Fighting Mad (1976) Jonathan Demme

Genre: Action | Drama

Country: USA | Director: Jonathan Demme

Aspect ratio: Widescreen 1.85:1 |Length: 87mn

Dvdrip H264 Mkv - 853x480 - 23.976fps - 1.57gb

Includes Audio Commentary with Roger Corman, 

Director, Jonathan Demme, Peter Fonda and Lynn Lowry

(Second Audio Track)

An evil corporation tries to pressure a bunch of Arkansas farmers and ranchers to sell their land so they can strip-mine it for coal. The fiercely proud and stubborn Hunter family refuse to give in. This leads to a bitter conflict that results in several casualties. Eventually the take-charge no-nonsense Tom Hunter (superbly played by Peter Fonda) exacts a harsh revenge on the villains with the help of his bow and arrow. 

Capably directed by Jonathan Demme (who also wrote the smart, compact script), with sharp, picturesque cinematography by Michael W. Watkins, a strong and deliciously vivid evocation of the rural south, a wealth of pleasingly quirky incidental details, a flavorsome country score by Bruce Langhorne, likable well-drawn characters, a constant quick pace, and plenty of exciting action, this bang-up little picture really hits the spot. 

The stellar cast helps matters a whole lot: the ever-lovely Lynn Lowry as Tom's concerned girlfriend Lorene, John Doucette as Tom's feisty, amiable dad Jeff, Philip Carey as slimy mining company tycoon Pierce Crabtree, Scott Glenn as Tom's rugged brother Charlie, Harry Northup as the ineffectual Sheriff Len Skerritt, and Noble Willingham as the crooked Senator Hingle. The lean and lanky Fonda makes for a totally credible and engaging action lead. The climax with Fonda singlehandedly taking on the bad guys is extremely tense and thrilling. A really solid and satisfying unsung sleeper.