Watch Death Hunt
- R
- 1981
- 1 hr 37 min
-
6.9 (8,315)
Death Hunt is a 1981 action-thriller movie that features Charles Bronson, Lee Marvin, and Andrew Stevens. It is directed by Peter R. Hunt, and the story is based on a real-life manhunt that took place in the Yukon Territory in the 1930s. The movie has received mixed reviews from critics and viewers, but it remains a cult classic among fans of Bronson and Marvin.
The movie follows the story of Albert Johnson (Charles Bronson), a loner who arrives in a small town in the Yukon Territory with his dog. He is immediately suspected of being a criminal and is harassed by the local police and hunters. When he fights back against their abuse, he becomes the target of a manhunt led by Sergeant Edgar Millen (Lee Marvin). The chase takes them through the unforgiving wilderness, and it soon becomes clear that Johnson is not the easy prey they thought he was.
Charles Bronson plays the part of Albert Johnson with his signature intensity and stoicism. Johnson is a mysterious character who rarely speaks, but his actions speak louder than words. He is a skilled survivalist who is not afraid to use violence to protect himself and his dog. Throughout the movie, we see Bronson's character running through the wilderness, engaging in hand-to-hand combat, and using various tools to evade his pursuers. His portrayal of Johnson is both formidable and sympathetic, and it is easy to understand why he is such a beloved actor.
Lee Marvin is equally impressive as Sergeant Edgar Millen. He is a seasoned police officer who is respected by his men and feared by his enemies. Millen is determined to catch Johnson at all costs, and he is not above using underhanded tactics to achieve his goal. Marvin's performance is nuanced, and he manages to convey Millen's frustration and obsession without making him seem like a one-dimensional villain. He also has great chemistry with Bronson, and their scenes together are some of the movie's highlights.
Andrew Stevens plays the role of Millen's assistant, Constable Alvin Adams. He is a young and inexperienced officer who is eager to prove himself to Millen. However, he soon realizes that Millen's methods are unethical, and he begins to question his loyalty to the sergeant. Stevens does a good job of portraying the conflicts Adams faces, and he provides a good counterpoint to Marvin's character.
The movie's setting is one of its strongest points. The Yukon Territory is a harsh and unforgiving place, and Death Hunt does an excellent job of capturing its beauty and brutality. The scenes of Bronson running through the snow-covered mountains are breathtaking, and they provide a stark contrast to the violence and tension of the manhunt. The movie's soundtrack, composed by Jerrold Immel, also adds to the atmosphere, with its haunting and sparse melodies.
There are a few flaws in Death Hunt that prevent it from being a perfect movie. The pacing is a bit uneven, with some scenes feeling dragged out and others feeling rushed. The supporting characters are also underdeveloped, and we don't really get to know them beyond their basic personalities. However, these issues don't detract from the movie's overall appeal, and they are outweighed by its strengths.
In conclusion, Death Hunt is a thrilling and well-made action movie that features two of the greatest actors of its time. Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin deliver unforgettable performances, and the Yukon Territory provides a stunning backdrop to their chase. If you are a fan of action movies, Westerns, or just good filmmaking, then Death Hunt is definitely worth watching.
Death Hunt is a 1981 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 40.