Mad Max

The script of this semi-amateur, underfunded mess is as full of holes as the Titanic after hitting the iceberg, the dialogues are at the level of pub regulars after fifteen beers, the acting performances are like a school play, and it's hard to imagine more clichés in the given genre. However, for those who are satisfied with a view of powerful machines and need an adrenaline rush, they might end up pleased. From the perspective of film history, it's significant only because the movie marked the beginning of Mel Gibson's career. Overall impression: 25%. (07/05/2007)

The premise is priceless, but the script, the dramaturgy and the direction of the actors are almost like Uwe Boll's. This film was only made for a few car chases, but I will never cease to be grateful to Miller for it, because without its success, the miraculous genius that is Fury Road could never have been made. 45% (13/02/2018)

Set in a not-quite-yet full-on post-apocalyptic Australia, not-so-mad-yet Max Rockatansky drives his "Interceptor" car, fights punk bikers, and gives rise to one of the most distinctive works of fierce Ozploitation that shoots Mel Gibson into stardom. For some it is perhaps an old low-budget and simple revenge movie, for me, it is a crucial, iconic action movie full of incredible stunts, for which I can always find the time. Compared to the purely post-apocalyptic sequels and remakes, this is a very different movie, and yet, it is still an unforgettable and original movie. (19/01/2019)

After a long time, I watched this movie only to find out that I probably don't know the first film and if I have seen it before, I don't remember it. It is clear from the beginning that something doesn't fit here. It is the perfection of Max's life. Why should he be crazy when he is happy? It takes quite a while before the expected twist happens. However, I don't think that the creators present us with an uninteresting world. It is definitely an environment that has something to it. Unpleasant, raw, without comfort. It's a shame that the ending is so terribly fast and that it's not a bit rougher. (04/03/2014)

A classic with a number of very evocative and raw scenes, which is so beautifully B-movie cheap in places that I can't fault it. The only thing that spoils it for me are the sped-up "action" shots, but actually they belong to it too. Mel Gibson, especially in the finale, gives a great performance and you believe everything about it. When I first saw Mad Max, it was the gritty ending that made me want to see it again and again. However, the second part is much better in every conceivable way. (28/05/2015)