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Mad Max 2
1981 96 min Australia R 18+
★7.8
Adventure, Action, Thriller, Science Fiction
Director: George Miller
Trailers
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Description
Max Rockatansky returns as the heroic loner who drives the dusty roads of a postapocalyptic Australian Outback in an unending search for gasoline. Arrayed against him and the other scraggly defendants of a fuel-depot encampment are the bizarre warriors commanded by the charismatic Lord Humungus, a violent leader whose scruples are as barren as the surrounding landscape.
Budget:
$2M
US Gross:
$23.67M
Worldwide:
$24.6M
Starring
Mel Gibson
Actor
Bruce Spence
Actor
Michael Preston
Actor
Awards
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best International Feature Film
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Director
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Actor
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Supporting Actor
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Screenplay
Saturn Awards 1983
— Best Costume Design
Key opinion
Mad Max 2 is widely regarded as a superior sequel that successfully expanded the scope and world-building of the original film. It is celebrated as a definitive post-apocalyptic landmark, noted specifically for its masterful practical stunts, intense chase sequences, and Mel Gibson's iconic, charismatic performance.
| Direction | The film sets a gold standard for the genre through its innovative, high-stakes practical stunts and intense, expertly choreographed chase sequences. | |
| Acting | Mel Gibson delivers a rich, compelling evolution of his character, transforming from a cynical drifter into a nuanced, reluctant hero. | |
| Production | The production design creates an immersive and iconic post-apocalyptic aesthetic that has exerted a profound influence on decades of subsequent sci-fi media. | |
| Screenplay | The minimalist screenplay relies effectively on visual storytelling and kinetic action rather than traditional dialogue to convey its narrative. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is viewed as both a strength and a point of contention: most praise the relentless momentum, though some find the extended finale and total runtime to be slightly overstretched. |