Mad Max

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. (05/28/2015)

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% (02/12/2018)

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%. (05/06/2007)

The fact that this is a ninety-minute revenge movie with a prologue of over an hour is, unfortunately, the result of the film's directorial unevenness. It is unable to rely on a simple script but rather focuses on the arrangement of chases between a motorcycle gang and the police. There are plenty of them in the film, but their quality is highly inconsistent. Some of the shots with clearly predictable camerawork look a bit rough nowadays. Still, hats off go to the professional drivers and stuntmen who did an excellent job. The cheapness is acknowledged in this film, so we can’t be angry about it and, given its budget, we must simply nod in approval. However, the soundtrack is as annoying as ever. (04/16/2006)

The budget was obviously too low, so the writer probably didn't get paid enough either. The film didn't really impress me with anything. In some low-budget films, the filmmakers can make up for the lack of funding with enthusiasm, which didn't happen in Mad Max. I’m giving it one star because it precedes the great second installment. (06/24/2016)