Brick
Focus Features | Release Date: March 31, 2006
7.1
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 222 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
155
Mixed:
30
Negative:
37
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User scoreBy dateMost helpful
10
Vltra88Jun 29, 2011
Well written, Well acted, solid artful piece. The Film Noir/Hard boiled "who dunnit" feel fits really well in the director's childhood California high school setting while only feeling forced for brief moments. It's in my top ten films forWell written, Well acted, solid artful piece. The Film Noir/Hard boiled "who dunnit" feel fits really well in the director's childhood California high school setting while only feeling forced for brief moments. It's in my top ten films for sure. The pace is for the patient, and the entire vibe requires an understanding or appreciation of Film Noir. Maybe not for everyone, but I saw it as an incredibly well written script with an obvious intended goal for the film.… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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8
worleyjamersJun 7, 2013
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. IF you can accept that Brick is a film about a bunch of high schoolers involved in their own drug trade, you'll love the film. If you try to use logic and disregard the seemingly implausible plot than you'll find the film tortuous. I for one loved the film and thought it was unbelievably believable. The kids are great and Rian Johnson directs with confidence and style. Absolutely amazing!… Expand
0 of 2 users found this helpful02
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9
RitB.Apr 10, 2006
Highschool kids talking and acting like 1940's gumshoes. Silly? --- yeah, maybe --- but it works very nicely and it's preferable to having to listen to teens say 'like' and 'you know' four hundred times an hour. Highschool kids talking and acting like 1940's gumshoes. Silly? --- yeah, maybe --- but it works very nicely and it's preferable to having to listen to teens say 'like' and 'you know' four hundred times an hour. You'll strain your ears trying to follow the smart dialog and your brain will work at hyperspeed in order to grasp and interpret it all but it's all worthwhile. Fun movie that keeps up a good pace --- check it out.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
ChrisK.Apr 10, 2006
This is an extremely entertaining and well-written film highlighted by yet another first-rate performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
ChadS.Aug 28, 2006
It's the allusion to Martin Scorsese's mother in "Good Fellas" that really hooked me. Mrs. "Pin['s]" second appearance reminds me of Scorsese when she congratulates Joe Pesci's character for being made a "made man". You It's the allusion to Martin Scorsese's mother in "Good Fellas" that really hooked me. Mrs. "Pin['s]" second appearance reminds me of Scorsese when she congratulates Joe Pesci's character for being made a "made man". You think "Brick" is like Larry Clarke's "Kids"(clueless parents) because the mother has such a homespun guileless quality when she's entertaining Brendan(Joseph Gordon-Levitt). But no, there isn't a gulf between both the adult world and the "Bugsy Malone"-update world of these matriculating Hammetts. She knows her son is a gangster. "Brick" is almost Tarantino-like in its use of references to other movies. It is so clever, and unexpected. A lot of the fun comes from the filmmaker's use of extrapolation. For example, the femme fatale's true nature doesn't take place in a smoky bar, but on a...… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DomenicP.May 3, 2007
This is a great take on the traditional noir. The actors all deliver surprisingly great performances for people their age, and Johnson's direction is pitch-perfect.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
BradCFeb 18, 2009
Amazing movie. Quite different from other high school or murder mystery movies.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LeahB.Oct 5, 2006
This film was purely entrancing.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RichardW.Apr 10, 2006
Great movie, but you have to pay attention and really think about what you are seeing. If you just loaf along and expect everytihng to be painfully obvious, like on most TV shows, you won't get it, and you won't like Brick. But if Great movie, but you have to pay attention and really think about what you are seeing. If you just loaf along and expect everytihng to be painfully obvious, like on most TV shows, you won't get it, and you won't like Brick. But if you like getting into movies that force you to think, you'll love Brick. I liked it a lot the first time, and loved it the second time and got much more out of it. Gordon-Levitt is amazing. Hard to imagine it's the same actor as on 3rd Rock or Mysterious Skin.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
DWillyApr 24, 2006
A great idea with a lot of nice directorial flourishes and always entertaining. There are real limitations with some of the actors and major confusions, but I guess this could also be considered consistent with the noir genre (I've A great idea with a lot of nice directorial flourishes and always entertaining. There are real limitations with some of the actors and major confusions, but I guess this could also be considered consistent with the noir genre (I've heard it said that "The Big Sleep" flat out doesn't make sense). Well worth seeing.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DanB.Aug 22, 2006
This was really good. I didn' think it dragged anywhere. And the folks who think the dialogue stunk cos "no one talks like that", I think they're missing the point? No one is supposed to talk like that, it's what they call a This was really good. I didn' think it dragged anywhere. And the folks who think the dialogue stunk cos "no one talks like that", I think they're missing the point? No one is supposed to talk like that, it's what they call a "conceit", that high schoolers are going to talk like gangsters in old time noir pictures? Anyway, the twist at the end had a bit less impact than it might have and there's certainly flaws, but the originality of making a noir pic in high school totally won me over.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
JeffS.Sep 11, 2006
Effortlessly guides the viewer into its own high concept and once hooked, the film is a pleasure to scrutinize. Not a film for easy viewing, but sure to be a repeat offender on cult-friendly dvd players. Easily one of the best films of 2006.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
DanC.Sep 30, 2006
This film seamlessly (and fearlessly) transfers film noir to an unlikely setting - it takes real chances and it succeeds. Especially good are the small moments of humor that remind the audience of where they are, without any of the wink-wink This film seamlessly (and fearlessly) transfers film noir to an unlikely setting - it takes real chances and it succeeds. Especially good are the small moments of humor that remind the audience of where they are, without any of the wink-wink cleverness that could have undermined the atmosphere. A fascinating, visual inventive, and impressive film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JSJan 2, 2007
Brick bleeds Dashiell Hammett and it amazes me how seamlessly the filmmakers brought hard-boiled detective fiction to a high school setting.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
xitiJan 26, 2007
I saw it by chance and I think it's very very interesting, it has a very intelligent script and a very good rhythm
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DonalM.Sep 1, 2007
Absolutely fantastic film. Brilliant storyline, well told. Very little special effects, adds to the effect. Also found it witty at times.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DavidP.Feb 22, 2008
i think it is sad people rate this so low, mainly due to the fact that they have no mental capacity to truly understand the plot and all the little subtle clues. not to mention they speak the way they do because it is a take on a film noir i think it is sad people rate this so low, mainly due to the fact that they have no mental capacity to truly understand the plot and all the little subtle clues. not to mention they speak the way they do because it is a take on a film noir movie neo-noir if you will, the movie is well produced and shot, not to mention the actors delved deep into their characters making the film noir theme show through better.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
AlexSDec 10, 2006
Being a fan of film noir hardboiled styles Brick came as a nice surprise when I was expecting a simple high-school drama. It's fast and well planned pacing draws you in, and you soon realise this is so much more than it seems. The Being a fan of film noir hardboiled styles Brick came as a nice surprise when I was expecting a simple high-school drama. It's fast and well planned pacing draws you in, and you soon realise this is so much more than it seems. The characters seem entirely realistic; there being no real villain (I wouldn't classify the Pin as a villain), and a dark protagonist, seem like real people you might find around any high-school social scene. The brilliant acting also brings the story to life as a film noir work. It can sometimes be a little hard to follow considering it's speed, but once you're on the level, it's a great story through-and-through.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MaxF.Apr 15, 2006
I'm an age of "hard to please", and this gem pleasured me and two fellow film goers to the brim.. Screen play, direction, acting, and photography excelled. A lack of gutter words and the intro of new lingo added to the pleasure. Still a I'm an age of "hard to please", and this gem pleasured me and two fellow film goers to the brim.. Screen play, direction, acting, and photography excelled. A lack of gutter words and the intro of new lingo added to the pleasure. Still a conversation piece days later.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
TrevorB.Apr 24, 2006
Joseph Gordan- Levitt has come along way, from 3rd Rock from the Sun. He's on well on his way to becoming a movie star. Rian Johnson has an uncanny ability with language that you don't hear everyday. I can't wait to see his Joseph Gordan- Levitt has come along way, from 3rd Rock from the Sun. He's on well on his way to becoming a movie star. Rian Johnson has an uncanny ability with language that you don't hear everyday. I can't wait to see his follow up film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LenW.Apr 4, 2006
The coolest hard-boiled teen crime drama of this or any year. Joseph Gordon-Levitt continues to turn out astonishing performances.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
SeamusM.May 17, 2006
The first half hout or so i thought the film was really pretentious and boring. Then it gathered pace. i didn't think the dialogue was very realistic. Surely nobody talks like that.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JustinS.Jun 30, 2006
The acting was very good, but this movie has a number of flaws. For example, I found it hard to believe the Pin, a major figure in the local drug trade, still lives with his mother, How old is he supposed to be? I also had trouble following The acting was very good, but this movie has a number of flaws. For example, I found it hard to believe the Pin, a major figure in the local drug trade, still lives with his mother, How old is he supposed to be? I also had trouble following the plot except for its most basic outlines (perhaps it was too complex). It didn't help that I couldn't understand the dialog (I thought the actors were mumbling most of their lines or maybe I'm just not up to speed with the latest street slang). I'm going to have to rent the dvd so I can catch what all the actors are saying and what it means.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
TheConundrumJul 10, 2006
A great first effort. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, even when not being able to follow the tortuous plot. Yeah, yeah, some people won't be able to buy into the conceit of SoCal high school kids mouthing Raymond Chandler dialog, but A great first effort. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, even when not being able to follow the tortuous plot. Yeah, yeah, some people won't be able to buy into the conceit of SoCal high school kids mouthing Raymond Chandler dialog, but that's their loss. A hard-boiled film noir in sunny Orange County -- pure gold. Ther are some great comic moments, too. Admittedly, the film is a little rough around the edges, and the acting is inconsistent, but do you expect from a movie made for about $37.98? One last caveat: Although I want to encourage people to support the artists by seeing the movie an a theater, it would actually be better to wait for DVD and rent it. That way you'll be able to go back and catch some of the denser dialog you may have missed, or just pause the action to try to figure out what the heck is going on. I'm sure it would reward many viewings.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
R.ThomasJul 24, 2006
If your clever enough to follow the film and understand it, you'll love it. However it can be hard to do so, so don't bother unless your ready to sit down and get absorbed in it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JohnT.Aug 7, 2006
The cinematography of this movie is superb. unique camera angles and impressive acting. like many others said. it's a bit tough to follow the dialogue. sometimes they talk to quick and use word that you usually don't use in aThe cinematography of this movie is superb. unique camera angles and impressive acting. like many others said. it's a bit tough to follow the dialogue. sometimes they talk to quick and use word that you usually don't use in a sentence. that's how i felt the first time i watched it. BUT! watching it the second time around i totally caught on. if you're having trouble with the dialogue. buy the dvd and watch the movie with subtitles. it WORKS...haha.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
DavidB.Sep 12, 2006
Yes. It's a ten. But then Dashiell Hammett is a favorite author, and Houston's Maltese Falcon a desert island movie. Rian Johnson captures the voice and tone of the American hard-boiled detective story perfectly. A couple of times Yes. It's a ten. But then Dashiell Hammett is a favorite author, and Houston's Maltese Falcon a desert island movie. Rian Johnson captures the voice and tone of the American hard-boiled detective story perfectly. A couple of times I laughed with sheer pleasure how note-perfect the acting (Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Nora Zehetner are simply outstanding) and dialog were. This is the best detective story since Chinatown… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
H.CarterSep 5, 2006
what a great little movie this is! I do love film noir so a friend had recommended this movie. --I was skeptical I admit, but other than a few times where the dialogue fell flat, the movie worked wonderfully through and through. The what a great little movie this is! I do love film noir so a friend had recommended this movie. --I was skeptical I admit, but other than a few times where the dialogue fell flat, the movie worked wonderfully through and through. The direction, writing, tight plot, cinematography/sets, the story--everything was impressive for whomever this first time writer/director is (much like Hustle and Flow). however, if you're not a fan of noir movies, Brick does follow a lot of those concepts so it may not be the movie for you. However, I do think it does goes above and beyond the selling slogan of "updated noir set in high school". I highly recommend this film and can't wait to see what this new filmmaker will do next.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
EricSFeb 5, 2009
I thought everything about this movie yelled class (dialog, story, ambiance, costumes, direction) even though most of it takes place in a middle / lower-middle class environment.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
DeunneroMay 29, 2009
A great movie for a Friday night after a gruelling week of work. A throwback to films of old. I thought this had simliar tones to "The Night of the Hunter" personally. Highly recommended.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
theGuardianMay 9, 2009
Brilliant film and an excellent way to bring noir to the kids that are missing out on it.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
TarkoB.Mar 31, 2006
Pretty damn amazing when it works.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JulioF.May 12, 2006
Noir to its teeth. It's spectacular, consistent, and compact -- no small feat -- and the whole things plays out very nicely on screen.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
M.S.Jun 17, 2006
I've got one word for this film...awsome. This was a superb film I must say. The dialog alone was worth the ticket price and the hype but what is good dialog without an incredibly endearing and believable cast? This cast really pulled I've got one word for this film...awsome. This was a superb film I must say. The dialog alone was worth the ticket price and the hype but what is good dialog without an incredibly endearing and believable cast? This cast really pulled their weight, every single one of them acting as a cohesive ensemble and with it, creating an aura of fun suspense and mystery that can only be found in black and white noir mysteries of a similar nature. The camera work was wonderful and the story was incredibly well written. The characters were totally engaging, I even felt a pang of sorrow for Dode when he got killed even though he was a slime bucket! I found it incredibly fresh that they would take the nostalgia of the eighties and highschool culture and food chains and use it as a play ground for a mystery. I also liked how it was all highschoolers in this underground society of misfits who were involved with crimes and investigations and research, it gave the film a refreshing authenticity rarely found in films today. To all of those who scorn it for doing what (literally) no noir mystery has done before...forget you. This was a seriously entertaining and effective film!.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
MattC.Jul 24, 2006
A very good film, overall, particularly for a first effort. The performances by Joseph Gordon-Leavitt was particularly powerful, appropriately, while Lukas Hass was very good and Nora Zehetner was breathtaking. The issue that people complain A very good film, overall, particularly for a first effort. The performances by Joseph Gordon-Leavitt was particularly powerful, appropriately, while Lukas Hass was very good and Nora Zehetner was breathtaking. The issue that people complain about, not being able to understand the language? That's really more of an issue with them, not the movie. I was able to understand it perfectly. My only real complaints would be: It could have stood being tightened up. When a 110 minute movie feels more like 180, you know it drags in places. Additionally, I felt the music could have been more agressive throughout the film. While I understand the usage of the jangly was supposed to convey a certain mood, the language and subject were more than enough to evoke that, and the soundtrack contributed, I think, to the feeling over of-length.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
StacyB.Aug 21, 2006
dramatic montage and killer dialogue. this movie is definitely one of the best i've seen in a while.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
PeteM.Aug 26, 2006
Brick is an intense and powerful noir piece with such riveting performances and stellar writing that it resonates well beyond its slightly gimmicky
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
JWFeb 11, 2007
In my mind, the noirisms hit their stride when the character of Brain is introduced and he utters the line: "Lunch? Lunch is difficult...." A better summation of high school I've never heard. And NO LAPTOP! He got the reputation as In my mind, the noirisms hit their stride when the character of Brain is introduced and he utters the line: "Lunch? Lunch is difficult...." A better summation of high school I've never heard. And NO LAPTOP! He got the reputation as "Brain," not by being a geek computer whiz or building robots, but by his detailed knowledge of social strata and teenage communication. In fact, aside from a loner cell phone, most communication in the movie is done longhand - either person-to-person or in symbollic notes, etc. I love all of it. The Brat Pack movies have at last been put under.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
MatthewF.Jun 15, 2009
My favorite movie of all time.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
SethPJul 21, 2009
A damned good neo-noir.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
KipM.Dec 19, 2006
What a feat. Rian Johnson is shaping up to be one of the best directors out of the mainstream today. His debut "Brick" is completely new take on both the detective and high school genres and blends them mostly seamlessly. Joseph What a feat. Rian Johnson is shaping up to be one of the best directors out of the mainstream today. His debut "Brick" is completely new take on both the detective and high school genres and blends them mostly seamlessly. Joseph Gordon-Levitt, miles away from his alternative teen idol days on "3rd Rock" and "10 Things I Hate about You," is absolutely brilliant as Brendan, alone by choice, who is smarter than anyone in the room and uses that to his advantage. The labyrinthe plot (involving an ex-girlfriend's murder and a giant web of drug dealers and users) is never too confusing or unnecessary. You learn every detail along with Brendan, piecing it together in search of closure and justice. The noir dialogue doesn't take you out of the plot; it envelops you into its world.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
Lopez17Aug 11, 2010
Film noir was one of cinemas most popular and most profitable genre or it uses to be back in the last stretch of the golden years in Hollywood (1940-1950). The last neo-noir the golden era pushed out was Orson Welles "Touch of Evil"(1958)Film noir was one of cinemas most popular and most profitable genre or it uses to be back in the last stretch of the golden years in Hollywood (1940-1950). The last neo-noir the golden era pushed out was Orson Welles "Touch of Evil"(1958) while during its release, it was well received but it sadly failed to reignite the flame of a fading genre. Noir seemed almost dead until an up and coming director named Roman Polanski took on the dangerous task of trying to breathe new life into the deceased genre. I never thought it could be done someone being able to bring back one of cinema's most beloved genres but Polanski did it and his film "Chinatown"(1974) was the film that restarted the film noir genre. Launching a whole new era of Neo-Noirâ… Expand
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9
cabritaOct 20, 2012
It's a very fun unique film. Joseph Gordon Levitt and Rian Johnson's screenplay carry this film the distance. The dialogue is so well written and so emblematic of 40's crime novels and films it can but only put a smile on your face. And theIt's a very fun unique film. Joseph Gordon Levitt and Rian Johnson's screenplay carry this film the distance. The dialogue is so well written and so emblematic of 40's crime novels and films it can but only put a smile on your face. And the actors are true to the premise from beginning to end. Not once winking at the audience.… Expand
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8
cameronmorewoodNov 7, 2012
Brick has a language, and even a world of its own, and it is utterly fascinating.
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7
EpicLadySpongeApr 29, 2016
Brick is a very decent film and it makes a brick worth watching, construction or destruction. What makes Brick look unique is not the fact that you're thinking bad, but it's the script that saves the movie from being a bomb.
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9
MasterRileyJul 23, 2016
Brick is a really good movie with a heavy focus on the writing and characters rather than the action and effects. It continually gets more and more interesting as the movie goes on and thats all thanks to Johnson's great writing. TheBrick is a really good movie with a heavy focus on the writing and characters rather than the action and effects. It continually gets more and more interesting as the movie goes on and thats all thanks to Johnson's great writing. The performances are also really great as well. Definitely an awesome movie to watch.… Expand
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8
Jk9785Nov 1, 2018
Rian Johnson's first feature film, albeit not his very best, is fantastic. The dialogue feels like it's from the 40's, and while some may consider that a flaw, I consider it the biggest success, as this is meant to be a neo-noir film. TheRian Johnson's first feature film, albeit not his very best, is fantastic. The dialogue feels like it's from the 40's, and while some may consider that a flaw, I consider it the biggest success, as this is meant to be a neo-noir film. The acting from JGL is superb, and when that mixes with beautiful camerawork from Steve Yedlin and Rian Johnson's direction, you've got yourself a nice little noir thriller.… Expand
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7
amheretojudgeSep 3, 2019
Johnson's job is so polished, clean and smart, that it takes you a while to understand the ruthlessnees it speaks about.

Brick Johnson is a fanatic for the action. Mind you, this is not the action that one often misunderstands it for. ItJohnson's job is so polished, clean and smart, that it takes you a while to understand the ruthlessnees it speaks about.

Brick

Johnson is a fanatic for the action. Mind you, this is not the action that one often misunderstands it for. It doesn't punch its way out. It doesn't want to. Unlike Brendan played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the protagonist, who is drunk in his guilt and is ready to take any sort of suffering or punishment in this investigative journey that he calls, salvation. The writer and director Rian Johnson's action is an action. Any form of activity, physical activity that normally is a heartbeat fastening experience for you in real life and is a "meh" sequence in a cinematic life.

So now, his priority is to make this crime drama world practical enough for you to believe the hype, agree to those standard rumors and carry the weight of the stakes it actually oozes. How do you pull this off? You would think that Johnson would direct his gun towards empathizing his characters. Instead, he defines the boundaries pretty close to reality. For a film that deals with murder, drug trafficking and Mafia-alike privatized gangs, Johnson doesn't let go of tiny stuffs like bunking class, detention threat and rep sheet.

These actual issues that a studying teenager would and does worry about, then elevates the bold decisions of his on say.. chasing a criminal, fighting a bigger, stronger bully, deliberately walk in on a troubling scenario- the way he keeps insisting on fighting despite being brutally beaten, that arresting personality is brilliantly portrayed by Joseph- or the final test, taking someone's life. That final part grounds the film more than anything considering how pure his revenge based emotions are, in the entire film, it is actually what drives him, more than even the curiosity factor. Brick is a hefty, heavy, bone-y pill to swallow, it is not for everyone, but then it is not made to.… Expand
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9
geewahMar 30, 2021
One of the best films of 2006.
A well written film noir thriller transplanted to a modern day southern Californian high school.
It shouldn't work, but surprisingly it hits it out of the park.
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9
DarkwingSchmuckMar 8, 2022
Brick marks writer/director Rian Johnson's debut with style and wit. A contemporary high school setting with characters who talk and act as if they were in a 30s or 40s noir. This subtle and sly style of humor allows Brick to be tense oneBrick marks writer/director Rian Johnson's debut with style and wit. A contemporary high school setting with characters who talk and act as if they were in a 30s or 40s noir. This subtle and sly style of humor allows Brick to be tense one minute, and gut-bustingly hilarious the next. It may still be the director's most creative work thus far.… Expand
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