Mad Max 2 (aka The Road Warrior) (1981)

In a post apocalyptic future, gasoline is precious. A very small community lives in a wasteland fortress where they protect the gasoline they have while outside a group of barbaric marauders terrorize them in an attempt to get the petrol. Any attempt to escape the compound results in torture and death by the brutal gang. When a misanthropic drifter (Mel Gibson) comes their way, he just may be their only hope to escape and reach the sea coast. Directed by George Miller (THE WITCHES OF EASTWICK), this is one of best post apocalyptic action films ever made. Miller's film is a sequel to the Australian film MAD MAX that stands on its own. Indeed, when the film opened in the U.S. (where it was retitled THE ROAD WARRIOR), it's unlikely most of the audience which made the film a huge hit had even seen MAD MAX which did only modest business in the U.S. It's a bleak and spare adventure with minimal dialog and an emphasis on action. The film's thrilling finale chronicling the settlers' escape and pursuit by the savage thug gang is a perfect model of a lean and tight action set piece. Imaginative, brutal and exciting! Brian May did the overemphasizing score and Dean Semler's (DANCES WITH WOLVES) lensing showcases the imposing Australian outback. With Bruce Spence, Emil Minty, Vernon Wells, Virginia Hay and an uncredited scene stealing Australian cattle dog.