Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sexual violence, cursing in strongly pro-vigilante drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Death Wish (1974)
What's the Story?
DEATH WISH (1974) introduces bleeding-heart-liberal architect Paul Kersey (Charles Bronson), who becomes a vigilante out for street justice after his wife and daughter are violently attacked in his home.
Is It Any Good?
As a crime drama or thriller this movie ultimately falls short, mostly because it doesn't connect messages about vengeance or justice with the main character or the story. Most of the violence in Death Wish (1974), and all of the considerable shock value that makes it unsuitable for kids and teens, is loaded into the first 20 minutes or so. What follows, after a too-long trip to Arizona, are too many scenes of Kersey shooting presumed criminals who have nothing to do with him or the crime committed against his family. Even his daughter's recovery takes a back seat to Kersey wandering the streets at night looking for thugs to kill.
Charles Bronson's breakout portrayal of the tough but quiet vigilante was a fan favorite, spawning no fewer than four sequels and a 2018 remake starring Bruce Willis. Teens may be curious about the original, so be prepared to talk with them, especially about the sexual violence, and also about their thoughts on how people can protect themselves, gun use, and taking the law into your own hands.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Death Wish (1974). Is it realistic? Does it add to the story? How much is OK to show in movies?
What about the strong language? How much is OK for kids to hear? Is the profanity realistic?
Is it ever OK to take the law into your own hands? What if law enforcement isn't effective? Does the movie show that there are consequences for vigilantism? What are they?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 24, 1974
- On DVD or streaming : September 26, 2017
- Cast : Charles Bronson , Vincent Gardenia
- Director : Michael Winner
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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