“Death Hunt” is a movie where it is all about the performances. The plot and everything else is there but their only purpose is to do justice to the lead performers (Charles Bronson “Death Wish”, Lee Marvin “The Delta Force”). It’s a rough, tough, violent and most importantly, well-acted piece.

Set in 1930s Canada, “Death Hunt” tells the story of a quiet man named Albert Johnson (Bronson), who gets a lot more than he bargained for when he rescues a fighting dog. After the guys organising the illegal fights come after him, he shoots back in self-defence but then has to deal with the law man Millen (Marvin). Although Millen respects Johnson and knows he hasn’t done anything wrong, he also knows he’s got to catch Johnson before the violence continues.

Charles Bronson gets very few lines, in the last half I believe he only has one, but he’s so good with what he’s got that it works. Lee Marvin is also great. Their encounters are brief and usually only visual; their only verbal encounter is handled wonderfully. These are both good, quiet guys but can stand up for themselves. Carl Weathers (“Predator”) and Ed Lauter (“The Number 23”) disappoint as the side-characters.

“Death Hunt” is actually loosely based on the real-life events of a wanted man by the same name and although this film takes some poetic licencing with reality, it feels very believable. This isn’t about shooting everything you’ve got; it’s about being resourceful, smart and knowing when to strike. I liked this film a lot even though some of the secondary aspects of it are disappointing; I think that the main characters are a lot of fun to watch. It’s sort-of done in the same way that “Death Wish” and “Unforgiven” are done where the violence while brutal feels believable and understandable when carried out by the protagonists.