Death Race
Death Race

Movie spotlight

Death Race

1973
Movie
74 min
English

In the North African desert in World War II, a crippled American fighter plane that is unable to take off tries to evade and destroy a pursuing Nazi tank.

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes81%
Google Users80%
Director: Paul BartelGenres: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi

Plot Summary

In a dystopian 2008, America has become a totalitarian state where citizens are pacified by a deadly, televised demolition derby. The most popular driver, Frankenstein, navigates the treacherous races, facing betrayal and the constant threat of death. As he pushes the boundaries of the sport, he uncovers the dark secrets behind the game and the oppressive regime that controls it, leading him to question his role in the system.

Critical Reception

The original 'Death Race 2000' is a cult classic, celebrated for its darkly satirical take on American culture, violence, and media. While initially met with mixed reviews for its low budget and graphic content, its enduring legacy lies in its sharp social commentary and outrageous premise. It has since gained widespread critical acclaim as a pioneering work of exploitation cinema and a prescient satire.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sharp social satire and prescient commentary on media violence.

  • Noted for its over-the-top performances and anarchic, B-movie charm.

  • Considered a cult classic with enduring relevance despite its low-budget origins.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate 'Death Race 2000' for its wild, satirical premise and its surprisingly relevant social commentary on violence and media consumption. Many find its campy nature and over-the-top performances highly entertaining, cementing its status as a beloved cult film.

Fun Fact

Roger Corman, the film's producer, originally intended for the film to be a straightforward action movie, but director Paul Bartel infused it with satirical elements, transforming it into a cult classic that commented on society.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
Col_Hessler

Col_Hessler

This is a terrific variation on Moby Dick, and is one of those stories from the 70s made-for-TV movie heyday. Doug McClure's character is an easy going guy who just wants to do enough to get by. He sets down at a British base expecting to...