The allure of vigilantes in classic movies
The appeal of morally ambiguous vigilantes has long entranced audiences. These classic narratives follow vigilantes who pursue their unique paths of vengeance and justice.
Django (1966)
In making this film, Sergio Corbucci aimed to both honor and compete with the success of Leone’s “A Fistful of Dollars.” Franco Nero stars as Django, a former Union soldier on a quest for vengeance against Major Jackson for killing Django’s wife. The story shifts as Django rescues Maria, a prostitute, from the clutches of the Confederate Red Shirts. This intervention forces Django into a conflict between the racist group and Mexican revolutionaries.
The film opens with an iconic scene in which Django trails a coffin behind him. This ordinary-looking box contains a fictional machine gun, its barrel modeled after the Montigny mitrailleuse. Django uses this weapon to slaughter Jackson's gang in a bloody street battle.
Nearly two decades later, in 1987, Franco Nero reprised his role in Django Strikes Again, the sole official sequel produced with Corbucci's direct involvement. Quentin Tarantino's 2012 film, Django Unchained, which starred Jamie Foxx, Christoph Waltz, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Samuel L. Jackson, included a brief appearance by Nero.
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Taking justice into your own hands-the aspects of vigilantism
Throughout history, individuals, groups, and organizations have taken matters of justice into their own hands. But what exactly are vigilantes, what drives them, and are their actions justified?
Dirty Harry (1971-1988)
“Go ahead, make my day!”
- Inspector Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry
Among Clint Eastwood’s most famous films is the iconic Dirty Harry series. Operating outside the law, Inspector Harry Callahan disregards police protocols and societal norms, delivering his own form of justice, even if it means killing.
The second and fourth parts of the series focus on vigilantism. In “Magnum Force,” Dirty Harry battles corrupt cops who operate as judge, jury, and executioner. Though ruthless in his pursuit of the bad guys, Harry makes sure no innocent people are harmed. So, when these officers cross that boundary, Harry takes action.
However, in "Sudden Impact," Harry confronts a killer who was themselves a victim of a terrible crime. To avenge herself and her sister, the vigilante is killing those responsible for their suffering.
Critics object to the series’ portrayal of racial and gender dynamics, as well as its brutality. The Dirty Harry movies, however, reflect the prevailing social attitudes and feelings of that era. Therefore, we must recognize their influence on cinema and their contribution to discussions of justice, ethics, and the anti-hero.
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Vigilantes in movies: modern quests for vengeance
For decades, characters who pursue their own forms of justice or retribution have captivated audiences around the world. These films and franchises portray the journeys of modern-day avengers.
Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
"Robin Hood: King of Thieves" distinguishes itself from other film adaptations of the legend of the Sherwood Forest. The 1991 action movie featured Kevin Costner, along with Morgan Freeman, Alan Rickman, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Sean Connery.
In the Crusades, Robin Hood (Kevin Costner) and his fellow prisoner Azeem (Morgan Freeman) escape from captivity in Arabia. Returning home, he finds his father murdered and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Alan Rickman) has confiscated his belongings. Seeking shelter in Sherwood Forest, the disgraced nobleman finds new allies and crosses paths with Maid Marian, played by Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio.
The Crow (1994)
Adapted from James O'Barr's 1989 graphic novel, the film "The Crow" follows Eric Draven (Brandon Lee), a murdered musician, and his fiancée, Shelly Webster. Resurrected by a mystical crow one year after his death, Draven assumes the mantle of an undead vigilante. His targets include his and Shelly’s killers: the knife-wielding Tin-tin, addict Funboy, automobile enthusiast T-Bird, car buff Skank, and their leader, Top-Dollar.
Unlike the 1990s Batman movies, The Crow is a much darker, more cynical, and violent film. For instance, Draven blows up a pawn shop but tells the shopkeeper: “I'm not gonna kill you. Your job will be to tell the rest of them that death is coming for them tonight. Tell them Eric Draven sends his regards.”
Brandon Lee's accidental death on set tragically overshadowed the film's production. “The Crow” has appeared in various films, a TV show, and spin-off books. In June 2024, Bill Skarsgård stars as Eric Draven in the reboot of the movie.
The crow character also laid the foundation for a famous professional wrestler, Sting, who adopted it as his most recognizable persona.
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