The violence isn't unmotivated, or generic. Fleischer and Leonard establish the setting and premise well enough that it's damn near tragic when Renda shoots up Majestyk's watermelon crop.

Majestyk is a multidimensional hero. He's socially conscious yet individualistic, half-smart and semi-tough, human enough to make mistakes and man enough to correct them.

...a mostly watchable endeavor that fares best within its surprising, compelling first half...

... is anything but your rote Bronson by-the-numbers revenge story...Mr Majestyk is pretty much chock-full of such surprises, and the main one is just how good this film is; there’s a good reason why so many pay homage to this film’s swaggering attitude…