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Crime Cult Classic

A country boy's violent urges ignite on the grimy streets of 1980s New York.

BLOODRAGE

1980 · 1h 18m · NR · Crime / Horror / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

A country boy murders the town whore when she threatens to tell his mother that he didn't bring any money for her. So he flees to New York, where he finds that he likes killing women, and a cop from back home follows him.

Quick Answer

What is Bloodrage about?

Bloodrage is a 1980 United States crime-horror-thriller film directed by Joseph Zito about a young man whose accidental killing in his hometown sparks a spree of violence as he flees to New York City.

Programmer's Pick

Bloodrage bathes in the neon sleaze of early '80s New York, where broken windows and broken lives go hand in hand. Joseph Zito crafts a lurid portrait of urban decay and sociopathic obsession, served with a side of vigilante justice and a heavy dose of grime.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Richard, a young man from the country, visits Beverly, a local prostitute, but their meeting turns deadly during a heated argument. After accidentally killing Beverly, Richard hastily covers up the crime and evades her police officer boyfriend, Ryan. Seeking anonymity, Richard escapes to the seedy underbelly of New York City, where he checks into a dilapidated motel and finds work at a bottling company. As Richard becomes entangled with his new neighbors, including a drug dealer named Candice and a prostitute named Nancy, his fascination with violence grows. Set against the backdrop of urban decay, the film explores Richard’s descent into obsession and the perilous lives of those around him.

Details & Specs

Director
Joseph Zito
Writer
Robert Jahn
Release
1980
Runtime
1h 18m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Also Known As
Bloodrage, Psycho-Ripper, Never Pick Up a Stranger, Psycho-Ripper - Traue niemals einem Fremden

Cast & Crew

View all →
Director: Joseph Zito Writer: Robert Jahn

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Why Cult

Urban Sleaze Milieu

The film dives deep into the world of 42nd Street Manhattan, showcasing the grit, grime, and nightlife of New York City's underbelly.

Psychological Downward Spiral

Follow Richard’s transformation from accidental killer to full-blown sociopath as his obsession and violence escalate.

Seedy Supporting Cast

Colorful characters from drug dealers to street hustlers populate Richard's world, painting a vivid picture of social decay.

Vigilante Justice Thread

With a police officer hot on his trail, the story adds a layer of cat-and-mouse tension and street-level retribution.

Scene Gallery

Threat File

Trigger

Accidental killing of Beverly

Threat

Richard's escalating violence

Effect

Murders and terror among New York's fringe dwellers

Setting

Seedy motels and streets of New York City

Questions from the Vault

When was Bloodrage released? +

Bloodrage was released in 1980.

Who directed Bloodrage? +

Bloodrage was directed by Joseph Zito.

How long is Bloodrage? +

Bloodrage has a runtime of 78 minutes.

What genre is Bloodrage? +

Bloodrage is a crime, horror, and thriller film.

Trailers & Clips