Top 10 Film Vigilantes

Revenge has been the backbone of cinema since day one, and even more striking is the amount of characters in film, that decide “enough is enough” and take the law into their own hands. The Webster Dictionary’s definition of a vigilante is a member of a volunteer committee organized to suppress and punish crime summarily (as when the processes of law are viewed as inadequate). By law, they are bad guys. By public opinion, they seek justice the law cannot provide. With In a broad sense, they are a self-appointed doer of justice. With Law Abiding Citizen coming to Blu-ray/DVD soon, and Mel Gibson in Edge of Darkness, once again vigilantes are not far from the multiplexes or our conscience.

They take the law into their own hands for a greater good, and Killer Film appreciates their efforts in Top 10 Film Vigilantes!

10 – V in V for Vendetta (2006)

Guy Fawkes is a strong character that inspired a potential revolution, and in Alan Moore’s great miniseries, and in the film, “V” takes on his image, an image of  change, rallying up a country suppressed by a Totalitarian government. By definition, “V” is a self-appointed doer of justice, and by his actions England in the book’s/film’s future is inspired to change.

9 – Eric Draven in The Crow (1994)

I think Draven’s purpose is a very personal one, but a purpose many wish they could fulfill after seeing a loved one dies violently. He rises from the grave, and seeks personal vengeance, yet his actions change a city for good, because it can’t rain forever. The Crow is a great film, with a great vigilante.

8 – Travis Bickle in Taxi Driver (1976)

Through an odd sense of purpose, Travis Bickle turns into a vigilante that is praised by the media, as well as the young girl’s parents, as he saves her from the filth he wants to fight. Although, Bickle believes the filth is psychically taxing on him and the city, by cleaning it up in killing the pimps who put a 12 year old on the streets. Bickle walks the finest of lines for a vigilante, a line not really explored. Media is an interesting third party in the world of vigilantism.

7 – Thana in Ms. 45 (1981)

Certainly, Thana represents the power of woman wishes to have when faces in the eyes of a rapist, yet like Travis Bickle she walks a fine line of villain and vigilante. Targeting violent men, she’s a powerful anti-misogynistic symbol. Keep your stuff in places, boys, and no means no.

6 - Buford Pusser in  Walking Tall (1973)

Sometimes, the law doesn’t help the innocent. When times like that occur, pick up a two-by-four and whack the unjust! Pusser is a great character of vigilantism, and it’s based on a true story! Factual inaccuracies be damned, Pusser is a good cop in a corrupt town, a real-life Punisher.

5 – The Saints in The Boondock Saints (1999)

After an act of self-defense, two Irish lads in Boston receive a message from God to rid the city of evil. With guns, a drinking habit, and the good Lord on their side, the Saints are the heroes to us all.

4 – Coffy in Coffy (1973)

After seeing what the drug dealers did to her sister, Coffy decides to take them out in a personal act of vengeance, but soon the mission becomes bigger. Why stop at one pusher, when she can take out a whole cartel! Coffy is a positive image of a woman, a trend-setting performance with a powerful anti-drug message, and a hero to cleaning up the ghettos.

3 – Harry Callahan in Dirty Harry (1971)

With a public growing tired of urban terror and crime, Dirty Harry was a rallying cry. Face it: he’s just a bad ass with total disregard for rules and regulations, a man hellbent on seeking justice. Harry is the everyman vigilante, as we can see ourselves doing what he does. Do you feel lucky punk?

2 – Paul Kersey in Death Wish (1974)

When the law fails, it leaves a sorrow, empty feeling within a person who has lost loved ones to violence. Charles Bronson is about the ultimate vigilante. A normal man who is just feed up with crime, and is motivated because of the inaction of crime prevention. Well, he changes that. Vigilantes are not popular with the police, but sometimes a man like Paul Kersey needs to live to inspire. The streets of New York are safer when Bronson is roaming the alleys.

And the number one Vigilante in Film is…

1- Batman in Batman Begins (2005)

Commissioner Gordon’s son asks him, as Batman is leaving the scene of a crime, “why is he running, Dad?” Calmly Gordon replies, “Because we have to chase him.” Confused, the young boy reaffirms that he didn’t do anything wrong. Gordon’s answer sums up why the Batman is the vigilante that is more than just a man, but a symbol that can inspire hope and change. “Because he’s the hero Gotham deserves, but not the one it needs right now. So we’ll hunt him because he can take it. Because he’s not our hero. He’s a silent guardian, a watchful protector. A Dark Knight.”

Criminals beware. Did we miss a vigilante you worship? Feel free to leave a comment!