Death Wish

After his wife is murdered and his daughter is sexually assaulted during a home invasion, mild-mannered architect Paul Kersey is driven to a violent path of vigilantism. Increasingly disillusioned with the police's inability to bring the perpetrators to justice, Kersey begins patrolling the streets at night, seeking out and killing criminals. As his persona as 'The Vigilante' grows, so does the public's debate over his methods, pitting law-and-order advocates against civil libertarians.

Death Wish was a controversial film upon its release, praised by some for its gritty portrayal of urban decay and the primal desire for justice, while condemned by others for its graphic violence and perceived glorification of vigilantism. Despite critical division, it proved to be a commercial success, spawning a long-running franchise.

• Charles Bronson delivers a compelling performance as a man pushed to his limits.

• The film's exploration of urban crime and vigilantism remains potent, though often gratuitously violent.

• A landmark film in the vigilante genre, sparking significant societal debate.

Google audience: Google users generally appreciate the film's gritty realism and Charles Bronson's iconic portrayal of a vigilante seeking justice. However, some find the violence excessive and the plot simplistic.

The film's controversial themes and success led to a series of four sequels starring Charles Bronson, making it one of the longest-running franchises of its kind.