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Charles Bronson, Keenan Wynn, Jan-Michael Vincent, Jill Ireland, Linda Ridgeway ... see more see more... , Frank de Kova , John Barclay , Steve Cory , Lindsay Crosby , James Davidson , Enzo Fiermonte , Louise Fitch , Martin Gordon , Linda Grant , Michael Hinn , Takayuki Kubota , Athena Lorde , Pat O'Moore , Kevin O'Neal , Sara Taft , Steve Vinovich , Celeste Yarnall , Alan R. Gibbs , Robert Jaffe , Ernie F. Orsatti , Frank Orsatti , J.N. Roberts , Hank Hamilton , Howard Morton , Gerald Saunderson Peters , Father Amando DeVincenzo , Christine Forbes , Hiroyasu Fujishima , Frank DeKova

Charles Bronson re-teams with director Michael Winner -- sandwiched between their first pairing in the underrated Chato's Land and their seminal collaboration in Death Wish -- in this Lewis John Carli... read more read more...no-scripted actioner. Bronson plays Arthur Bishop, a "mechanic" or hired killer, famed for his efficient and unfeeling contract executions. The young and eager Steve McKenna (Jan-Michael Vincent) teams up with him, hoping that Bishop will teach him the bounty-hunting business. Imparting words of wisdom to Steve like, "Murder is only killing without a license and everybody kills -- the Army, the police," the two undergo a series of adventures as Bishop shows Steve the ropes. Between action scenes, Bronson's wife Jill Ireland makes an appearance as a sexy hooker. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi

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66% liked it

4,326 ratings

PG, 1 hr. 40 min.

Directed by: Michael Winner

Release Date: January 1, 1972

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DVD Release Date: October 8, 2002

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The Mechanic Bronson as Arthur Bishop Charles Bronson plays Arthur Bishop The Mechanic The Mechanic
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Flixster Reviews (269)

  • TheDudeLebowski65
    June 30, 2011
    TheDudeLebowski65
    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 ac... read moretion, 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.
  • cosmo313
    June 28, 2011
    cosmo313
    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 not... read moreiceable 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.
  • FilmFanatik
    January 9, 2011
    FilmFanatik
    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.
  • kpn666
    December 10, 2010
    kpn666
    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 ye... read morears, 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.
  • ythelastman89
    August 24, 2010
    ythelastman89
    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... read more and uncompromising behavior make for such a great character and enjoyable experience.
  • hypathio7
    December 20, 2010
    hypathio7
    Charles Bronson is an assassin who carefully plans out his hits. While it is an action pic with plenty of gun fights, chases and explosions, Bronson makes you watch his ultra cool reactions to the slow burn of things going on around him. When Jan-Michael Vincent shows his inter... read moreest in being shown the ropes of the assassin's trade, Bronson settles into being a mentor easily. Then the suspense is built when the young man "shape-shifts." Even in keeping an extra leery eye on his young accomplice, Bronson is always prepared.
  • Dannyrovira
    January 31, 2011
    Dannyrovira
    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 ... read morehis 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.
  • Lemure
    June 13, 2011
    Lemure
    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.
  • shitfaced8
    February 23, 2011
    shitfaced8
    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, deta... read moreched and remorseless mindframe perfectly and the film just doesn't miss a beat after that. Pretty much perfect in every way.
  • jackamaku
    February 7, 2009
    jackamaku
    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 redee... read moreming 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.

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Critic Reviews

Nick Schager
April 17, 2011
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness

As slow as molasses and just as exciting. Full Review

Clint Morris
October 22, 2005
Clint Morris, Moviehole

bronson classic. gets no better.

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Vincent Canby
May 9, 2005
Vincent Canby, New York Times

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Roger Ebert
October 23, 2004
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

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January 10, 2004
Chicago Reader

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Derek Adams
February 9, 2006
Derek Adams, Time Out

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October 1, 2003
Austin Chronicle

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The Mechanic Trivia

  • Angelina Jolie played Spinx in the movie "Gone in 60 seconds", Spinx had two jobs, working in a bar and...?  Answer »
  • What was the on-set nickname for the mechanic shark in 'Jaws'?  Answer »
  • In which of these movies did Charles Bronson play a hit man?  Answer »
  • When making the movie "Jaws" in 1975 production used a "mechanic" shark to imitate a real shark. What nick name did they give the mechanic device?  Answer »
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