There's something undeniably thrilling about watching an ordinary person take the law into their own hands to fight injustice. These films not only provide adrenaline-pumping action but also delve into the moral complexities of vigilantism. Here's a list of 10 action films where the protagonists become folk heroes, delivering justice in their unique, often brutal, ways.
Death Wish (1974)
Description: Charles Bronson stars as Paul Kersey, an architect who turns vigilante after his wife is murdered and his daughter assaulted. This film set the standard for vigilante justice movies, sparking a franchise.
Fact: The film was controversial for its portrayal of vigilantism, leading to debates on violence in cinema. It inspired several sequels and a 2018 remake with Bruce Willis.
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Taxi Driver (1976)
Description: Travis Bickle, portrayed by Robert De Niro, is a lonely taxi driver who descends into madness and decides to clean up the streets of New York City in his own violent way.
Fact: The film's ending was controversial, with some seeing it as a redemption story and others as a descent into further madness. It won the Palme d'Or at Cannes.
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Hardcore (1979)
Description: George C. Scott stars as a father who turns vigilante to rescue his daughter from a pornographic ring, exploring the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles.
Fact: The film was inspired by real-life events and was considered quite shocking for its time due to its subject matter.
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Falling Down (1993)
Description: Michael Douglas plays William Foster, a man who snaps after losing his job and embarks on a rampage across Los Angeles, confronting various societal issues along the way.
Fact: The film's title refers to the character's mental breakdown. It was initially titled "A Product of the Environment."
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The Punisher (2004)
Description: Thomas Jane plays Frank Castle, a former Marine who becomes The Punisher after his family is killed. This film explores the dark side of revenge and the moral ambiguity of vigilante justice.
Fact: The film was not well-received critically but has since gained a cult following. The character of The Punisher has appeared in numerous Marvel Comics adaptations.
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A History of Violence (2005)
Description: Viggo Mortensen stars as Tom Stall, a small-town man whose past as a violent enforcer comes back to haunt him, leading to a series of violent confrontations.
Fact: The film was adapted from a graphic novel and was praised for its exploration of identity and violence.
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The Equalizer (2014)
Description: Denzel Washington plays Robert McCall, a retired black ops operative who uses his skills to help those in need, becoming a modern-day vigilante.
Fact: The film was based on the 1980s TV series of the same name, and its success led to a sequel.
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The Brave One (2007)
Description: Jodie Foster plays Erica Bain, a radio host who becomes a vigilante after surviving a brutal attack that leaves her fiancé dead.
Fact: The film was initially criticized for its portrayal of vigilantism but has since been recognized for Foster's powerful performance.
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Taken (2008)
Description: Liam Neeson stars as Bryan Mills, a former CIA operative who uses his skills to rescue his kidnapped daughter, becoming a one-man army against human traffickers.
Fact: The film's famous monologue about Mills' "particular set of skills" became an internet meme. It spawned two sequels.
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Law Abiding Citizen (2009)
Description: Gerard Butler plays Clyde Shelton, a man who takes justice into his own hands after the legal system fails him, targeting those he believes responsible for his family's murder.
Fact: The film explores themes of justice, revenge, and the flaws in the legal system, sparking ethical debates.
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