To celebrate the release of The Call starring Halle Berry FilmJuice takes a look at Five of the Best film vigilantes (that aren’t superheroes, obviously).
Falling Down – Michael Douglas
Michael Douglas takes the leading role of William Foster, a divorcee and unemployed former defence engineer who goes on a violent rampage across Los Angeles en route to his daughter’s birthday party. The film shows Foster’s gradual mental collapse as a series of encounters along his route take their toll. From firing a gun after a fast food restaurant changes their menu, to killing a shop owner for racism, Foster stands for every man being ill-treated by society.
Gran Torrino – Clint Eastwood)
Clint Eastwood plays a recently widowed Korean War veteran, Walt Kowalski, who is alienated from his family and angry at the world. When his young neighbour, Thao, is pressured by a local gang to steal Walt’s prized 1972 Ford Gran Torino. Walt takes pity on Thao and confronts the gang who later attack the young boy on his way home. Walt’s bitterness at the world means an unlikely bond is formed between the two as Walt makes it his personal mission to protect Theo at all costs.
The Call – Halle Berry
Halle Berry plays Jordan, a 911 operator, who receives a call from a teenage girl who has been kidnapped by a serial killer. Unable to save her, Jordan is devastated by her failure. Six months later – and still traumatized – she takes a call from a terrified teenager locked in the trunk of a speeding car. Realising it’s the same killer, Jordan is determined to bring him down and rescue the young girl.
Harry Brown – Michael Caine
Harry Brown, played by Michael Caine, is an elderly, former Royal Marine who lives on a council estate ruled by violent gangs. With his wife and daughter dead, Harry’s only friend is Len, who confides in him that he is being terrorised by local youths. Shortly after, Harry is informed that Len has been murdered but that the charges against the gang are being reduced to self-defence. Harry then decides to take matters into his own hands and goes after the gang … one by one.
Django Unchained (2012), Jamie Foxx
Set in 1858 Jamie Foxx plays Django, a freed slave who is on a mission to rescue his wife from a cruel plantation owner who forces slaves to fight to the death in boxing matches. With the help of a bounty hunter, Django devises a plan to seek revenge on the slave owner – unleashing death and destruction on all who stand in his way.
The Call is out NOW