Death Hunt (1981)

“Death Hunt” is a 1981 action-western film directed by Peter Hunt, starring Charles Bronson, Lee Marvin, Angie Dickinson, Carl Weathers, and several other notable actors. Set in the harsh wilderness of the Canadian wilderness during the early 1900s, the film tells the story of a manhunt involving a rugged outdoorsman, a determined lawman, and a group of hunters. The film explores themes of survival, justice, and the conflict between civilization and the wild.


The story begins when a trapper named Albert Johnson (played by Charles Bronson) is wrongfully accused of a crime he did not commit. After his home is raided by a group of lawmen, led by Sergeant C. A. MacDonald (played by Lee Marvin), Johnson flees into the vast Canadian wilderness. What follows is a tense and thrilling manhunt, as MacDonald and his team pursue Johnson through the unforgiving terrain. Along the way, they encounter various dangers, both natural and man-made, while Johnson uses his survival skills to outsmart them. The film builds suspense as the two sides clash in a battle of wits and willpower.


“Death Hunt” showcases strong character development, particularly in the contrasting personalities of Albert Johnson and Sergeant MacDonald. Johnson is a quiet, resourceful man who seeks to survive and clear his name, while MacDonald is a hardened lawman who, despite his gruff exterior, is driven by a sense of justice. The film explores how both characters are shaped by their environments, with Johnson’s experience in the wilderness contrasting with MacDonald’s adherence to the law. The supporting characters, including a team of hunters and a woman named Betty (played by Angie Dickinson), also add depth to the story, as they face their own moral dilemmas during the manhunt.


“Death Hunt” touches on several significant themes, including justice, survival, and the clash between civilization and the untamed wilderness. The film illustrates the challenges that both man and nature present, and the consequences of choosing one path over another. Johnsonโ€™s struggle for survival in the wild symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit, while MacDonaldโ€™s pursuit of justice reflects the complexities of law enforcement in extreme circumstances. The movie also explores the idea of personal redemption, as both main characters are forced to confront their past actions and motivations.


“Death Hunt” is an engaging and intense action-western that combines thrilling manhunt sequences with emotional depth. The performances of Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin add a gritty realism to the film, making it a standout in the western genre. With its exploration of survival, justice, and the natural world, the film provides an exciting, thought-provoking experience for viewers. “Death Hunt” remains a memorable film for its strong characters, suspenseful plot, and timeless themes, offering a classic western action story with a modern twist.