Fighting Back (also known as Death Vengeance), released in theaters on May 21, 1982, is a gritty urban thriller that delves into the controversial theme of vigilante justice. Directed by Lewis Teague, the film delivers a raw and often uncomfortable portrayal of a community pushed to its breaking point.
The story centers on John D’Angelo (Tom Skerritt), a seemingly ordinary Philadelphia deli owner whose life is shattered when his family becomes the victim of a brutal home invasion. The attackers are never caught, and D’Angelo, disillusioned with the perceived failures of the justice system, decides to take matters into his own hands. He organizes a neighborhood watch group, initially aimed at deterring crime, but which quickly escalates into a more aggressive, and morally ambiguous, vigilante force.
Skerritt delivers a compelling performance as D’Angelo, effectively conveying the character’s descent from a law-abiding citizen into a man consumed by rage and a desire for retribution. His portrayal captures the emotional toll of his loss and the dangerous allure of taking justice into one’s own hands.
Patti LuPone, as John’s wife, provides a strong supporting role, embodying the fear and desperation that drive the community’s actions.
Michael Sarrazin plays a chillingly effective antagonist, while Yaphet Kotto, as a sympathetic police detective, offers a crucial counterpoint to the vigilante narrative, highlighting the complexities and dangers of operating outside the law.
The film’s strength lies in its unflinching depiction of urban decay and the palpable fear that can grip a community. It doesn’t shy away from the moral ambiguities of its premise, presenting the vigilantes not as clear-cut heroes, but as flawed individuals driven by understandable, yet ultimately destructive, impulses.
The script, while at times leaning into genre tropes, effectively explores the psychological impact of crime and the slippery slope of vigilantism.
Teague’s direction is straightforward and effective, maintaining a tense atmosphere throughout, and showcasing the harsh realities of the urban landscape.
Fighting Back starring Tom Skerritt (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for Fighting Back
Fighting Back grossed $1.6 million on its opening weekend, finishing No. 6 at the box office. The top film that weekend was Conan the Barbarian, grossing $6.9 million.
The film would gross $6.4 million worldwide.
Legacy
Fighting Back is a thought-provoking film that, despite its age, still resonates with contemporary concerns about crime and justice. It’s a challenging watch, forcing viewers to confront difficult questions about law, order, and personal responsibility. While it may not offer easy answers, it serves as a stark reminder of the consequences when individuals feel abandoned by the system and resort to their own forms of “fighting back.”
