The Mechanic (1972)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Jeff "

  
  The Mechanic is one of the best action films of the 1970's. Starring Charles Bronson as meticulous hit-man Arthur Bishop, The Mechanic is a brilliant, near flawless action picture that also is a portrait into the mind of a killer. A well crafted film that not only has a lot of… More
  The Mechanic is one of the best action films of the 1970's. Starring Charles Bronson as meticulous hit-man Arthur Bishop, The Mechanic is a brilliant, near flawless action picture that also is a portrait into the mind of a killer. A well crafted film that not only has a lot of action, the film shows the twisted, savage side of a killer. Charles Bronson is a cold hearted killer, and he is superb in his role. What makes Charles Bronson perfect for the part of Arthur Bishop is his chiseled tough guy looks, his voice and on screen demeanor, it's really hard to picture someone else in the role. Bronson was born to play such a role. The Mechanic is a mix of action, thriller, suspense and somewhat drama. But the film mostly plays out like an action thriller. The film is a near flawless film that is one of Charles Bronson's finest films. The Mechanic is a classic of the genre. This is a fine action film that has yet to to be topped. What separates this film from most action films is that The Mechanic is not only an action, but a character study into the mind of a killer, we get an idea how a professional killer acts and and carries out his deadly tasks. Not only that, but The Mechanic gives the audience one of the most memorable of all Charles Bronson's films. A well made action film, and one of the defining films of the genre.

• Chris W

  
  Despite having some of the same trappings of other, similar films, what sets this 'hit man' film apart from the others is that it is at least trying for something more, something deeper besides action and violence. And, at times, it succeeds. This distinction is… More
  Despite having some of the same trappings of other, similar films, what sets this 'hit man' film apart from the others is that it is at least trying for something more, something deeper besides action and violence. And, at times, it succeeds. This distinction is immediately noticeable during the opening sequence- 16 minutes free of dialogue that make the viewer pay attention to the details while still amping up the tension and suspense. It's a marvelous sequence, and a great way to get thigns going. I wish more films nowadays would try to strive for a bit of artistry and craft once in a while. The rest of the film is filled with bits of philosophy (namely existentialism) and high culture. The third act does descend into rousing action, but it is used as punctuation, and is earned as a way of highlighting what the rest of the film had been building up to. The pacing isn't snail-like, but this isn't a film for viewers who can't handle anything less than rapid cutting, fast editing, and movies that don't take the time to breathe. It's a very underrated film that has a very 70s feel to it. It deserves more attention, so you should definitely check it out.

• Tim S

  
  One of the best. A true highlight of both Michael Winner's and Charles Bronson's careers. Well-paced, well-written and tightly edited all the way to the abrupt and explosive ending. I absolutely love this film.

• Khris N

  
  They certainly don't know how to make movies as they used to. Charles Bronson, the original Hollywood tough guy, in probably his most haunting role, as the Mechanic, Mr. Bishop, a Hitman at the top of his trade, a fixer of accidents and problems. though he is getting on in his… More
  They certainly don't know how to make movies as they used to. Charles Bronson, the original Hollywood tough guy, in probably his most haunting role, as the Mechanic, Mr. Bishop, a Hitman at the top of his trade, a fixer of accidents and problems. though he is getting on in his years, after his last job, he strikes an unlikley friendship with the target's son, whom he sees a younger, ruthless version of himself. Knowing that he is passing into old age, he decided to train a protege in his master craft, all the skills, tools and organisation to be a killer. But, in taking on a partner, he has become a target himself by his employers.... and they will use the closest person to get to him: his new student. Defintley a cold and calculating movie, the opening scene sets the standard as we see Bronson at work in his deadly trade. the music score really underlines the cold and brutal nature of the film, and the climax and ending is defintley an original twist and another reminder of the underworld and its cruel fates and irony it presents to those who walk that life. A gem, a classic, its definitley a standout Bronson movie. Its good I got to watch it just before the remake hits the cinemas with Jason Statham.

• Conner R

  
  Just a really cool movie worthy of Charles Bronson's name. The first sequence alone is a great stand-alone short film, followed by an interesting training storyline. While this movie's main flaw is that it's so predictable, all is forgiven because Charles Bronson's… More
  Just a really cool movie worthy of Charles Bronson's name. The first sequence alone is a great stand-alone short film, followed by an interesting training storyline. While this movie's main flaw is that it's so predictable, all is forgiven because Charles Bronson's tough attitude and uncompromising behavior make for such a great character and enjoyable experience.

• Danny R

  
  A compelling crime drama and character study about a meticulous, highly-skilled professional hit-man named Arthur Bishop played by Charles Bronson in a superlative performance, who works alone and is the mob's most elite contract killer, he has no loyalties, no involvements, and… More
  A compelling crime drama and character study about a meticulous, highly-skilled professional hit-man named Arthur Bishop played by Charles Bronson in a superlative performance, who works alone and is the mob's most elite contract killer, he has no loyalties, no involvements, and his only relationship is a fictitious one with a role-playing prostitute, nicely played by Jill Ireland. Bishop decides to take on a arrogant and ruthless young apprentice Jan-Michael Vincent in a sold performance and teaches him everything he knows, things take a turn for the worse, the Organization that he works for does not like it at all, and now Bishop himself is a marked man. The film is unique because it shows us the mind of a hit man in fine detail, not only through his actions, but also by his methodical ways. Good action sequences, a abundance of explosions, car and motorcycle chases, hand to hand combat, and a respectable body count that should keep the action crowd happy. Fine direction by Michael Winner, excellent cinematography by Richard H. Kline and Robert Paynter, and a superb score by Jerry Fielding. an exciting entertainment. Highly Recommended.

• Marcus W

  
  The whole film is very shruggable and disengaging. Didn't care for any of the characters. Then the ending came along, and in trying to be clever, made absolutely no sense.

• Ed Fucking H

  
  Flawless action/thriller and character study of contract killer. Charles Bronson really is the ultimate bad ass, and plays the character of a no nonsense motherfucker perfectly. No dialouge throughout the first 15 minutes really lets the viewer get into this guys meticulous, detached… More
  Flawless action/thriller and character study of contract killer. Charles Bronson really is the ultimate bad ass, and plays the character of a no nonsense motherfucker perfectly. No dialouge throughout the first 15 minutes really lets the viewer get into this guys meticulous, detached and remorseless mindframe perfectly and the film just doesn't miss a beat after that. Pretty much perfect in every way.

• Grifty G

  
  Charles Bronson and director Michael Winner made several movies together before hitting paydirt with the Death Wish films. In this Bronson plays a lone hitman who takes Jan Michael Vincent under his wing. The scenes of Bronson preparing and executing his hits are the main redeeming… More
  Charles Bronson and director Michael Winner made several movies together before hitting paydirt with the Death Wish films. In this Bronson plays a lone hitman who takes Jan Michael Vincent under his wing. The scenes of Bronson preparing and executing his hits are the main redeeming value, even if they are a little overly complicated. When Jan Michael shows up, the cheesy dialog goes into overdrive. It also never really establishes why Bronson's loner would give a shit about JMV, or have any interest in messing with the good thing he's got going by working with him. Note: Fred Watkins talked about the opening scenes establishing Bronson's character several times in class, but none of what he said was in the movie. Figures.

• Christopher B

  
  Excellent film. The first 16 minutes is completely without dialogue showing Bronson doing a job. Then it becomes a sad story about fathers and lack of them. Bronson's character seals his fate after becoming a paternal figure to Jan Michael Vincent but still remains a number… More
  Excellent film. The first 16 minutes is completely without dialogue showing Bronson doing a job. Then it becomes a sad story about fathers and lack of them. Bronson's character seals his fate after becoming a paternal figure to Jan Michael Vincent but still remains a number one ass-kicker til the bitter end. The punk should have watched his step!

Read all 10 featured audience ratings