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Bronson

Play trailer Poster for Bronson R Released Oct 9, 2009 1h 32m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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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Bronson

Bronson

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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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Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Full Review Kirill M Это настолько же скучно и однообразно, как и сидеть в тюрьме. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 10/05/24 Full Review 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 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
Bronson

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Cast & Crew

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Nicolas Winding Refn

Director

Tom Hardy

Charles Bronson

Kelly Adams

Irene

Luing Andrews

Hysterical Screw

Katy Barker

Julie

Amanda Burton

Charlie's Mum

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Bronson

(Right) Tom Hardy as Michael Peterson/Charles Bronson in "Bronson." Tom Hardy as Michael Peterson/Charles Bronson in "Bronson." (Right) Director Nicolas Winding Refn on the set of "Bronson." Tom Hardy as Michael Peterson/Charles Bronson in "Bronson." Tom Hardy as Michael Peterson/Charles Bronson in "Bronson." (L-R) Matt King as Paul and Tom Hardy as Michael Peterson/Charles Bronson in "Bronson." Tom Hardy as Michael Peterson/Charles Bronson in "Bronson." (Right) Tom Hardy as Michael Peterson/Charles Bronson in "Bronson." Tom Hardy as Michael Peterson/Charles Bronson in "Bronson." View more photos

Movie Info

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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