In the gripping action sequel, "Death Wish II," the iconic character Paul Kersey, portrayed by the legendary Charles Bronson, returns with a renewed sense of purpose. This time, the stakes are even higher as Kersey grapples with the haunting memories of his tragic past. After enduring the loss of his daughter and housekeeper at the hands of merciless criminals, he finds himself once again on a relentless quest for justice. Set against the backdrop of the vibrant yet gritty streets of Los Angeles, Paul is compelled to take matters into his own hands, proving that the spirit of vengeance runs deep within him.
Jill Ireland joins the cast as Geri Nichols, a pivotal character who plays a significant role in Kersey's life as he navigates the chaos that ensues from his quest. While Kersey fights to track down the five dangerous punks responsible for the brutal murders, he must also grapple with the moral implications of his actions. His transformation from a man grieving his family into a solitary figure hell-bent on revenge raises critical questions about justice, sacrifice, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. Each encounter intensifies the intensity of his pursuit, showcasing Bronson's iconic tough-guy persona that resonates with audiences.
As the film unfolds, viewers are taken on a thrilling ride filled with suspense, action, and moments of reflection. "Death Wish II" not only highlights Kersey's personal battle against crime but also explores themes of retribution and the consequences of taking the law into one's hands. The film's gritty realism and engaging storyline make it a captivating addition to the beloved franchise, solidifying Bronson's legacy as a quintessential anti-hero. Through relentless determination and fierce resolve, Kersey becomes a symbol of vengeance, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats as they witness his relentless pursuit of justice.
Main Cast of Death Wish II
Charles Bronson
Paul Kersey
Charles Bronson reprised his iconic role as Paul Kersey in "Death Wish II," a vigilante action film that picks up the story of the architect-turned-vigilante several years after the events of the first "Death Wish" film. Bronson's portrayal of Kersey is a study in stoic, brooding intensity, as he once again grapples with the violent loss of his loved ones. In this sequel, Bronson's Kersey has moved to Los Angeles in an attempt to start a new life, but when his housekeeper is brutally attacked and his daughter is threatened, the rage that fueled his previous crusade against crime is reignited. Bronson's performance is Physical and taciturn, conveying a man tormented by his past yet driven by an unyielding sense of justice. His on-screen presence is commanding as he navigates the seedy underbelly of 1980s Los Angeles, dispatching criminals with a mix of cunning and brute force. Bronson embodies Kersey with an understated gravitas, a quiet acknowledgment of the character's internal conflict between his desire for peace and the primal urge for retribution that simmers beneath the surface, making his portrayal both compelling and controversial.
Jill Ireland
Geri Nichols
Jill Ireland delivered a compelling performance as Geri Nichols in the 1982 film "Death Wish II," a role that showcased her versatility and depth as an actress. As the assistant to Dr. Paul Kersey, played by Charles Bronson, Ireland's character is a beacon of compassion and professionalism, providing a stark contrast to the film's dark and violent narrative. Geri Nichols is a critical emotional anchor for Kersey, who is grappling with the vigilante path he has chosen in the wake of a brutal attack on his family. Ireland brings a sense of warmth and humanity to the screen, effectively conveying Geri's inner strength and nurturing spirit, which is essential in her role as a caretaker for Kersey's mentally traumatized daughter. Her performance is nuanced, balancing the character's dedication to her work with a underlying vulnerability that becomes increasingly evident as the story unfolds. Jill Ireland's portrayal of Geri Nichols added a layer of emotional complexity to "Death Wish II," enhancing the film's exploration of the consequences of violence and the human capacity for resilience.
Vincent Gardenia
Det. Frank Ochoa
Vincent Gardenia delivers a compelling performance as Det. Frank Ochoa in the gritty 1982 vigilante film "Death Wish II." As the seasoned detective on the trail of the elusive vigilante known as Paul Kersey, played by Charles Bronson, Gardenia brings a sense of authenticity and gravitas to the role. His portrayal of Ochoa is nuanced, balancing the detective's dogged pursuit of justice with a subtle hint of empathy for Kersey's motivations, born out of personal tragedy. Gardenia's performance is characterized by his impeccable timing and a commanding presence that holds its own against Bronson's stoic demeanor. His interactions with the other characters are underscored by a weary wisdom that only a veteran of the force would possess, making his character the moral compass of the film. Gardenia's Ochoa is not just a cop following the letter of the law; he is a man torn between duty and the understanding of a father's desire for vengeance, adding layers of complexity to an already tense narrative.
J.D. Cannon
New York D.A.
In "Death Wish II," J.D. Cannon delivers a robust performance as the New York District Attorney, a role that juxtaposes the vigilante justice of Charles Bronson's lead character, Paul Kersey. Cannon's portrayal is marked by a steadfast commitment to the rule of law and the integrity of the criminal justice system. With his commanding presence and authoritative demeanor, he embodies the principled standpoint of a public servant grappling with the moral complexities of a city plagued by violent crime. Cannon's DA is not a mere backdrop to Bronson's narrative but a critical counterpoint, engaging in verbal sparring matches that underscore the film's central themes of justice versus vengeance. His performance is nuanced, balancing empathy for the victims of crime with an unwavering belief in due process, which serves to heighten the ethical quandaries faced by the film's protagonist. Cannon's measured delivery and piercing gaze lend gravitas to his scenes, making his character a memorable symbol of the embattled institutions trying to maintain order amidst chaos.
Anthony Franciosa
Herman Baldwin
Anthony Franciosa delivered a compelling performance as Herman Baldwin in the 1982 vigilante action film "Death Wish II," a sequel to the seminal 1974 film "Death Wish." As the brother-in-law of the protagonist, Paul Kersey (played by Charles Bronson), Franciosa brought a complex mix of emotional depth and vulnerability to his role. Herman is a man torn between his love for his sister, whose family has suffered immense tragedy, and his concern for Kersey's obsessive and violent quest for retribution. Franciosa's portrayal effectively captured the inner turmoil of someone caught in the moral quagmire of desiring justice while fearing its consequences. His performance was nuanced, showcasing Herman's struggle to reconcile his own moral compass with the lawless actions of his vigilante brother-in-law. Franciosa's scenes with Bronson were particularly intense, as he conveyed a sense of urgency and desperation to prevent further bloodshed, all while grappling with his own powerlessness in the face of Kersey's relentless pursuit of vengeance. His role added a layer of humanity and ethical contemplation to the film, contrasting with the raw action that defines the "Death Wish" series.
Ben Frank
Inspector Lt. Mankiewicz
In "Death Wish II," Benjamin Frank delivers a compelling performance as Inspector Lt. Mankiewicz, the determined and seasoned police detective tasked with unraveling the mystery surrounding a series of vigilante killings. Frank's portrayal brings a gritty realism to the role, as he embodies the tenacity and relentless pursuit of justice characteristic of classic film noir detectives. His interactions with Charles Bronson's iconic character, Paul Kersey, are fraught with tension and a mutual respect that simmers beneath the surface of their cat-and-mouse dynamic. Frank's Mankiewicz is both antagonist and ally, serving as the moral compass of the film, constantly grappling with the implications of Kersey's vigilantism on the fabric of society. With a stoic demeanor and a sharp intellect, Frank's performance adds depth to the film, offering a poignant counterbalance to Bronson's stoic brutality, and leaves a lasting impression on the audience as a man torn between his duty to the law and his understanding of the city's need for a hero, albeit a flawed one.
Secondary Cast of Death Wish II
Peter Pan
Chinese Landlord
Karsen Lee
Nirvana's Girl 1
Susannah Darrow
Nurse on Bus
Joshua Gallegos
Policeman 2
Paul McCallum
Ambulance Man
Cynthia Burr
Secretary to NY DA
C. Ransom Walrod
Boat Captain
Gary Boyle
Man in TV Soap Opera
Nori J. Muster
Hare Krishna (uncredited)
Rick Schmidlin
Gang Member (uncredited)
Crew of Death Wish II
Full backstage crew list →
