Review of Fight for Your Life (1977) by Dc F — 05 Aug 2013

Only a film with purpose could deliver such reactions this home invasion thriller recieved at the time of its release. And yes, it is tasteless, oh god is it so, but within this unmistakable exploitation piece, there lies equally unmistakable comments upon opressive social conditioning and the effects and origins of prejudice. Delivered, yes, in broad strokes (a black preacher smacked around the head repeatedly with a bible, really?), but nonetheless apparent.

A firm script and decent acting doesn't hurt an exploitation film's appeal either (Savage Streets). In true blaxploitation fashion, every character is a stereotype, but luckily they all serve the films subtext effectively delivering what I think to be a quite masterful excercise in reactionary filmmaking. Tarantino could only wish that Django Unchained had the punch Fight For Your Life delivers and it's all down to one characteristic he tragically lacks which this film doesn't, sincerity.