This movie is an adaptation on the life of Michael Peterson, otherwise know as "Charlie Bronson", England's most famous and violent convict.
As soon as this film started I was sure it wouldn't disappoint. The first scene is stark contrasts, in the form of Charlie Bronson, this films protagonist (if only by default), who holds the foreground with his thick British accent and his Chevron mustache. Behind him is a wall of blackness one can only assume is his cell where much of this story unfolds. Not to say the film takes place in one small room, but it is a prison film so be prepared to break out your three hots and cot because you'll be stuck with good ol' Charlie for the duration.
Although brutal from start to finish Director Nicolas Winding Refn of "Pusher" fame manages to compliment this savage character with moments of sheer comedy and odd melancholy bits of theater. We're obviously supposed to get on Charlie's good side early on, and they do a fine job because I was rooting for this man barely ten minutes into the movie. He's a brawler, he's a hot head and misanthrope but gosh darn it if he aint a strange modern day hero. Now I'll keep the artsy observations like social commentary and symbolism to a minimal because lets face it... I'm Rhipt, and theres enough of that drivel coughed up in your local news rag to choke a camel, and yet Bronson is an individual fighting the system as it were, and I believe thats worth noting in this day and age of homogenized lives.
Bronson is portrayed by Tom Hardy, accomplished English actor who has enjoyed a fair amount of success this side of the pond, sinking his teeth into rolls in both Band of Brothers and Black Hawk Down. Along with cross-over hits Layer Cake and Rock'n'Rolla his face will seem both familiar and foreign. Hardy's performance is gripping and intense, with absolutely disturbing scenes of full frontal nude combat. To say this portrayal is fearless would be a slight understatement... So much so that you'll probably want to know more about Hardy's real life counterpart; I know I did.
You can google this man and find a site run by Bronson supporters titled... You guessed it, Free Charles Bronson | Home Page. It gives you a very in depth look at the genuine articles day to day life, with letters, medical reports and art gallery. Now I'm not saying the man should be released, judging by his letters he is still quite upset about something. Yet he seems to be seen as something of a folk hero, otherwise this review wouldn't be taking place. Added with the fact that he never raped or killed anyone and realistically has paid for his crimes a million times over gives rise to the question as to why there isn't more FREE BRONSON t-shirts adorning some of our American rebels.
All in All I give this film a 2 star on the Clydesdale Scale...
Very entertaining, quasi-informative and downright FUN...
Rihpt Viewing Rating 1 out of 5: *2
Rihpt Fuel: Lemon Kush
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