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Death Wish V: The Face of Death

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4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

When Charles Bronson died recently, he left behind a body of work spanning four decades. One of his last film projects was an entry in a memorable franchise, the final installment of the "Death Wish" films. "Death Wish V: The Face of Death" marked the end of more than one era. Gone forever is the reliable low budget Bronson actioner that predominated the 1980s. I grew up on a steady diet of Chuck Bronson films, so paying homage to this enjoyable actor by watching this film was quite easy. It was a surprise to notice that one member of the Golan-Globus team that ran Cannon films in the 1980s produced "Death Wish V," giving the movie even more of a nostalgic feel. The "Death Wish" series introduced America to Paul Kersey, an architect by trade who, through a series of unfortunate and violent circumstances, sought bloody revenge on criminals who murdered his family. The first film did wonderfully at the box office, providing a measure of vicarious thrill for a population weary of rampant crime on the streets of America. Then the series got ridiculous as Kersey literally became a death wish for anybody who associated with him. In each subsequent film, a girlfriend or soon to be wife bought the big one, inspiring the architect to hit the streets one more time in search of retribution. This guy lost more people close to him because of criminals than would ever be possible, but such is the dangerous world of filmmaking.

In "Death Wish V," Kersey, now in the witness protection program after his last outbreak of bloody violence, again decides to look for a wife. He finds one in Olivia Regent, a one time model who now runs her own fashion studio. Even better, Olivia has a young daughter who thinks the world of Paul and eagerly wants her mother to marry him. The only obstacle to this happy union is Olivia's ex-husband, a brutal Irish gangster named Tommy O'Shea, a guy who persists in harassing his ex-wife because he has a stake in her business. He also wants his daughter back and will do almost anything to achieve this goal. When O'Shea isn't terrorizing his family, he spends his time shaking down other businesses in the garment district. Oh, and just so we know this guy is a big time baddie, the film makes sure to let us know that O'Shea is also a racist. Within minutes Paul and Tommy exchange a few words, and we just know that Kersey will go after this guy. After a goon roughs up Olivia and murders her factory manager, Kersey quickly realizes that his complaints to the authorities fall on deaf ears. Both the police and the D.A.'s office say they can do nothing because no one will testify against the nasty O'Shea. In fact, they tell Paul that they have been on this criminal's tail for some sixteen years without success. The architect's rage knows no bounds when Olivia dies in a shoot out and her daughter ends up in the custody of her gangster father. Out comes the gun and Kersey is off on yet another bloody crusade against street predators.

Bronson looks surprisingly fit for a man well into his seventies. While I didn't buy some of the antics he took part in, the filmmakers wisely decided to minimize any physical confrontations between Kersey and O'Shea's goons. Instead, the revenge killings that take place involve some cyanide, a soccer ball filled with explosives (which works well as an idea and leads to a cool "guy on fire" scene), and your typical final showdown with plenty of gunfire and explosions. Some of the deaths are unintentionally funny, such as the factory worker soaring through a storefront window and the acid bath at the end. Overall, "Death Wish V" delivers some satisfying screen violence that fits in well with the arc of the series overall. Special mention goes to the special effects technicians who punched up the sounds of the gunfire and explosions. Every time a gun goes off it sounds like a howitzer, and the explosions boomed out of my speakers in deafening peals. Expect to hear some classic Bronson lines as he delivers justice the only way he knows how. I roared with laughter over the soccer ball scene, especially when I noticed how Kersey smiles and laughs as the guy dies. Overdone, perhaps, but realistic if this is really a guy seeking revenge for the death of a loved one.

The performances aren't too bad for this type of film. Bronson phones in his performance, which isn't surprising because he's played this character so many times. The guy who played Tommy O'Shea decided to imbue his character with a drollness as thick as an Irish brogue. Lesley-Anne Down doesn't do much as Olivia Regent, nor does the actress who plays her daughter. The various actors playing O'Shea's goons failed to stick in my memory five minutes after I watched this thing, but who cares, really? As long as Kersey blows 'em away by the end, I'm a happy camper. The violence is the real star of this movie anyway. Be sure and look for the familiar faces of Saul Rubinek as Tony Hoyle and Miguel Sandoval as his suspicious sidekick Hector. The DVD doesn't contain too much in the way of extras, but the picture looks good for such a fun, throwaway movie. You simply have to like a film that uses a poisoned pastry and a remote controlled toy to dispatch bad guys. You should also like a film that makes dandruff a major plot point. Perhaps Bronson deserved better projects for his final movie appearances, but I appreciated the fact that he made another one of these films. R.I.P., Charles Bronson.

I love the first Death Wish sequels, but lets face it...they were trashy entertainment. They had little plot (basically shoot the hell out of scum), they portrayed unenthusiastic performances by supporting cast, they had characters that you didn't care about, silly love interests for Bronson, and paltry directing. All this is what actually made those films so much fun. You won't exactly get that with Death Wish 5. The filmmakers actually seem to have tried to make a decent film with this sequel. The villains seem to have more depth and there's actually a plot. It try's to develop characters you care about, though it doesn't quite succeed on some levels. What I found amazing is that Bronson's love interest is actually somewhat believeable, unlike in Death Wish 3 & 4 which it was more laughable. I actually found myself very surprised by this film, in a good way. You could say that Death Wish 5, should I dare say, is the best Death Wish sequel. Though I said best, it does not mean most entertaining. Death Wish 5 may have the most developed plot, better acting, and overall better filmmaking than its predecessors, but the first sequels are actually more entertaining. You can't beat the final shout-out in Death Wish 3 or the roller rink ending to Death Wish 4. That's pure entertainment! So in conclusion, Death Wish 5 is not your average Death Wish sequel. This could be a good or a bad thing. If you absolutely love the other Death Wish sequels and think they are the best films ever made; you may not like this one. But if you, like me, love the other Death Wish films for what they are and are able to accept change, then you will find Death Wish 5 to your much liking.

TRIVIA: The original VHS release portrayed the title DEATH WISH V: THE FACE OF DEATH on the box art and in the film itself. The newer DVD release has the "V" removed from the title so now the film and box art portray DEATH WISH: THE FACE OF DEATH. Why Vidmark Entertainment removed the "V", we may never now.

Hey, I was glad when I saw previews for this way back when. Charles Bronson, who was something like 72 when this flick was made, was back. God bless the man.

I think that the original Death Wish was a very powerful and relevant film. As for the sequels, hey, they're for Bronson addicts, period. Part II was exploitation pure and simple, Part III was ridiculous and highly enjoyable, Part IV was going through the motions, and Part V...? Well, let's just say that Paul Kersey is back. Period.

Yeah, he's still an architect. But he's just THAT close to taking up his night job, which is vigilante extraordinaire. By now, he's a very seasoned pro. So when some mobsters whack out his girlfriend, he's goes on the offesive and starts doing the cops' work without the whole civil rights problem, etc.

Bronson's revenge is swift and violent. He poisons a canolli, he blows up a soccer ball in someone's face, he kills. Period.

Is the film any good? Naturally, no. This is low budget. Heck, even the film stock looks crusty. But it's a Death Wish sequel, and even fans won't expect more than the usual. Paul Kersey tries to live a normal life, but gosh-darn-it, he winds up being the vigilante, yet again. Someone's gotta do it.

This is not the best Death Wish sequel. That honor may be taken by III. But it's watchable. It's Bronson. Nuff said.

I'm at a point in my life where watching movies like this goes against my nature. But that said, this final chapter in the "Death Wish" series was not only a great conclusion, but it was a great way for Mr. Bronson to finish his acting work. (According to my research, this was the last film Charles Bronson made.) In earlier "Death Wish" movies, Bronson's role as Paul Kersey was limited to revenge and shooting down thugs of a low nature. "Death Wish V" seems to have overcome the problems of the previous chapters. Paul Kersey is at a point where he has fallen in love with a woman and just wants to live the rest of his life in peace. However, he realizes that the woman in his life (Lesley Anne Down) has a past with a mobster Tommy O'Shea that she can't sever. One really memorable comment from Bronson is: "Guns have their uses. Idiots with guns make me nervous." (A real proverb!) To make a long story short, Down is killed because she plans to testify against her x husband O'Shea. While earlier DW movies focused on revenge, Part V takes it to the next levels. While revenge is certainly part of Bronson's motive, he underlines that it is not just about revenge. He emphasizes that these mobsters go around just doing what they want and ruining the lives of people who are just trying to live honest lives. Part V also indicates that just because someone has a title or position in the justice system, that does NOT automatically mean you can trust them. I know some people knocked this 5th chapter for Bronson's unusually strategic methods. But it really made a lot of sense. To be sure, at this point in time, Bronson was in good shape for someone in his 70s. But remember, in this chapter, he is fighting organized crime. (Not just gunning down street thugs.) He is fighting more intelligent and able opponents who have actually been able to manipulate the justice system.) There is an unusual suspense and creepiness to this final chapter. While the 1st 4 chapters had an urban feeling, Part 5 has a chilling Gothic feel. As the Irish Mafia Boss, Tommy O'Shea is really evil. But he carries a charm that makes it almost impossible not to like him in a way. (Especially when he almost seems grateful to his opponent Bronson for taking down his annoying inside man in the justice system.) While any "Death Wish" fan will probably be able to guess the outcome of this movie, there is a great artistic and creepy suspense that we didn't have in previous chapters. While Part 4 kind of had an unsatisfying and morose end, the phenomenal Part 5 ends Mr. Bronson's work on a satisfying and artistic note. Enjoy your everlasting peace Mr. Bronson.

In this, the fifth (and probably final) film of the "Death Wish" series, Paul Kersey has entered the Witness Protection Program and has moved back to New York City (actually Toronto, Canada) to settle down with a famous fashion designer. Unfortunately, his fiancé's mobster/ex-husband (played by Michael Parks) is getting involved in the fashion industry and begins to make life hell for both Kersey and his future wife, Olivia (played by Lesley-Anne Down). When Olivia decides to testify against her ex-husband, she is brutally disfigured and then killed at her home. That is when Kersey goes to work!

Using chemicals, military weapons and even children's toys, Kersey gives the mob something they wish they never got (and does he ever give it to them!).

Definitely one of the best and one of the most violent in the series, this film shows many scenes (albeit brief) of graphic torture, so parents should definitely keep their children away until they're at least 16. Even Bronson (72 when he made this) is still in peak physical shape and it is great watching him kick ass with the best of them. Forget Schwarzenegger, Stallone or Seagal. Charles Bronson is indeed the quintessential tough guy and there's no beating him!

Film lovers who love watching bloopers will have fun with this one (watch for the Canadian mailboxes in front of the fashion factory, especially when it suppose to be New York City)!

If there does happen to be a "Death Wish 6" (and the ending of this film leaves that possibility), I can only hope it was as good as this one and not nearly as horrible as some of the earlier entries (eg: Death Wish II) in the series.

Definitely check out "Death Wish 5: The Face Of Death". You won't regret it.

I recently saw this sequel in the series and I thought it was great. One thing that is different from the previous ones in this series is that Paul Kersey has upped his status. The day-glo punks and riff raff from the first three Death Wish movies are gone and now Paul is taking on the mob. Once again someone close to Paul gets killed, and Kersey responds guns in hand ready to get revenge...... and you know he will! Paul Kersey is an example of how when the law fails, it is time to take it into one's hands. And think about this, when thses guys are killed by Kersey, how can you not cheer? When Tommy O' Shea gets a bath, who didn't cheer? Great film, great series, and of course Bronson is one of the greatest of our time.
R.I.P.
Chuck

you are missed!

Death Wish 5

One thing that is different from the previous ones in this series is that Paul Kersey has upped his status. The day-glo punks and riff raff from the first three Death Wish movies are gone and now Paul is taking on the mob. Once again someone close to Paul gets killed, and Kersey responds guns in hand ready to get revenge...... and you know he will! Paul Kersey is an example of how when the law fails, it is time to take it into one's hands. And think about this, when theses guys are killed by Kersey, how can you not cheer? When Tommy O' Shea gets a bath, who didn't cheer? Great film, great series, and of course Bronson is one of the greatest of our time.


Recommended for fans of Charles Bronson and the Death wish series of movies

Gunner January, 2008

Paul Kersey now lives in the witness protection program (why?) and is preparing to settle down with another woman, a fashion designer in New York, and her daughter. But this new love comes with some ugly baggage. Her ex-husband is a local hood who is using his ex-wife's business to clean his dirty money. When this operation is threatened said ex makes violent threats and then follows through on them with his trio of thugs. Of course the law seems to be unable to do anything about it and Kersey (who everybody on the planet seems aware of) returns to his old ways - nobody puts up much of a fight. There is very little steam in this entry, but writer/director Allan A. Goldstein does manage a few nice touches, just not as many as previous entries had. Bronson still has more star charisma and presence in his winter years than just about any action star of today. You could believe his punch would still pack a wallop. What is sad though is that Goldstein's script is so choked with illogic. As I mentioned before, it seems that every law enforcement officer in New York City (actually cost saving Canada this time around) knows that Kersey is back to his creep killing ways and their only reaction is. "Cut it out, will ya?" That does not tension make. Heck, even Death Wish 4: The Crackdown handled it better. Nonetheless, the cast plays their roles with just the right amount of winking and/or phoning in and one or two inventive dispatchings of the love-to-hate-them bad guys spices up the overly routine aspects of the movie. But it's for the die hard fans only.

Since this was the 5th in the series and Bronson was gettin up there in age some folks claim this is a kinder and gentler Death Wish flick. Don't you believe it!! Bronson returns as Paul Kersey and he's even more sadistic than ever! I love this movie. Michael Parks is the best damn villian in the entire series and this flicks even got a transvestite slammin a woman's face into a broken mirror! OUCH! The fat guy gettin his fat cut off with a saw is one highlight, and just wait to ya see what happens to him after that! His death scene had me rollin'!! Bronson is even more psychologically sadistic and the smile on his face says it all!! He's killin scum and lovin' every minute of it! He even melts a guy in acid!! It dont get no better than the Death Wish series!!

Charles Bronson still at his best acting performance even at his age at the time of the taping. He is rock solid, cool, tough, and how we've always known him. There will never be one like him, I miss you Charlie. A must for any Bronson fan.