale. Cinematographer Lucien Ballard's stark and vivid images somehow give this film a strange fairytale quality when combined with Elmer Bernstein's light yet maudlin and elegiac score.

A romantic Western comedy
A very touching story with a twist. Charles Bronson and his wife, Jill Ireland, portray a couple whose chance meeting leads to a playful and tender relationship, but with a dubious outcome. I recommend it for all romantics!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Walter Hill's colorful directorial debut has quite a cult following forits toughness and violence; it may well be his best film, in fact. Charles Bronson plays a silent street fighter in New Orleans in the '30s managed by the cool James Coburn. Jill Ireland, Strother Martin, and Michael McGuire costar in this spare existential Depression dirge. It owes a lot to its noir origins that Hill adores so much, yet there's something very freshand vital about its subject and approach. That's really what made so many of these films from the '70s so endearing. An added bonus is the love and affection displayed by the real-life husband and wife team of Bronson and Ireland. --Bill Desowitz ... Read more

Reviews (30)

One of Bronson's best
Hard Times (known as 'The Streetfighter' here in Australia) is Bronson's best movie alongside Death Wish. The film is set in the 1930's during the depression, and its recreation of this period is outstanding. This is not a movie for hard-core action/fighting fans. Like 'The Karate Kid' and 'Rocky', Hard Times has a real story and interesting characters. Bronson's character, Chaney, is humble, quiet, a bit of a loner - this contrasts nicely with James Coburn's portrayal of Speed, a compulsive gambler who sets up fights for Bronson. Strother Martin and Jill Ireland (Bronson's real-life wife until her death some years ago) are also great in their supporting roles. Nice to see an old forgotten classic like Hard Times released on DVD.

Best Bronson in Hard Times
"Hard Times" stars Charles Bronson as Chaney a down and out bare knuckle boxer trying to get by in the middle of the depression. James Coburn as Speed is the quick talking not entirely trustworthy promoter who represents Chaney in fights through out the South and Midwest. "Hard Times" is the directorial debut of Walter Hill who shows off a certain realism that would become his trademark in future works. Still, it is Bronson who is the center of this film. Perfectly cast as the aged fighter this is perhaps Bronson at his absolute best. Bronson displays a subtle complexity that is particularly effective in the love affair with Lucy played by real life wife Jill Ireland. Bronson, who was about 54 at the time of filming, is remarkably fit and completely believable even when the odds are stacked against him. The story is taught and directed in a crisp fashion by Hill. The cast is good as an ensemble lifting this underrated feature to the level of very good. Yet, it is Bronson and that one of a kind face that makes "Hard Times" a true classic of the genre.

Classic Bare Knuckle Action in the Big Easy
This movie is a classic tribute to the subject of "prize fighting". Released in 1975 and directed by Walter Hill, it centers around a 1930's depression drifter named Chaney (Bronson). Chaney is the consummate drifter ---- indifferent and reluctant to commit. However, he ends up in New Orleans and stumbles upon the local subculture of bare knuckle fighting. He then convinces a local hustler by the name of Speed Weed (Coburn) to let him be his next "hitter". Chaney's silent, strong presence brilliantly complements Speed's enormously extroverted style ---- Chaney is the soft-spoken, rugged fighter and Speed is the colorful, manager promoter. However, Chaney's reluctance to commit proves to be a reoccurring test for Speed Weed. Even with his girlfriend Lucy, played by Bronson's wife Jill Ireland, Chaney is emotionally detached and shows an easy comes, easy goes attitude.

Chaney wins a few tough illegal fights bare-fisted but Speed falls victim to his own careless wheeling and dealing and is unable to pay his debt to a gang of thugs. As a result, Chaney is forced to fight one last fight with Street ---- a big bear of a man played by Nick Dimitri. This is a climatic event in the movie with both fighters waging one of the most gripping fight scenes this side of Hong Kong. Even better ---- the fight scenes are choreographed the old-fashioned way without relying on special effects

Strother Martin provides a great supporting role as the languid and shady character known as Poe ---- he provides medical advice despite an opium addiction and his failure to finish medical school. Martin also played the prison warden in the movie, "Cool Hand Luke".

Also notable is veteran tough-man actor, Robert Tessier, who plays John Henry ---- the bald grinning tattooed anathema managed and promoted by Speed's rival, Chic Gandil ---- convincingly played by Michael McGuire.

Bronson's physique and muscular definition rivals that of any actor that I've seen portraying similar roles in movies --- even Stallone when he played Rocky. And Bronson was in his 50s'---- incredible!

Also, impressive is the cinematography ---- scenes of New Orleans boat docks, warehouse district, cemetery and French Quarter set the mood for New Orleans during the 1930's depression. Walter Hill, as always, does a good job providing visual and aural (music) elements to the movie that emphasize the culture that surrounds the characters and events.

The fights don't take place in the traditional sense --- gloved combat performed legally within the ring. Fights are illegal bare-fisted slugfests arranged on boat docks and in warehouses among crowds of gambling onlookers. You'll see plenty of the old-fashioned fist fighting techniques reminiscent of old Saturday afternoon action movies. Notice Bronson tends to fight with his arms close to his waist as if he was preparing to do a series of bicep curls ---- classic all the way.

I consider Hard Times to be a true classic. It is certainly one of the greatest films of its genre.

Hard Hitting Action !!!
A real gem ! Contrary to another review (14JAN04)- 'Hard Times' stands-out as Bronson's finest action film. A former boxer (amateur)himself; Bronson is in top form (and top shape at 52 years old !). Patrick Swayze's attempt ('Roadhouse'), to emulate Bronson never worked - simply because Mr. Bronson was an original. See this film !!!

Excellent Bronson DVD
This film is, in my opinion, one of the best Bronson films along with Honor Among Thieves, Rider on the Rain, Red Sun, and From Noon Till Three. This role is tailor made for Bronson's tough, silent persona(like Chato's Land). This film was released in 1975 but was filmed in 1974-most films, after they finish filming, go into post production, editing and then are released up to a year after they actually finish shooting the final scene. Bronson was 52 yrs old(not 54) when he appeared in Hard Times. Bronson was born in Nov. 1921 and Hard Times was shot prior to his 53rd birthday in 1974.
If you watch the scene in the meat packing plant in Clint Eastwood's film Every Which Way But Loose, it seems like a direct rip-off of the Hard Times scene in Pettibon's joint--the manager of the defeated fighter won't pay up until a gun is produced. Also, in Eastwood's sequel Any Which Way You Can, Wilson, after scouting out Philo Beddoe's fighting ability, remarks "It's been a pleasure watching you work". This, to me, is a direct rip-off of Gandil's line to Chaney after the final fight in Hard Times. Interesting to note that Hard Times was released 3 yrs before Every Which Way... and 5 yrs before Any Which Way...

I happen to be a Bronson "fan" and own most of his starring role films as well as many of his supporting role films, but even if you are not all that interested in Bronson's work, you will still probably find this an excellent film in it's own right. The DVD is, in my opinion, crystal clear both in picture and sound, and gives you the added bonus of viewing in full or widescreen formats(the widescreen is 2.35:1 and is authentic widescreen). Towards the beginning of the film, there is a scene between Bronson and Coburn which takes place in an oyster bar. At one point, when Bronson is speaking, he is cut off from the scene in the fullscreen version but is completely visible in the widescreen version. Anyway, the DVD is well worth purchasing and I trust you will enjoy the film. All the best! ... Read more

Reviews (6)

One of Bronson's lesser Cannon movies.
Charles Bronson plays a Secret Service Agent assigned to protect the First Lady, who is played by his then real life wife Jill Ireland. When the First Lady becomes the target of an assassin, she and Bronson go on the run, dodging bullets as he tries to find clues as to who is behind it all. This 1987 offering from Cannon studios was nothing special. Director Peter Hunt had previously helmed the James Bond thriller On Her Majesty's Secret Service and the Charles Bronson/Lee Marvin action/chase thriller Death Hunt. Both are far superior to this movie, which features action scenes and assassination attempts that are as unbelievable as they are uninspired. The chemistry between Bronson and Ireland is nice, and the movie does have a sense of humor about itself, but that doesn't stop it from being the most mediocre of the Cannon/Bronson movies.

Skip it...
I've seen most all of Bronsons movies at this point and Assasination is by far and above the worst of them all. This is the only time I've actually been embarassed for old Chuck. Even the presence of Mrs. Ireland doesn't help. The script and dialouge stinks, the supporting cast was way below B grade and 'by the numbers' lame action scenes rehashed from Bronsons other films kill this one. Even more sickening was the CONSTANT sexual innuendo dialogue between the elderly Mr. Bronson and Charly(?!?),his late 20's Asian assistant who is trying to get Bronson to sleep with her. Don't get me wrong, I can enjoy a bad Bronson flick as much as the next guy but this one is altogether unacceptable. A dirtbike with a mini machine gun mounted on the handlebars? I'm surprised I haven't seen more mention of the cheesy CGI explosion matted in over the picture. This movie makes Death Wish 5, Chino and Breakout look like a five star films. I would really rather watch Kinjite again then to sit through this one twice. If you're trying to add to your Bronson collection with his more obscure films, make sure you have From Noon Till Three, The White Buffalo and The Stone Killer first. Also, be sure not to pass up St. Ives. I still feel St. Ives is one of Bronsons highest overall quality films which deserved a franchise of it's own. Long live the legend of Charles Bronson!!!

Cannon Lite
This is one of the lesser Cannon/Bronson collaborations(though many would say that they are all "lesser"). It was made in the final hours of Cannon before bankruptcy and it shows. Bronson's the agent assigned to protect the first lady, a real you-know-what. Many attempts are made on her life, forcing her and Bronson on the run. Soon, we see her softer side, they become pals, tra-la, tra-la. Pretty by the numbers plot. This was a tame PG-13 effort from Cannon, so all the gratuitous violence and nudity are gone, making it not quite the Cannon we all love. Bronson and Ireland do exchange some funny lines from time to time, but that's about as entertaining as this film gets. If you collect Bronson flicks, this should be the last one you get, if at all.

Secret Agent Man Charles Bronson protects First Lady Ireland
Charles Bronson plays a Secret Service Agent assigned to protect the First Lady, who is played with snootily comic verve by his real life wife Jill Ireland. When Mrs. President becomes the target of an assassination conspiracy Bronson takes her undercover (no, not like that), dodging bullets as he tries to find clues as to who is behind it all. Nothing special, just painless fun for die hard Bronson fans.

Get Ready For Laffs
The films of Mr. Charles Bronson require a different rating scale than other movies. This is why I previously granted "Death Wish 3" five stars. I'm not saying it compares to "Singin' In the Rain" or "Mean Streets" or "Nashville" but as far as Bronson films go, it's vital. This one not so much, though if you thought the "casting couch" had vanished in the late 80's, get a load of the gal who plays Charlie's young girlfriend! This is certainly no "In the Line of Fire" but it's short and stuff blows up. I remember when this was released theatrically and Mr. Bronson and his late wife Ms. Ireland were on TV plugging it. Charlie voiced his dislike of the extreme violence in "Death Wish 3" (i.e., the tons of violent footage Michael Winner added to the climactic scenes). Shame he didn't recognize the movie for the masterwork it has become. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

VERY BORING AT TIMES
A HALF INDIAN HORSE BREEDER [THE LATE GREAT CHARLES BRONSON] FALLS IN LOVE WITH A WOMAN [BRONSON'S DECEASED FORMER WIFE JILL IRELAND]. WHEN HER RACIST BROTHER FINDS OUT ABOUT IT, HE GETS ANGRY AND DECIDES TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THIS WESTERN IS SIMPLY TOO SLOW MOVING AND TOO BORING AT TIMES. BRONSON'S DECENT PERFORMANCE IN THIS MOVIE IS THE ONLY THING SAVING THIS ONE. IT'S SIMPLY A WESTERN THAT TRYED TO BE TOO MUCH MORE THAN WHAT IT IS. BRONSON FANS DESERVE MUCH BETTER THAN THIS. IF YOU WANNA SEE A GOOD CHARLES BRONSON WESTERN, RENT OR BUY ''ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST''.

Simply lousy...
I hate to see the rating on this film misrepresented so I have to rate it.Aside from the lousy picture and sound, the movie stinks.Hard to believe both John Sturges and Charles Bronson were involved in this schlup, if that's even a word...

charles bronson at his best...
CHARLES BRONSON ("DEATH WISH, THE DIRTY DOZEN"), STARS AS CHINO VALDEZA LONE RANCHER, WHO WANTS TO LIVE HI LIFE IN PEACE BREEDING HORSES. ONE DAY A YOUNG STRANGER PASSES THROUGH THE RANCH LOOKING FOR A JOB. CHINO HIRES THE BOY AND DECIDES TO TEACH HIM THE ART OF BREAKING HORSES IN. THE YOUNG FELLOW TEACHES THE LONE RANCHER THE ART OF GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE. CHINO'S NEIGHBOR KATHERINE (JILL IRELAND) COMES TO THE RANCH FREQUENTLY FOR RIDING HORSES. SHE AND CHINO GET ALONG PRETTY WELL AND THEY FALL IN LOVE. MORELL WHI IS CHINO'S LONGTIME ENEMY AND THE BROTHER OF KATHERINE ISN'T HAPPY WITH HIS SISTER'S CHOICE. HE FORBIDS THE MARRIAGE AND THREATENS CHINO'D LIFE, LOVE, AND LIVELIHOOD. THEN BREAKS THE WAR BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM.

chino
i love this movie its one of bronson best

Yuck!
This is a spaghetti western with no sauce in it. Normally a western with Bronson and directed by Sturges would have been something to wet one's appetite. It is not so here. The movieis dry and the pace is so slow. The production value is cheap. Despite the presence of an internationally popular star at that time, Bronson just could not carry this one. It amazes me that the director associated with films like The Magnificent Seven and The Gunfight at the OK Corral could come up with something bad as this one. But the trend was already there when he directed Joe Kidd with Clint Eastwood. That was bad. This was worse. The DVD picture is bad and hazy. It seems that this was taken from an old and badly copied VHS and transferred to DVD. Shades of the old MC Clintok DVD from Goodtime Video. Don't waste your money on this one. This is Bronson's worst movie. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good Movie, Not-Great Picture, [Poor] sound
The sound is the main problem with this DVD edition of Chino (that and the fact the film is presented "full screen"). The picture is about as good as it would be on an average vhs tape, but the sound is sometimes muffled, sometimes echoing--so much so in parts that it sounds as if they just played the film in a big room and recorded the soundtrack with the mic on a cheap boombox. But the movie itself is very good.
And to make up for the sound quality, this DVD offers an episode of Bronson's 1950's TV show, "Man with a Camera," unavailable anywhere else (for now).
So, for [price range], yes. For [price]--don't bother.

A review
I've like Charles Bronson ever since I saw him in Dirty Dozen. This DVD consists of Chino and Man with a camera. Chino is a well made film with Bronson as a half-indian horse rancher. It features beautiful horses and a lot more. This important film in his career is also known as Valdez, the half-breed. The other three important characters that is a teenage runaway is played by Vincent Van Patten, Maral, a wealthy breedy by Marcel Bozzuffi and his sister is played by Jill Ireland. Man with a Camera is a b/w TV preogramme. In it is a young Charles Bronson playing Mike Kovac, a photographer. It is an interesting TV presentation. This DVD also contains and introduction by the great Tony Curtis and an original trailer for Kid Galahad starring the King, Elvis Prestley. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Loved It!!
This movie is Bronson at his finest. It is full of suspense romance, and intrigue. The only drawback I can find on this movie is it is not yet available on DVD form.

"I'll turn you over my knee."
"Rider on the Rain", a 1969 thriller directed by French director, Rene Clement is one of my all-time favourite Charles Bronson films. I watched it many years ago, and it seemed a rather odd film for Charles Bronson to appear in. "Rider on the Rain" is the story of a young plucky French woman, Melancolie (Mellie). Mellie is married to Tony, a ridiculously jealous and possessive airline navigator. When he's home (which is rarely), Tony delights in bossing Mellie around, questioning her, and generally making her feel miserable. Of course, Tony, on the other hand, feels perfectly free to come and go without explanation, and he tells Mellie that the huge wad of cash in his pocket is "his business." Mellie--who appears to be a rather gentle soul--accepts whatever Tony doles out, and her behaviour alternates between mollifying him and pleasing him.

There are two other significant people in Mellie's life--her mother, Juliette, and her friend, Nicole (Jill Ireland). Mellie's world-weary mother, Juliette, isn't much help to Mellie either. And as for Nicole--well, as the saying goes, with a friend like that, who needs enemies. Between Tony, Nicole and Juliette, it's easy to see why Mellie remains so child-like.

One stormy evening, a stranger breaks into Mellie's home and brutally attacks her. Fear of her husband's response causes Mellie to hesitate before calling the police. Mellie's child-like exterior hides a great deal of toughness, and soon she's covering up a lot more than the attack. Enter, Colonel Harry Dobbs--an American who is searching for the very man who attacked Mellie. Mellie won't talk, and Dobbs won't give up, and so a game of cat and mouse begins...

"Rider on the Rain" was an award winning film in its time. Now, it inevitably seems dated. Cinema has certainly changed. Nowadays you would never see the hero (Charles Bronson) whacking women around. One of the best things about this film is the character of Mellie-she's just great. Everyone underestimates her--she's assigned roles by the significant people in her life, and they restrict her to those limitations. Mellie, however, is capable of a lot more than people give her credit for. I particularly enjoyed Mellie's relationship with her mother. There is a subtle relationship between Dobbs and Mellie throughout the film, and this gave the film a romantic air. The film has a few loose ends, and I think it would have aged better if it had subtitles. However, that said, many of the atmospheric elements in the film aged very well, and the film remains suspenseful--displacedhuman

One of Bronson's best!
I am sort of a Bronson fan I suppose and, in my opinion, this film,along with Hard Times, From Noon Till Three, Honor Among Thieves, and Red Sun, is one of his very best. I own two biographies of Bronson and he is quoted as stating that this film and Red Sun are probably his personal favorites. Rider on the Rain(1969) was really the first film where Bronson was the only starring male. His huge fame in France began with Honor Among Thieves(1968) but he co-starred with Alain Delon in that film. In Rider on the Rain, Bronson's acting shows quite a broad range and is literally fun to watch. I often wonder how he would have done with a comedy role. With the right director and the right script, Bronson was actually capable of acting with a humorous twinkle in his eye. In Rider on the Rain, Bronson gets to show confidence, anger, sympathy, affection, violence, determination, and a curious fearlessness. His female co-star, Marlene Jobert, is a wonderful mix of helplessness and strength and adds tremendously to the films overall success. Of course, the directing and the dialogue also add greatly but in this particular film, without Bronson's presence, the film would have, in my opinion, failed thoroughly. If you are a Bronson fan, and even if you are not, I heartily recommend this one!

A hidden gem
I saw this movie years ago, and am glad it is still available on video. It's remarkable for many reasons: a superb musical score by Francis Lai (he wrote the music for "A Man and a Woman," and this film's score has the same emotional tone); Charles Bronson's wonderful portrayal of a complex character; top-notch acting all around; a well-concieved plot with enough twists to keep you wondering; and a lush, handsome presentation.
It does all this without being overly arty or self-conscious. It's a movie that's very easy to watch, and very easy to like.

Very Romantic Movie
This is not a guy movie or a femminist movie.
This is the the story of a young fiance and daughter who is not able to ask for help when she is attacked and thinks she has to handle things herself. Charles Bronson is the Detective who comes, after the fact, and figures out what happened. He ends up protecting her. The story has a different twist at the end, and is a wonderful portrayal of small town girl in over her head and
rescued by the big city, hard as nails, honorable cop. Must have for Charles Bronson fans. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

CULT MOVIES 15
15. THE MECHANIC (action, 1972) Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson) is the mechanic, a hit man hired by the Organization (a Mafia-life firm) as its own assassin. Bishop's contact to the Organization is Harry, a long time confidant of his late father. Bishop is meticulous in his work. Before any hits he studies the targets weaknesses so as not to leave any leaks. He is without feelings or remorse, the consummate professional. Bishop's next target is Harry. He carries the job through without hesitation. Harry's son Steve (Jan-Michael Vincent) lives the life of a dilenta playboy. He suspects Bishop's involvement in his father's death, and tries to find out what his ties to the Organization are. Steve comes to admire Bishop's unwavering and ruthless personality, as Bishop admires Steve's youthful promiscuity and cunning nature. They are both alike. Bishop takes him under his wing and trains him as his new partner. On their first hit together their assigned to a "cowboy ride" (a hit that has to be done quickly). It turns out to be a set-up engineered by the Organization. Bishop escapes, but someone is still out to eliminate him.

Critique: As far as spy and espionage films go The Mechanic is one of the best. Not only for those Charles Bronson aficionados (like myself), but for lovers of well-made auctioneer. Michael Winner's clever direction adds a sparkle to the genre. He sets up interesting insights into assassin's mode of work. A cut above Death Wish (1974- Bronson's best known film), in both content and script, Bronson's performance is the epitome of cool. He's perfect at playing a character that has been totally detached from the outside world, and a man trapped in a world he can only have created. In the same way that Steve McQueen used his laconic presence to great use, Winner makes full use of Bronson's craggy features.

QUOTE: Bishop: "Murder is killing without a license. Everybody kills."

The thinking man's solution
Arthur Bishop (Charles Bronson) is a 'mechanic' -- a contract killer. Given an assignment, Mr. Bishop studies his target's habits, lifestyle and schedule, seeking weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Mr. Bishop then decides where and how to complete his assignment, using martial arts, weapons, explosives, or anything else deemed necessary. Mr. Bishop is an expert in a stress-filled occupation, but Mr. Bishop is beginning to experience anxiety attacks in his daily life.

Steve McKenna (Jan Michael Vincent) is the jaded son of a deceased crime boss. At Steve's urging Arthur accepts Steve as an apprentice. Arthur teaches Steve the tricks of the mechanic's trade. Their first assignment together is awkward. Their next assignment is a rush job and it blows up in their faces ...

Charles Bronson's career is marked by violent characterizations. The Arthur Bishop role is interesting because Arthur Bishop is an aesthetic -- Arthur Bishop treats contract killing as an art form. If Charles Bronson normally plays bludgeon characters, Arthur Bishop is a scalpel. And Jan Michael Vincent plays Steve McKenna both with sensitivity and with his usual attractive swagger. Coupled in a well-written plot, Bronson and Vincent's performances make "The Mechanic" a memorable film.

A real cultmovie from the seventies
Pay attention very careully. The essential dramatic line is very simple. Never trust in anyone; no matter what your intentions be; remeber two very close related films with this one; Donnie Brasco and Wall street.
The script turns aroun a smart paid assasin; his works are extremely clean and he makes those murderslook like simple accidents: the long opening sequence is wonderful , a silent depict without any introduction; the film is direct and deeply absorbimg.
Later he'll meet his next victim and wil befriendof the son of that one. Obviously he made a wrong choice; you know, in this business,and that choice will become the spark of his end.
The script flow runs organical; our mechanic has several nightmares; and also he suffers from insomnia. He makes his assignments as he was a chess player; the locations are superb; specially the last one in Naples.
Jan Michael Vincent worked out as a perfect balance to the mechanic: but warning; because you never must underestimate your enemy.
The ancestral myth of Icaro appears in this sense; too much proud; too much arrogance ; a briliant intelligence without a prudence dosis; a lion with fierce moods but without any sense of the rules of game. This fortune fate will reach you sooner or later.
You may enlist this title as another clever Film noir.
Bronson made a legendary film three years before titled The rain passenger from Rene Clement; and this movie made him growing up as a heavy weight character actor.
One of the most intimate triumphs of this unforgettable actor.
Buy this one!

Bronson at the top of his game
This is a great 70s movie. I haven't seen that many of Bronson's movies, but The Mechanic is by far the best of the ones I have seen. Bronson is a mechanic (or hitman) who is joined by Jan-Michael Vincent (who would later appear in the Airwolf TV show) as his apprentice. You're drawn in from the beginning even though there's no dialogue at all for several minutes. The planning and execution of the "hits" are cold and calculating, leaving the ultimate question of whether or not the apprentice will be able to succeed his master.

The Whole Ball Of Wax
You'd better hope and pray that your picture doesn't end up in Arthur Bishop's mailbox, boys and girls! That slick hitman, Bishop is played to the hilt by none other than Charles Bronson! You already knew that, but I had to say it regardless. This is one of his best performances right up there with his performance in Death Wish and The Great Escape. Like Death Wish, he's the criminal that we're all rootin' for, and he carries this movie flawlessly to the end. Even the most diehard Bronson hater(if there are any-and if there is, shame on you!) will dig this movie if you like action films. I really can't think of alot more to say about the film, other than it's worth it for the great price or at least a rental for crying out loud! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Bronson in a differnt kind of role
I just watched Somebody Behind the Door for the second time. The first time was about 12 years ago. This movie has a good story and is worth seeing. It is a bit dated now. You can tell it was shot on a low budget. But it is an interesting concept. Anthony Perkins is his usual creepy self with a twist as he manipulates a mental patient under his "care". Jill Ireland is beautiful and Bronson is... well Bronson (menacing). This is a stretch for Bronson from his usual macho revenge rolls but he holds up well. Its worth a look. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

"This is no ordinary Bronson movie."
That's from the back cover on the DVD. I guess what they're saying is, "This is a GOOD Bronson movie." Indeed -- ANY movie written by Lina Wertmuller and scored by Ennio Morricone is bound to be at least interesting, no matter the subject or the star. *Violent City*, set in New Orleans but Italian-produced (and directed by journeyman Sergio Sollima), is a really nasty piece of work that explores the seamy underbelly of petty organized crime and its contract killers. Charles Bronson plays a retired independent hitman hilariously named "Jeff". At first, he gets our sympathy. He's a nice guy, on the surface: well, he's nice as long as he's got a yacht and a hot broad to play with. But when things turn sour -- when he's double-crossed by the hot broad and an old pal -- he shows his true colors as a thoroughgoing b---ard. He's a remorseless killer with a rapist mentality. But in the milieu of *Violent City*, one can hardly single Jeff out for condemnation: it's every man (and woman) for him/herself. No good guys, here. Speaking of the woman, Bronson's wife Jill Ireland nicely brings to life Wertmuller's brilliant conception of the Dumb Blonde who hides the heart of a Medusa. Telly Savalas also makes an impression as the New Orleans kingpin who puts a roadblock in Jeff's plans for revenge. Savalas, wearing gigantic eyeglasses, gives us an oddly sympathetic Mob boss. (Bronson, btw, is terrible as usual, but so what?) I think I'll refrain from giving out plot details, because the movie depends on its plot twists to keep the audience hooked. Seekers of the "visual aesthetic" will definitely be hooked by the superb locales. Sollima manages to avoid the Quarter almost entirely: the majority of the location shots are in the seedy ghettos, swampy suburbs, and shipping docks of New Orleans. Never has this city looked so ugly and untouristy (no cliched scenes of the main characters wending their way through Bourbon St., et al.), but the scenery certainly befits the savage storyline. In any case, ALL will be impressed by the violent, slowly operatic finale. *Violent City* is a classic example of "neo-noir" at its conception in the early Seventies. It's a gem ripe for discovery. Especially recommendable to fans of Sam Peckinpah: the concerns with masculine power, and the blending of sex and violence, will make the Peckinpah fan feel right at home.

this is, to me,is charles bronson's masterpiece!
yep. you read that headline right. i have blasted bronson's later work like the DEATH WISH series, 10 TO MIDNIGHT, THE EVIL THAT MEN DO, MURPHY'S LAW, KINJITE, etc. you have to check on his earlier work which he did very well. he was tough, no nonsense, no remorse. his best films were THE DIRTY DOZEN, HARD TIMES, TELEFON + he did some italian actioners like RIDER IN THE RAIN & to me, his best film of all, VIOLENT CITY. it is shown on tv, where i saw last night, as THE FAMILY. an underrated 1970 treasure well directed by sergio sollima. bronson's wife jill ireland is perfect and very beautiful here. telly savalas is a hoot trying to squeeze out a new orleans accent as a mob boss. i won't get into the plot since i've read the other amazon reviews including 1 spoiler review. oh my, keep your ears peeled for ennio morricone's spectacular score. ranks right up there with ennio's GOOD, BAD AND THE UGLY theme. like i said, i won't do spoilers but the climax is well done with silence with the crackling sounds of bullets shattering glass and i did jump when that occurred. despite silence, jill ireland yells out her final line which i read her lips well. it is sad. i am glad VIOLENT CITY is on dvd. the widescreen is terrific! it is about time!

Italian Crime Flick with Charles Bronson
Good Italian hitman movie boasts a good Charles Bronson performance. The climax was really unique. If you like this, then check out Revolver by the same director.

SPOILER IN GENE MUNROE'S REVIEW!
I am looking forward to seeing this film but made the mistake of reading Gene Munroe's review below.

I now know the ending to the film thanks to an unnecessary spoiler. Thanks Gene!

Still look forward to Bronson and Savalas in the same film with a Morricone score though.

Charles Bronson is the Man you don't want to cross
One of the best films of the seventies in my opioin, Charles Bronson plays a Professinal Killer who is doublecrossed by powerful mob boss who wants Bronson to join his "Family" Simple, straightforward action that never lets up. The ending also proves memorable when Bronson realizes [...]. Bronson means business in this film the guy can portray this type of chracter better than anyone else and has proved it time and time again over the years. ... Read more

Description

In a city set to explode, one man has just lit the fuse. After a bloody double-cross leaves him for dead, professional hit man Jeff (Charles Bronson) tracks the shooter and his beautiful mistress (Jill Ireland) to New Orleans. But when Jeff takes both revenge and the woman, he finds himself blackmailed by a powerful crime boss (Telly Savalas), who wants the fiercely independent gunman to join his organization. Jeff refuses and is hunted through an unforgiving city where love is like a loaded gun and debts of vengeance are paid in bullets.
This is no ordinary Bronson movie. Packed with savage action and a shocking twist ending, Violent City (also known as The Family) is directed by Sergio Sollima (The Big Gundown) from a fast-paced screenplay co-written by Lina Wertmuller and features a remarkable score by the legendary Ennio Morricone. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

"This is no ordinary Bronson movie."
That's from the back cover on the DVD. I guess what they're saying is, "This is a GOOD Bronson movie." Indeed -- ANY movie written by Lina Wertmuller and scored by Ennio Morricone is bound to be at least interesting, no matter the subject or the star. *Violent City*, set in New Orleans but Italian-produced (and directed by journeyman Sergio Sollima), is a really nasty piece of work that explores the seamy underbelly of petty organized crime and its contract killers. Charles Bronson plays a retired independent hitman hilariously named "Jeff". At first, he gets our sympathy. He's a nice guy, on the surface: well, he's nice as long as he's got a yacht and a hot broad to play with. But when things turn sour -- when he's double-crossed by the hot broad and an old pal -- he shows his true colors as a thoroughgoing b---ard. He's a remorseless killer with a rapist mentality. But in the milieu of *Violent City*, one can hardly single Jeff out for condemnation: it's every man (and woman) for him/herself. No good guys, here. Speaking of the woman, Bronson's wife Jill Ireland nicely brings to life Wertmuller's brilliant conception of the Dumb Blonde who hides the heart of a Medusa. Telly Savalas also makes an impression as the New Orleans kingpin who puts a roadblock in Jeff's plans for revenge. Savalas, wearing gigantic eyeglasses, gives us an oddly sympathetic Mob boss. (Bronson, btw, is terrible as usual, but so what?) I think I'll refrain from giving out plot details, because the movie depends on its plot twists to keep the audience hooked. Seekers of the "visual aesthetic" will definitely be hooked by the superb locales. Sollima manages to avoid the Quarter almost entirely: the majority of the location shots are in the seedy ghettos, swampy suburbs, and shipping docks of New Orleans. Never has this city looked so ugly and untouristy (no cliched scenes of the main characters wending their way through Bourbon St., et al.), but the scenery certainly befits the savage storyline. In any case, ALL will be impressed by the violent, slowly operatic finale. *Violent City* is a classic example of "neo-noir" at its conception in the early Seventies. It's a gem ripe for discovery. Especially recommendable to fans of Sam Peckinpah: the concerns with masculine power, and the blending of sex and violence, will make the Peckinpah fan feel right at home.

this is, to me,is charles bronson's masterpiece!
yep. you read that headline right. i have blasted bronson's later work like the DEATH WISH series, 10 TO MIDNIGHT, THE EVIL THAT MEN DO, MURPHY'S LAW, KINJITE, etc. you have to check on his earlier work which he did very well. he was tough, no nonsense, no remorse. his best films were THE DIRTY DOZEN, HARD TIMES, TELEFON + he did some italian actioners like RIDER IN THE RAIN & to me, his best film of all, VIOLENT CITY. it is shown on tv, where i saw last night, as THE FAMILY. an underrated 1970 treasure well directed by sergio sollima. bronson's wife jill ireland is perfect and very beautiful here. telly savalas is a hoot trying to squeeze out a new orleans accent as a mob boss. i won't get into the plot since i've read the other amazon reviews including 1 spoiler review. oh my, keep your ears peeled for ennio morricone's spectacular score. ranks right up there with ennio's GOOD, BAD AND THE UGLY theme. like i said, i won't do spoilers but the climax is well done with silence with the crackling sounds of bullets shattering glass and i did jump when that occurred. despite silence, jill ireland yells out her final line which i read her lips well. it is sad. i am glad VIOLENT CITY is on dvd. the widescreen is terrific! it is about time!

Italian Crime Flick with Charles Bronson
Good Italian hitman movie boasts a good Charles Bronson performance. The climax was really unique. If you like this, then check out Revolver by the same director.

SPOILER IN GENE MUNROE'S REVIEW!
I am looking forward to seeing this film but made the mistake of reading Gene Munroe's review below.

I now know the ending to the film thanks to an unnecessary spoiler. Thanks Gene!

Still look forward to Bronson and Savalas in the same film with a Morricone score though.

Charles Bronson is the Man you don't want to cross
One of the best films of the seventies in my opioin, Charles Bronson plays a Professinal Killer who is doublecrossed by powerful mob boss who wants Bronson to join his "Family" Simple, straightforward action that never lets up. The ending also proves memorable when Bronson realizes [...]. Bronson means business in this film the guy can portray this type of chracter better than anyone else and has proved it time and time again over the years. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not as good as it might have been...
Here we have a very talkative Charles Bronson in a sub-par prison escape film. It seemed like more of a comedy than anything else. A nice turn by Randy Quaid as Bronsons goofy mechanic and a small part for Duvall. I still can't figure out why on the theatrical poster it shows a helicopter flying with a man dangling from a rope!?! It never happened in this movie but it is fun nonetheless. Just make sure you've checked out The White Buffalo, Stone Killer and St. Ives before you bother with this.

Bronson at his Best
Being a big Charles Bronson fan, i consider this to be among one of his best movies. The usually tight lipped quite guy is actually very colorful and alive in this action packed thriller. What a great cast also that are along for the ride Robert Duvall, Jull Ireland, Randy Quaid, Sheere North and even John Houston. Also, Another great score by Jerry Goldsmith. The real winner here is Bronson's performance.
Well for the DVD? it is barebones not even a trailer and although i would have loved to see some extras on this, chances of that happening are very remote. The biggest joy is to finally have this in the widescreen format 2.35:1 after countless years of watching the lousy pan and scan versions on video and laserdisc, this is a real treat to have and a MUST own for bronson fans. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A train worth catching
Anyone who's ever had to slog through his soul-destroying ITC or Cannon-years output will find it hard to imagine that there was ever a time when Charles Bronson was a half-decent actor who not only made films that were actually released in theaters, but good ones at that. Breakheart Pass is probably the best of the last burst of quality output in the actor's oeuvre that also saw Hard Times (aka The Streetfighter) and the whimsical From Noon Til Three; for that matter, the last good Alistair MacLean screen outing before what seems like an eternity of formulaic made-for-TV efforts with C-list casts.

The plot has all the MacLean staples - sabotage, secret identities, wolves in sheep's clothing and a plot where no-one and nothing is what they appear to be. The only novelty is the location, a train rushing through the old West to bring medical supplies to a cholera-infected fort through strikingly snowbound mountain countryside beautifully captured through cinematographer Lucien Ballard's lens. But the fact that so much of the film is simply one of the author's beloved WW2 plots with outlaws and Indians instead of Nazis doesn't matter: it's the telling that counts, and with a tight script and strong direction from Tom Gries that is equally adept at the mystery (more a 'what the heck's going on?' than 'who's behind it all?') as action (most notably a good rooftop punch-up and a spectacular wreck) it's never a dull ride.

Bronson, still making an effort in those days, comes over well, while the strong supporting cast (including John Ford and Sam Peckinpah regular Ben Johnson, as well as Richard Crenna, Charles Durning and Ed Lauter) add a pleasing layer of professionalism and credibility. Even Jill Ireland, never the most interesting of leading ladies, acquits herself well here.

Everyone here has done better work (check out Gries' extraordinarily affecting Will Penny or Ballard's work on The Wild Bunch), and it's not a life-changing experience, but that's not the point. This is an audience picture that sets out to entertain you for an hour-and-a-half, and succeeds admirably. And Jerry Goldsmith's terrific and exhilaratingly exciting score - his best in the genre - is the icing on the cake.

Great Western!
This is a great western with lots of action and it has
Charles Bronson who is a western legend(Magnificent Seven,
Chato's Land, Vera Cruz, etc). A must for Western collections!

An atypical western...
A tale of mystery and suspense in a western setting is rather uncommon, making Breakheart Pass an unusual film. It is based on the novel by Scottish author Alistair MacLean, who also wrote the screenplay. The story is centered on an army troop train on its way to Fort Humbolt, where there is apparently a medical emergency. The train is loaded with medical supplies and relief troops to replace those suffering from an epidemic. The cast is headed by Charles Bronson, as John Deakin an accused killer, and fugitive from the law. Also on board are the arresting marshal (Ben Johnson), the army troop commander (Ed Lauter), a trainman (Charles Durning), and a governor (Richard Crenna) and his mistress (Jill Ireland aka Mrs. Bronson).

While at a train stop, Deakin is arrested, and put on board the train for transport to the stockade at Humbolt. Already strange things have begun to happen, as two soldiers have disappeared. With an urgent mission to complete, the train must get under way. Trouble and misfortune begin to mount. A passenger is found dead, and then a train worker has a fatal fall. Next a whole carload of soldiers suffers a catastrophe. The survivors push on towards the fort, but find themselves with no way to communicate, as their telegraph set is mysteriously missing. What is happening, and who is behind it? Deakin investigates to try get to the bottom of the dark and deadly plot. Outlaws, Indians, guns and gold all figure into the mix. Deakin takes command of the train as it heads for a showdown in Breakheart Pass.

Breakheart Pass was written when MacLean's best works were already behind him. While it doesn't rank as one of his best books, it does make pretty good material for the big screen. The film is not outstanding, either as a western or as an action-adventure. It does however offer a different slant on the standard western story, and is presented in an easily accessible way. MacLean's script is handled capably by the large distinguished cast, under the direction of TV veteran Tom Gries. Charles Bronson's performance is very solid, and he competently carries the film. A couple of ex-athletes are also part of the train crew. Former boxer Archie Moore, plays the cook and gives Bronson all he can handle in a battle on the roof of the train. And former California and Viking QB Joe Kapp plays a train steward working for more than just tips.

Jerry Goldsmith's rousing theme music starts the movie, and then his score continues to effectively add to the enjoyment of the film. The transfer to DVD is good, but in certain scenes the poor quality of the original material shows. The DVD edition provides both widescreen and fullscreen versions, but no other extras except a tattered copy of the original trailer for the film.

Do the Locomotion: Tom Gries' Breakheart Pass
While most of Alistair Maclean's work is formulaic, consisting of good guys with a traitor in their midst (don't believe me, watch "Guns of Navarone" and "Force 10 from Navarone"), action director Gries brings together enough elements to make this a very effective film.

Bronson is arrested and taken aboard a train bound for a remote fort ravaged by diptheria. Aboard the train is a whole list of suspects, including Ben Johnson, Richard Crenna, Ed Lauter, Charles Durning, and Jill Ireland. Next, we get a wild west version of "Murder on the Orient Express," as dead people turn up constantly, and the list of criminals narrows to reveal our killer and the real reason for the trip to the fort.

For a ninety five minute film, the plot does get a little complicated. Bronson is in fine form as the mysterious criminal who figures it all out. The real star here is the action sequences, with a now classic fight on top of a moving train car. Yakima Canutt does a great job coordinating the stuntwork.

This is a change of pace western is entertaining and moves quickly, with capable cast and crew. Not a modern classic, but a good change of pace from young guns and american outlaws.

Offbeat Alistair MacLean Action Western
Trust no one and believe only half of what you see. At least that's what the trailer said. This is an odd little action film that takes place aboard a train full of mysterious characters that traverses snow covered landscapes (beautifully photographed by Lucien Ballard) and leaves bodies along the way. Charles Bronson plays the stoic John Deakin a secret service agent who tries to uncover the plot hidden aboard the train to Breakheart Pass. Once again director Tom Gries delivers a good action Western. The good cast includes Ben Johnson, Richard Crenna, Jill Ireland, Charles Durning and Ed Lauter. However I thought the real star of this film was Jerry Goldsmith's score. The powerful theme he composed for this movie advances the plot like a runaway steam engine. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

VERY BORING AT TIMES
A HALF INDIAN HORSE BREEDER [THE LATE GREAT CHARLES BRONSON] FALLS IN LOVE WITH A WOMAN [BRONSON'S DECEASED FORMER WIFE JILL IRELAND]. WHEN HER RACIST BROTHER FINDS OUT ABOUT IT, HE GETS ANGRY AND DECIDES TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. THIS WESTERN IS SIMPLY TOO SLOW MOVING AND TOO BORING AT TIMES. BRONSON'S DECENT PERFORMANCE IN THIS MOVIE IS THE ONLY THING SAVING THIS ONE. IT'S SIMPLY A WESTERN THAT TRYED TO BE TOO MUCH MORE THAN WHAT IT IS. BRONSON FANS DESERVE MUCH BETTER THAN THIS. IF YOU WANNA SEE A GOOD CHARLES BRONSON WESTERN, RENT OR BUY ''ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST''.

Simply lousy...
I hate to see the rating on this film misrepresented so I have to rate it.Aside from the lousy picture and sound, the movie stinks.Hard to believe both John Sturges and Charles Bronson were involved in this schlup, if that's even a word...

charles bronson at his best...
CHARLES BRONSON ("DEATH WISH, THE DIRTY DOZEN"), STARS AS CHINO VALDEZA LONE RANCHER, WHO WANTS TO LIVE HI LIFE IN PEACE BREEDING HORSES. ONE DAY A YOUNG STRANGER PASSES THROUGH THE RANCH LOOKING FOR A JOB. CHINO HIRES THE BOY AND DECIDES TO TEACH HIM THE ART OF BREAKING HORSES IN. THE YOUNG FELLOW TEACHES THE LONE RANCHER THE ART OF GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE. CHINO'S NEIGHBOR KATHERINE (JILL IRELAND) COMES TO THE RANCH FREQUENTLY FOR RIDING HORSES. SHE AND CHINO GET ALONG PRETTY WELL AND THEY FALL IN LOVE. MORELL WHI IS CHINO'S LONGTIME ENEMY AND THE BROTHER OF KATHERINE ISN'T HAPPY WITH HIS SISTER'S CHOICE. HE FORBIDS THE MARRIAGE AND THREATENS CHINO'D LIFE, LOVE, AND LIVELIHOOD. THEN BREAKS THE WAR BETWEEN THE TWO OF THEM.

chino
i love this movie its one of bronson best

Yuck!
This is a spaghetti western with no sauce in it. Normally a western with Bronson and directed by Sturges would have been something to wet one's appetite. It is not so here. The movieis dry and the pace is so slow. The production value is cheap. Despite the presence of an internationally popular star at that time, Bronson just could not carry this one. It amazes me that the director associated with films like The Magnificent Seven and The Gunfight at the OK Corral could come up with something bad as this one. But the trend was already there when he directed Joe Kidd with Clint Eastwood. That was bad. This was worse. The DVD picture is bad and hazy. It seems that this was taken from an old and badly copied VHS and transferred to DVD. Shades of the old MC Clintok DVD from Goodtime Video. Don't waste your money on this one. This is Bronson's worst movie. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Must-not see
If you rent (or even worse, buy) this video, you will regret it. I know I did.
Acting is terrible and the version I bought (argh!) had a horrible transfer, both visually and audibly.
That's what I get for not reading reviews first...

Very bad reproduction on DVD
This DVD has a very bad image and sound. Altought it is a good movie, I don't recomend it if you are looking for a Charles Bronson movie for your collection due to its bad reproduction. No menu, no subtitles, no chapter selection. I wished I did not buy it. ...