Violence + Rape

40-some years later, this movie is still powerful, and set the template for all the vigilante revenge fantasies that came after it - just as Eastwood's Dirty Harry did for starting all the renegade cop movies.
The beginning rape and violence against the Bronson character's wife & daughter is still brutal to see, and even with subsequent over-the-top violence in movies throughout the 70's and 80's, and beyond, is somehow more personal - perhaps it is the more realistic and minimalist way it was done.
Aside from the dated clothing, a well directed and compelling movie to watch.
Great acting, with an important part played by Stuart Margolin.
They're doing a remake with Bruce Willis. Now THAT will suck...