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Bronson

Play trailer Poster for Bronson R 2009 1h 32m Biography Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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75% Tomatometer 80 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) Nov 15, 2017
It's not a masterpiece by any stretch; but it's original and pacy, and those qualities are rare enough. Go to Full Review Chris Chang Film Comment Magazine Sep 26, 2014
...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. Go to Full Review Tim Grierson The Simon Feb 26, 2010
Bronson doesn't have much to say, but it's a very fun exercise in bad behavior that's neither glamorized nor bemoaned. Go to Full Review David Nusair Reel Film Reviews Feb 26, 2026
3/4
...an audacious biopic that rarely, if ever, unfolds as one might’ve anticipated... Go to Full Review Taylor Baker Drink in the Movies Sep 9, 2021
78/100
Episode 27: Valhalla Rising / Bronson / Starred Up / True Detective S3 Go to Full Review Felicia Feaster Charleston City Paper Jan 23, 2020
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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Badger W @Badgerwalker Aug 30, 2026 Tom Hardy is staggeringly good! This is the role he was born to play. See more Meri S @mschroeder Aug 12, 2026 DNF. Weird and distributing. See more susan C @Teddyjo Jun 8, 2026 Tom Hardy is a very talented actor. This movie is a farce. So silly. Circus performance. BAD See more Chris C. @RT52462337 Apr 14, 2026 Not what i was expecting but still pretty entertaining and interesting. I can't complain. See more Kathy V. @RT64332554 Mar 21, 2026 Tom Hardys acting is always outstanding. The type of movies he's in another story. Reminds me too of a clock work orange. I like him in movies like the drop, the revenent, bikeriders, lawless. He's wide range different types of movies. I never pass up a movie with him, but a few of them I have a hard time getting through. See more Donna E @CallMeDon Mar 9, 2026 Psycho movie that will make you wonder if your a bit psycho for watching it. That is if you can last through it. See more 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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