Now this is just the sort of film I like: a lean, mean, taut and pared-down thriller, made without any of the gloss and gimmickry we usually associate with Hollywood productions. It's a simple story of confrontation, of one man versus many, of the kind we're very familiar with (very similar to FIRST BLOOD in fact, as both films detail men going 'back' to nature and confronting overwhelming numbers of well-armed opponents). Just in case you were wondering whether the film could get any more macho, a cast list that reads like a who's who of tough male actors enforces that this is a guy's film all the way.The slim storyline works a treat. Bronson is perfectly cast as the grizzled trapper, and the icy, rugged terrain seems as if it's reflected in his stony features. He's given about the same number of lines as Schwarzenegger was in THE TERMINATOR, but the script makes up in quality what it might lack in quantity. Bronson certainly has his work cut out, as facing him are a whole host of notables: Lee Marvin has one of those great roles as a sympathetic opponent who's actually got more in common with Bronson than his own side, while Andrew Stevens reminds us of why he got cast in big-budget films before his star waned. Also on hand are the likes of Bronson regular Ed Lauter as a redneck, Carl Weathers as another tough guy (possibly a dry run for his turn in PREDATOR?), sleazebag William Sanderson and even Angie Dickinson in a cameo.This film has a ton of action to complement the short running time, and the thrills never stop coming. The opening sequences remind one of DANCES WITH WOLVES, as Bronson befriends a vicious dog in an act that proves his undoing; we're then treated to an extended siege sequence at his mountain cabin, which is my favourite part of the movie. After this, the film becomes an enduring chase across the superbly-shot snowy terrain with one or two great twists thrown in along the way. It ends on a high, too, making this one of my Bronson favourites – right up there with the likes of BREAKHEART PASS and trash-fest DEATH WISH 3!

Death Hunt is directed by Peter Hunt and written by Michael Grais and Mark Victor. It stars Charles Bronson, Lee Marvin, Carl Weathers, Ed Lauter, Andrew Stevens, Scott Hyland, Maury Chaykin and Angie Dickinson. Music is by Jerrold Immel and cinematography by James Devis.Film is loosely based on the real "Mad Trapper" man hunt that occurred in the Yukon Territory, Canada, 1931. Directed by the man who helmed On Her Majesty's Secret Service, and starring two of the iconic stars of The Dirty Dozen, it's no surprise to find Death Hunt full of machismo. What transpires is a two part movie, where time is afforded the set up for the first half, and the second half features the man hunt across the Yukon landscapes. Plot basically sees Bronson as nomadic loner Albert Johnson (The Mad Trapper of lore), who rescues a severely injured dog from a dog fight held by baying locals, much to their displeasure. Unwisely tracking Johnson down and taking him on, one of their number is shot and killed. So in come the legal guys, the RCMP, led by grizzled old pro Edgar Millen (Marvin), who desperately tries to keep things in order as the situation quickly spirals out of control. As Johnson takes to the snowy terrain, with Millen and co in pursuit, a respect begins to form between the two wise heads, with Millen very much aware that there will be only one winner in this hunt.So it goes, framed by lovely location photography, and with Bronson and Marvin doing what they do best, film plays out as a snowy chase and survive adventure. It's very much fictionalised from the real story, but some instances are real, including the incredible journey that Johnson undertook whilst fleeing his pursuers. Violence slots in and out of proceedings, as does moments of humour, and there's a nice grey area in the narrative that questions who you should be rooting for. In fact Marvin's characterisation of Millen is very enjoyable because he is irked by the cretins he finds himself hunting with. Some of the support players are under written, so therefore underused, while Dickinson pops in only briefly and purely as a bit of sexy relief from the machismo on show. All told it's a safe and enjoyable movie for fans of the stars and fans of outdoor action/adventure/thrillers. Kind of like First Blood meets The Fugitive who then take Seraphim Falls out for a drink. Only, remember, this was before all those and it has Bronson and Marvin in the locker! 7/10

Two loggerheads; Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson find themselves at the opposite sides of the law (the Mountie and the trapper) in this bold, grizzled and expansive survival action trek through the rocky, snowy Canadian wilderness. I came away thinking that is was an entertaining, but largely forgettable outing that benefited by keeping the action sure-footed and grounded in brutally raw reality of slow-grinding progression. The story is supposedly based on a true story, but obviously some off it has been sensationalised for our hungry amusement. Some of the imagery (mainly the explosive cabin standoff) during the blood and gusts action set-pieces is very well pulled off by Peter Hunt's heavy-handed direction. Some of the bone rattling suspense towards the latter end (involving a ground chase and plane interference) is eerily constructed. I don't know, but there was some sort of grand and open feeling to it, but I believed tighter and claustrophobic handling would've been better suited to nail down a more intense and involving experience. The script is constant with tough dialogues, and the central (if basic and tidy) plot has some flesh hanging off it in the shape of outlining the methodical change (in how to get the job done) due to the times and just what is the real cost of life. Jerrold Immel's score is loudly multi-layered and James Devis' vividly shoots the dangerously enticing, but unforgiving location terrains. There's a great cast on hand. Marvin is robustly good and Bronson steadily sturdy. Carl Weathers adds some lightness and Andrew Stevens' uptight rookie Mountie is capable. Along for the ride are Len Lesser, Henry Beckman, William Sanderson and a wasted Angie Dickinson.

This was one of the last movies that featured real men playing men. From the late 80s onwards, it was the likes of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt who took over. And now they're even trying to establish wimps like Leo Di Crapio and Matt Damon as tough action heroes. Laughable. Still, sheep all over the world have accepted them, proving that the dumbed-down masses will accept ANYTHING as long as the hype is intense and long enough.Marvin and Bronson were a remnant of the last generation of leading male actors who actually look like alpha males. Just picture Affleck as a tough Mountie, or Ryan Philippe as the tough trapper. However, the good casting isn't the only plus in DH. The scenery is rather nice, the action is okay. It's a straight-forward but pleasant enough movie.One weird thing, though: what the hell was that gay scene all about? The one in which the gang leader force-kisses Marvin's young apprentice. This isn't exactly a prison movie.