Death Wish II Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Man moves to LA for a fresh start, but tragedy strikes again, leading him to become a one-man exterminator of all things scummy in California, armed with a grimace and a Beretta.

🍿 Death Wish II: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Moving to Los Angeles

Following the events in New York City, architect Paul Kersey relocates to Los Angeles with his traumatized daughter, Carol, hoping for a fresh start. He begins a relationship with radio reporter Geri Nichols and attempts to reintegrate Carol into normal life.

Tragedy Strikes Again

While at a carnival, Kersey’s wallet is stolen by a gang of five. Later, the same gang breaks into Kersey’s home, where they brutally assault and murder his housekeeper, Rosario. When Kersey and Carol return, they are attacked, and Carol is kidnapped.

Seeking Vengeance

Carol is subsequently raped and, in a desperate attempt to escape, jumps from a window and is impaled on a fence, resulting in her death. Grief-stricken and enraged, Kersey retrieves his hidden .32 caliber handgun and begins his vigilante crusade against the gang.

Tracking and Eliminating the Gang

Kersey rents an apartment in a seedy part of town and begins systematically hunting down the members of the gang. He encounters them one by one, using his skills and weaponry to deliver his brand of justice. His actions attract the attention of both the LAPD and his old acquaintance, Detective Frank Ochoa, from New York.

Ochoa’s Involvement

Detective Ochoa is sent to Los Angeles to investigate the vigilante killings, suspecting Kersey’s involvement. He confronts Geri Nichols and reveals Kersey’s past. Despite his mission, Ochoa finds himself sympathizing with Kersey’s cause. In a climactic shootout, Ochoa is killed while saving Kersey from the gang. Before dying, Ochoa urges Kersey to finish the job.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson): An architect turned vigilante seeking revenge after his daughter and housekeeper are brutally attacked.
• Geri Nichols (Jill Ireland): Paul Kersey’s girlfriend, a radio news reporter, who unknowingly becomes involved in his vigilante activities.
• Det. Frank Ochoa (Vincent Gardenia): A New York detective sent to Los Angeles to investigate the vigilante killings and track down Paul Kersey.
• Nirvana (Thomas F. Duffy): The ruthless leader of the gang of thugs who commits heinous crimes against Kersey’s family, making him Kersey’s primary target.
• Carol Kersey (Robin Sherwood): Paul Kersey’s traumatized daughter, who suffers a second brutal attack leading to her tragic death.
• Rosario (Silvana Gallardo): Paul Kersey’s housekeeper who is brutally attacked and murdered by a gang, triggering Kersey’s thirst for revenge.
• Cutter (Laurence Fishburne): A member of the violent street gang who plays a role in the attacks on Paul Kersey’s family, eventually facing Kersey’s lethal retribution.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Paul Kersey: “You believe in Jesus?” – Paul asks this before executing one of the muggers, showing his cold and calculated approach to vigilante justice.
• Paul Kersey: “Well, you’re gonna meet him.” – Paul finishes the previous sentence with this line, immediately before shooting the thug. It emphasizes the lack of remorse.
• Det. Frank Ochoa: “I had to side with Paul against the criminals.” – Ochoa says this just before dying, showing his conflicted loyalties between law enforcement and vigilante justice.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $16,100,000
• Worldwide Gross: $16,100,000

💥 Death Wish II Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Death Wish II’ as a teen and being shocked by the violence. Looking back, the film is a mixed bag. Bronson is cool as always, and the action is there, but the story often feels exploitative. I cringed at the unnecessary cruelty inflicted on the female characters – it felt cheap. While there’s a twisted satisfaction in seeing Kersey clean up the streets, the movie left me feeling uneasy. It’s definitely not for everyone, and I can’t say I enjoyed it as much now as I did back then. The whole scene where the daughter meets her fate is still disturbing and a bit much for my taste.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Charles Bronson”
  • “Viewers interested in 1980s action films”
  • “Those seeking revenge thrillers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Rape”
  • “Sexual assault”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Nudity”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “A lurid, ugly film that throws out the intelligence and social commentary of the original in favor of gratuitous violence and exploitation. A complete waste of time.
• Variety: “Lacking the gritty realism of its predecessor, ‘Death Wish II’ opts for over-the-top violence and caricatured villains. Bronson is as stoic as ever, but the plot is predictable and morally questionable.
• The New York Times: “A mean-spirited and exploitative sequel that revels in its own brutality. While Bronson fans may find some satisfaction, the film offers little beyond its grim premise and graphic violence.

Audience Reactions

Bronson’s stoic performance and no-nonsense attitude.: Fans appreciate Bronson’s dedication to the role and his ability to portray a man driven to the edge.

The unflinching depiction of urban decay and violence.: Some viewers admire the film’s willingness to confront the dark realities of crime, even if it’s exaggerated.

Overall Consensus: A controversial and divisive sequel that amplifies the violence of the original but lacks its depth and moral complexity. While some appreciate Bronson’s performance and the film’s unflinching portrayal of crime, many find it exploitative and morally questionable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin composed the film’s score, replacing Herbie Hancock.”
• “Laurence Fishburne, credited as Laurence Fishburne III, appears as one of the gang members early in his career.”
• “According to Michael Winner’s biography, Charles Bronson’s alcoholic brother often visited the set to borrow money. Bronson was careful not to give him too much in case someone might kill him for it. He was later found dead in a cheap hotel room having been stabbed in the buttocks.”

🖥️ How to Watch Death Wish II?

Death Wish II is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. As physical media may be available used, check major retailers online for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Death Wish II, you might like these similar films:

• Death Wish (1974): The original film that started the franchise, exploring similar themes of vigilante justice after personal tragedy.
• Taxi Driver (1976): Shares themes of urban decay, vigilante justice, and the psychological toll on a troubled individual.
• The Exterminator (1980): Another vigilante film from the same era, featuring a Vietnam veteran taking extreme measures against criminals in New York City.
• Man on Fire (2004): A modern take on the revenge thriller, with a bodyguard seeking vengeance against those who kidnapped the girl he was protecting.
• Ms .45 (1981): A cult classic exploitation film about a mute woman who becomes a vigilante after being attacked.

🛒 Death Wish II Related Products

• Death Wish: Limited Edition Blu-Ray Collection: Includes all five Death Wish films in high-definition, with exclusive commentary, behind-the-scenes footage, and a collector’s booklet detailing the history of the franchise.
• Beretta 84 FS CO2 Powered Air Pistol: A realistic replica of the Beretta 84 FS pistol used by Paul Kersey in Death Wish II. It’s CO2 powered, has realistic blowback action, and is perfect for target practice or collection.
• Death Wish II Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster for Death Wish II. Printed on archival paper, this poster captures the film’s gritty aesthetic.
• Death Wish Vigilante Justice T-Shirt: Show your appreciation for the legendary Paul Kersey with this custom designed t-shirt. Featuring a stylized image of Charles Bronson and the Death Wish logo, it’s a must-have for any fan.

🎧 Soundtrack

Death Wish II features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Jimmy Page
• “The Release” – performed by Jimmy Page
• “Jill” – performed by Jimmy Page
• “Carol’s Theme” – performed by Jimmy Page

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Funny clips from the Death Wish series

Who knew *Death Wish* could be so funny? This video compiles the funniest moments from the series – definitely worth a watch if you need a good laugh!

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