Death Wish II (1982)

Architect Paul Kersey once again becomes a vigilante when he tries to find the five street punks who murdered his daughter and housekeeper, this time on the dark streets of Los Angeles.

Director:

Michael Winner

Writers:

David Engelbach, Brian Garfield (characters)

Stars:

Charles Bronson, Jill Ireland, Vincent Gardenia

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Charles Bronson	...	Paul Kersey
Jill Ireland	...	Geri Nichols
Vincent Gardenia	...	Det. Frank Ochoa
J.D. Cannon	...	New York D.A.
Anthony Franciosa	...	Herman Baldwin
Ben Frank	...	Inspector Lt. Mankiewicz
Robin Sherwood	...	Carol Kersey
Silvana Gallardo	...	Rosario
Robert F. Lyons	...	Fred McKenzie
Michael Prince	...	Elliott Cass
Drew Snyder	...	Deputy Comm. Hawkins
Paul Lambert	...	New York Police Comm.
Thomas F. Duffy	...	Nirvana (as Thomas Duffy)
Kevyn Major Howard	...	Stomper
Stuart K. Robinson	...	Jiver

Storyline

After using himself as bait to rid New York City of its muggers in Death Wish (1974), Paul Kersey relocates to Los Angeles with his traumatised daughter, trying to wipe the slate clean, and bury the past. However, once again, Paul catches the eye of a new bunch of savage street thugs, and before long, rape and murder destroy his family. Now, armed with his unforgiving semi-automatic Beretta 84 pistol, Kersey prowls the filthy backstreets of L.A., eager to pick up where he left off, and clean up the city. But, Paul's brutal method of justice is starting to attract unwanted attention. Will the police corner the notorious vigilante this time?

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Plot Keywords:

rape | prostitute | woman in jeopardy | gang rape | vigilante | 

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Taglines:

When murder and rape invade your home, and the cops can't stop it... This man will. His way.

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Robin Sherwood who plays Charles Bronsons' daughter Carol has no lines.

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Goofs

In the scene where Kersey meets his girlfriend at the rooftop Japanese restaurant, he drinks from his glass of Dom and then puts the glass down on the table. When the shot changes he's again putting the glass down.

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Quotes

Policeman 1: The cab driver said he didn't see anything. Was just passing through.
Inspector Lt. Mankiewicz: Yeah, they just want to stay out of trouble.

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Alternate Versions

The original UK cinema and video versions were extensively cut by BBFC head James Ferman (to the fury of Michael Winner). 3 minutes 42 seconds were removed from the rape of Rosario the housemaid and a minor edit was made to the rape of Carol by Punkcut. Although 19 secs of cuts were reinstated for the 2005 video release (the R-rated US release was submitted) the film was then cut again in 2006, losing a further 27 seconds of 'sexual and sexualized violence'.

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Connections

Referenced in Santa Claus Is a Stinker (1982)

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Soundtracks

Go, Tell It on the Mountain
Traditional
Performed by the church congregation

User Reviews

Lady, you scream and disturb the neighbors, we'll cut you into little pieces and eat you for dinner!

Well, we don't get the great Herbie Hancock score of the first movie, but we do get Jill Ireland, Mrs. Bronson, in one of her last films, directed as Death Wish I and III, by Michael Winner.

We also get what I feel is the biggest collection of scumbags ever assembled. Thomas F. Duffy as Nirvana, Kevyn Major Howard as Stomper, Stuart K. Robinson as Jiver, Laurence Fishburne as Cutter, and E. Lamont Johnson as Punkut. It was fitting that the first kill occurred in a rat- infested building, and the last was an electrocution.

Vincent Gardenia is back to track down Kersey after he starts again in Los Angeles.

Unlike the serious and tragic first film, this is more focused and revenge-oriented. A good film, nonetheless.

Details

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 February 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Death Wish 2

Filming Locations:

Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery - 1831 W. Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$16,100,000

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$16,100,000

Company Credits

Production Co:

Golan-Globus Productions, Landers-Roberts Productions, City Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min 91 min (unrated)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1