Act of Vengeance

I can only imagine how perplexed fans of Charles Bronson were, after seeing at their video store the title of this movie and the box cover art, and discovering when bringing the movie home that the movie is far from an action movie. It's instead a serious drama based on a true story, with Bronson playing a determined (and non violent) man struggling to bring change. And Bronson does pretty well in this serious role - you can believe that this person really cares and is passionate about his quest to bring change. His performance compensates for the fact that the role isn't quite fully written - the character of Jack Yablonski isn't given quite enough time to explain his feelings or motivations. But the movie is well crafted in other areas. The period detail is fine, Wilford Brimley makes for a slimy (but believable) Tony Boyle, and there isn't a boring or tedious moment anywhere in the movie. Though I suspect a book telling of this true life incident would be a lot more informative, the movie is acceptable for those who have a mild interest in the United Mine Workers' Union going-ons in the 1960s.

Bronson a union leader?! Yep, he's running for the job as president of the United Mines Union, due to the poor state of the party's image. But he finds it's not going to be easy, as president Tony Boyle (a larger than life Wilford Brimley) will pull out all punches (all) to rid them of the honorable union organizer Jock Yablonski who has the safety of his workers on mind, than say money.

This Bronson outing (made-for-TV) is far away from what he was constantly working in through the 80s, and stemming from this inspired true story (set in 1969) is a confronting drama defying the odds being fuelled by intense confrontations, inner conflict, devious interests, embezzlement and cold-blooded murder. Its power comes from Bronson's hearty turn, an admirable Ellen Burstyn and a credibly concise script. It remains captivating throughout, holding an agreeable amount of momentum in suspense and intrigue through the campaign, although it won't hold much surprises and the conclusion feels a little short-changed after the stinging climax.

The sub-plot involving the hired assassins (Robert Schenkkan leading the way) feels at times clumsy and drawn out (mainly due to these people not being professionals), but there's something unnerving lurking underneath it all. Plus Keanu Reeves shows up as one of the killers, and is actually rather good in a minor part.

Director John MacKenzie lets the story unfold slowly, but manages a tight and focused grip in a conservative style. Plain for some, but well measured for others. Nothing truly stands out (film-making wise from the music to cinematography), but it works in with the tactically stern frame it went for.

Committed handling throughout.

This could have made a pretty good TV movie. Bronson who was a mine worker when he was younger. I won't add much to what have already said the other users. Only one thing, this film is for an action flicks actor like Bronson, the equivalent of what Norman Jewison's FIST was for Stallone, eight years earlier. Another biography drama involving trade unions, mafia and corruption with the lead character fighting against them.

I'm a big Ellen Burstyn fan, so I'll see anything with her. But I didn't have high expectations for this based on the title (sounds like a Steven Seagal actioner) and the cover artwork (looks like a pulpy B-movie, with Ellen's mug thrown in as an afterthought).

Nonetheless, I was pleasantly surprised. Ellen was excellent as always, but Charles Bronson was also terrific, as was a young Keanu (spelled Keannu in the credits) Reeves. But the real revelation here is Wilford Brimley as the union boss. What a great bad-ass! For those used to seeing Wilford harp about cholesterol and diabetes, check this one out. You'll realize how much he's wasting his talent by doing those commercials.

This is a moving human drama with fine performances, captivating direction and a compelling, if occasionally clichéd, script. It's an act of triumph. Eight out of 10 stars.

First of all this, yes this TV films was more like a genuine Bronson film with a great performance. This is one to watch for everybody. I'm 17 and live in the UK and don't get many Bronson films over here considering he made his great career over in before he did in the great US. The only way i can get Bronson films is one Ebay, and i'm nerely complete of all his films, i have all the great 80's films he did apart from this one. (soon hopefully) And i'll have most of all the 70's ones aswell, on dvd on video.. Why isn't this film and all the 80's and most of the early 70's bronson films on DVD like The Mechanic. Come on people that film needs to be on DVD with a Death Wish box set aswell...

This film really does work, and as a kid i always wouldn't who that guy was without his mustash, it was the guy nerely unrecognisible. I mean i can tell Bronson in his other 70's films without THE GREAT TASH. Like Hard Times... But in the 80's that was his crown, well and the 70's but without the tash it wasn't really the guy, but still tough.(Like schwarzenegger's crown was his hair like in commando and Clint with his 44 Magnum).

People watch this great film, this is superb and fantastic action drama film...