Bronson

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Bronson

R

Released Oct 9, 2009

1h 32m

Biography

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

75%

Tomatometer

79 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

In this drama based on a true story, there's no one tougher or more brutal in the English penal system than prisoner Michael Peterson, aka Charles Bronson (Tom Hardy). First incarcerated after robbing a jewelry store, the married Bronson is sentenced to seven years. But his incorrigible, savage behavior quickly gets him in trouble with guards, fellow inmates and even a dog. The only place where Bronson can't do any harm is in solitary confinement, where he spends most of his time.

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Critics Consensus

Undeniably gripping, Bronson forces the viewer to make some hard decisions about where the line between art and exploitation lies.

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Robert Hanks

Independent (UK)

It's not a masterpiece by any stretch; but it's original and pacy, and those qualities are rare enough.

Nov 15, 2017

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Chris Chang

Film Comment Magazine

...the film can barely contain Tom Hardy's performance. It's a Method turn so bloodily immersive it's hard to imagine the actor getting his head straight afterwards.

Sep 26, 2014

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Tim Grierson

The Simon

Bronson doesn't have much to say, but it's a very fun exercise in bad behavior that's neither glamorized nor bemoaned.

Feb 26, 2010

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Taylor Baker

Drink in the Movies

Episode 27: Valhalla Rising / Bronson / Starred Up / True Detective S3

Rated: 78/100

Sep 9, 2021

Full Review

Felicia Feaster

Charleston City Paper

Refn probably burns too much of the juice he could be using for character motivation or some perspective on crime and punishment on the style-for-style's-sake gangsta glam of Guy Ritchie.

Jan 23, 2020

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Ard Vijn

ScreenAnarchy

Whichever part you feel the most uncomfortable with, it's worth enduring it for "Bronson" is filled with imaginative and memorable imagery.

Jan 17, 2020

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Faiz D

This film is for those who like Stanley Kubrick's socio-political masterwork, "A Clockwork Orange" and Oliver Stone's "Natural Born Killers".

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

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Brendan O

It’s hard to pick Hardys best acting performance when there’s so many to choose from. Such a versatile actor, and despite other people acting in this movie we only seem to see him. Just an insane piece of acting from this man

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/27/25

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Jeremy A

Overratted. Even the prison stuff wasn't that good. They tried to be too odd. I couldnt wait for it to be over. 1.5*

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

11/05/24

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Kirill M

Это настолько же скучно и однообразно, как и сидеть в тюрьме.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

10/05/24

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Jim S

20 minutes was way too long for me to waste on this show. Tom Hardy can do much better choosing his roles. This deserved to be a box office bomb.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

08/28/24

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Nate J

I’m giving this a 6 because I kind of hate “tough guy” movies, but the filmmaking was very well done with a loony, dedicated performance by Tom Hardy. It takes no shame in its almost heavy handed allusions to “A Clockwork Orange”. The colors are vivid and pop, and the landscapes of Old England are inspiring. It has a very dark knowing sense of humor. Tom Hardy gives a 110% to this character (as usual). A frenetic yet sleepy film with a not for the faint of heart warning. Recommended.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/17/24

Full Review

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Nicolas Winding Refn

Director

Tom Hardy

Charles Bronson

Kelly Adams

Irene

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Synopsis

In this drama based on a true story, there's no one tougher or more brutal in the English penal system than prisoner Michael Peterson, aka Charles Bronson (Tom Hardy). First incarcerated after robbing a jewelry store, the married Bronson is sentenced to seven years. But his incorrigible, savage behavior quickly gets him in trouble with guards, fellow inmates and even a dog. The only place where Bronson can't do any harm is in solitary confinement, where he spends most of his time.

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Producer: Rupert Preston, Daniel Hansford
Screenwriter: Nicolas Winding Refn, Brock Norman Brock
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: Perfume Films, Str8jacket Creations, Vertigo Films, Aramid Entertainment Fund, EM Media, 4DH Films
Rating: R (Language|Graphic Nudity|Sexuality|Violent and Disturbing Content)
Genre: Biography, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 9, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 7, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $104.8K
Runtime: 1h 32m

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