The Mechanic (1972) Reviews

The Mechanic (1972)
Member Rating:  
Charles Bronson re-teams with director Michael Winner -- sandwiched between their first pairing in the underrated Chato's Land and their seminal collaboration in Death Wish -- in this Lewis John Carlino-scripted actioner. Bronson plays Arthur Bishop, a "mechanic" or hired killer, famed for his efficient and unfeeling contract executions. The young and eager Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent) teams up with him, hoping that Bishop will teach him the bounty-hunting business. Imparting words of wisdom to Steve like, "Murder is only killing without a license and everybody kills -- the Army, the police," the two undergo a series of adventures as Bishop shows Steve the ropes. Between action scenes, Bronson's wife Jill Ireland makes an appearance as a sexy hooker. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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Starring:
Charles Bronson, Keenan Wynn, (more)
Director(s):
Michael Winner
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
PG
Format(s):
DVD
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Average Ratings

(13 member reviews)  

Member Reviews

Arundel B.

I watched this movie because they are making a remake in 2011. The movie is good and very dated, so you are nostalgic for that era. Charles Bronson is quite the grumbler in this movie, so he is hard to understand...but that is part of his character. I look forward to the remake because this movie was a good one!- Arundel B.

Yes   |   No


Scott K.

Good old Bronson action, what's not to like?

Yes   |   No


Miguel C.

Bronson portrayed the character of Arthur as a lone assassin with some sentimentality and a coolness similar to Steve McQueen's Bullitt. Arthur doesn't take in Steve out of guilt but more out of a need to give Steve some direction in life. Vincent played Steve as a sociopath. Very charming but apathetic to everyone around him. Steve fails to mourn for his father simply because he doesn't care. The action and suspense are very well done. Chase scenes and gunfights abound. The location shots in NYC, LA, and Naples, Italy were a nice touch of realism. The film is a bit noir and it never lets you forget, right up to the end, that even the "good" guys are criminals. Take notice of Arthur's home which feels like a cave or hidden lair. It probably helped spawn the look of many a bachelor's pad up to the present day.

Yes   |   No


Charles E.

A very good movie that has been copied more than once. Bronson is really good as a hired killer passing on his considerable skill-set to a younger man. Good stuff.

Yes   |   No


Robert P.

This is one of Charles Bronson's best movies! Sure, it's typical 70's style...but it was 1972, for Pete's sake! Awesome movie which is, in some ways, superior to the remake starring Jason Statham.

Yes   |   No


Ed K.

I really like Charles Bronson's movies and I thought he did an excellent job in this film. I love the twist at the end which was a huge surprise the first time I saw it. I would highly recommend this film to anyone who enjoyed Bronson.

Yes   |   No


Patsy F.

this is my favorite movie with charles bronson its deceptive not over drawn on the killing but how the killing is done, makes the movie more real this truly guys flick

Yes   |   No


Victor M.

I just saw the remake and it was very good. It made me want to go back and rent this one. Looking 4ward to seeing this one again after over 30 years.

Yes   |   No


Glen S.

Oops, I meant to review the remake.

Yes   |   No


Dorothy N.

Don't watch this if you hate lots of killing. Action was fast, entertaining, and often enhanced by pretty scenery. First-rate photography helped enormously. Action was good of course and the ending----which I won't disclose---was on the mark.

Yes   |   No


 
 
 

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    Member Reviews
    Read all (13)
     
    Arundel B.

    I watched this movie because they are making a remake in 2011. The movie is good and very dated, so you are nostalgic for that era. Charles Bronson is quite the grumbler in this movie, so he is hard to understand...but that is part of his character. I look forward to the remake because this movie was a good one!- Arundel B.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Scott K.

    Good old Bronson action, what's not to like?

    Yes   |   No

     
    Miguel C.

    Bronson portrayed the character of Arthur as a lone assassin with some sentimentality and a coolness similar to Steve McQueen's Bullitt. Arthur doesn't take in Steve out of guilt but more out of a need to give Steve some direction in life. Vincent played Steve as a sociopath. Very charming but apathetic to everyone around him. Steve fails to mourn for his father simply because he doesn't care. The action and suspense are very well done. Chase scenes and gunfights abound. The location shots in NYC, LA, and Naples, Italy were a nice touch of realism. The film is a bit noir and it never lets you forget, right up to the end, that even the "good" guys are criminals. Take notice of Arthur's home which feels like a cave or hidden lair. It probably helped spawn the look of many a bachelor's pad up to the present day.

    Yes   |   No

     
    Read All 13 Reviews
       

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