George Miller’s post-apocalyptic sci-fi landmark has exerted an enormous stylistic influence on the action films that have followed in its wake. It follows its titular hero through a ravaged Australian wasteland as he agrees to aid a community clinging on to their rich reserves of oil.
After avenging the death of his wife and young son at the hands of a vicious gang leader, Max (Mel Gibson) drives the post-apocalyptic highways of the Australian outback, fending off attacks from nomadic tribes that prey on outsiders. Falling into an encampment led by the relatively peaceful Pappagallo (Mike Preston), Max at first schemes to steal their oil, but soon becomes the group’s reluctant defender against the hulking Humungus (Kjell Nilsson) and his ruthless marauders.
A film of pure action, of kinetic energy organized around the barest possible bones of a plot.
Chicago Sun-Times
Exhilarating entertainment — and a textbook for sophisticated, popular moviemaking.
TIME Entertainment
| Genre |
Action
|
| Runtime | 96 minutes |
| Rated | 14A |
| Directed By | George Miller |
| Starring | Mel Gibson, Bruce Spence, Michael Preston |
| Language | English |
| Country |
Australia
|
