Death Hunt
Directed by Peter R. HuntIn 1931 Canada, Yukon trapper Albert Johnson has a feud with a dog owner who retaliates by publicly accusing Johnson of murder, triggering a police manhunt in the wilderness.
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Death Hunt Ratings & Reviews
- Magnus PardeJanuary 23, 2026If you’re looking for a gritty, snow-caked survival thriller that leans into its own legend, Death Hunt (1981) is a hidden gem that delivers exactly what it promises. Here is a breakdown of why this film remains a cult favorite: A Clash of Titans The heart of the movie lies in the powerhouse performances of Lee Marvin and Charles Bronson. Seeing these two veterans share the screen is a masterclass in screen presence. Marvin, in particular, delivers a brilliant "tongue-in-cheek" performance; he brings a dry wit and a weary charm to his role, yet never undermines the stakes. Despite the occasional wink to the audience, the film maintains a grounded, realistic atmosphere that keeps the tension high. Atmosphere and Cinematography One of the film's greatest triumphs is its external shots. The cinematography captures the vast, unforgiving wilderness of the Canadian Rockies with stunning clarity. To truly appreciate the isolation and the biting cold portrayed on screen, one should watch this movie on a cold winter day. The frost on the windows and the grey sky outside will perfectly mirror the icy, rugged terrain of the film, pulling you right into the manhunt. History vs. Hollywood It is worth noting that the story is not loyal to the real-life events of the "Mad Trapper of Rat River." The script takes significant creative liberties with the facts of the 1932 manhunt. However, as a piece of genre filmmaking, it still works beautifully. By prioritizing character dynamics and cinematic pacing over historical accuracy, it transforms a true story into a legendary Western-infused chase.
- Mister ArnMay 17, 2025Two hard men forced into a conflict neither wants, one flees while the other chases him across a fantastic landscape. Bronson and Marvin, both known for hardcase personas, are well cast in their roles.
- SaibianGutsApril 24, 2025Bad ass for the time. You can see where John Wick got the idea from
- warner.65October 15, 2024This is a quiet classic that all Bronson fans should see!!
Death Hunt Trivia
Death Hunt was released on April 15, 1981.
Death Hunt was directed by Peter R. Hunt.
Death Hunt has a runtime of 1h 37m.
Death Hunt was produced by Murray Shostak.
In 1931 Canada, Yukon trapper Albert Johnson has a feud with a dog owner who retaliates by publicly accusing Johnson of murder, triggering a police manhunt in the wilderness.
The key characters in Death Hunt are Albert Johnson (Charles Bronson), RCMP Sgt. Edgar Millen (Lee Marvin), RCMP Const. Alvin Adams (Andrew Stevens).
Death Hunt is rated R.
Death Hunt is an Action, Adventure, Crime film.
Death Hunt has an audience rating of 7 out of 10.
Death Hunt had a budget of $10M.
Death Hunt has made $5M at the box office.