 "Death Wish" received mixed reviews upon its release because of its support of vigilantism, but it affected US audiences and began widespread debate over how to deal with rampant crime.The film's graphic violence, particularly the brutal rape scene of Kersey's daughter and the explicit portrayal of Kersey's premeditated slayings, was considered exploitative but realistic in the context of the US atmosphere of rising urban crime rates.Many critics were displeased with the film, considering it an "immoral threat to society" and an encouragement of antisocial behavior.