Bronson
Magnet Releasing | Release Date: October 9, 2009
7.4
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 176 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
138
Mixed:
31
Negative:
7
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8
Longbottom94Apr 25, 2013
Many have dismissed this film for not exploring the character of Charlie Bronson. Saying this completely negates the focus of the film. Refn is only focused on exploring the idea of the man, not the man himself. The main theme of the pictureMany have dismissed this film for not exploring the character of Charlie Bronson. Saying this completely negates the focus of the film. Refn is only focused on exploring the idea of the man, not the man himself. The main theme of the picture is the fascination with fame, the other-worldly persona it brings and, the emotionally empty ramifications it has. Fame is without substance, so therefore the character is too.… Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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9
MartinBOct 13, 2009
Anyone who doesn't like this movie simply just doesn't get it. Maybe it's a British thing (I'm Irish but have grown up on British TV) or maybe it's particularly enjoyed by those who like Theatre of the Absurd Anyone who doesn't like this movie simply just doesn't get it. Maybe it's a British thing (I'm Irish but have grown up on British TV) or maybe it's particularly enjoyed by those who like Theatre of the Absurd (Beckett etc), but this is without doubt one of the best movies of the last ten years.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful
10
JaakkoJul 19, 2012
Not sure what to think at this film at first. It came off as gritty 80's style of film making. Which almost seemed to be inspired by clockwork orange. Tom Hardy was excellent as the role of Charlie Bronson and the fact he did 2500 pushups aNot sure what to think at this film at first. It came off as gritty 80's style of film making. Which almost seemed to be inspired by clockwork orange. Tom Hardy was excellent as the role of Charlie Bronson and the fact he did 2500 pushups a day before this role shows his dedication to this film. He was the only shining light in this film unfortunately  and though the film is about his life, maybe was focused on him a little too much and not how he affected those around him. 
6.1/10… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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3
LuxocellJan 16, 2015
Call me simple minded if you desire, but I really found the story-telling in the movie odd in a bad way. The acting is really good, but everything else was mediocre. I've been thinking that maybe this movie didn't impact on me because I'm notCall me simple minded if you desire, but I really found the story-telling in the movie odd in a bad way. The acting is really good, but everything else was mediocre. I've been thinking that maybe this movie didn't impact on me because I'm not familiar with the real person? I feel like the director assumed the audience would know a bit about the character when starting the film. Anyway, I wasted time of my holidays, great.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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0
MalilApr 14, 2022
One of the worst movies I have ever seen, do not waste your time!
I do not know Michael Peterson, but there is nothing interesting about him in this film.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
CapoROct 13, 2009
Nicely portrayed but it lacks the elements to make it a very good movie.
0 of 1 users found this helpful
8
OrwellB.Oct 10, 2009
Bronson is more than entertainment. It is art with Tom Hardy at the centre. You have to see Tom Hardy
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
RONGIUJun 10, 2011
Sorry, machine translation. The "stage", by Nicolas Winding Refn. Violence and abuse, the victims left in a state of prolonged mental suffering, failure of institutions in understanding adolescent deviant behavior, violent arm of the law andSorry, machine translation. The "stage", by Nicolas Winding Refn. Violence and abuse, the victims left in a state of prolonged mental suffering, failure of institutions in understanding adolescent deviant behavior, violent arm of the law and to end the dreams of omnipotence megalomica. This is "Bronson," the film of Nicholas Winding Refn / director Tom Hardy and very good player in the role of Michael Peterson "aka" Charles Bronson /. That is a true story of Bronson. The convict thug, convict the most dangerous of England, has attracted public attention for his want artistic and literary production but also for their way of life accompanied by a personal code of honor. It is not a murderess, will not beat women or children. What is the strategy to tell Refn Bronson? The stage. Bronson is the protagonist on stage, as it is in many prisons turned from him. At that stage in those costumes and tells the general public. Ironically, the isolation becomes a friend and as such provides the necessary time to draft the "script" as the text of self-narration. Remember the scene with the convict in double face? This is Bronson, I understand, a man in extraordinary performance by Tom Hardy is presented to us a little 'jester but also very, very corrosive. Council to see the film, directed by brilliant quality, the history is not easy to tell and interpret it for the music, but ... Keep a safe distance. Good Click! ITALIAN VERSION Il "palco", di Nicolas Winding Refn. Violenza e sopraffazione; vittime lasciate in prolungato stato di sofferenza psichica, incapacità delle istituzioni nel comprendere comportamenti adolescenziali devianti, braccio violento della legge e per finire sogni di onnipotenza megalomica. Questo è "Bronson", il film di Nicholas Winding Refn regista / e Tom Hardy bravissimo protagonista, nel ruolo di Michael Peterson "in arte" Charles Bronson /. Quella di Bronson è una storia vera. Il galeotto picchiatore, il galeotto più pericoloso d'Inghilterra; ha attirato su di sé l'attenzione pubblica vuoi per la sua produzione artistico-letteraria ma anche per il proprio stile di vita accompagnato da un personalissimo codice d'onore. Infatti, non è un assassino, non picchia le donne né i bambini. Qual è la strategia di Refn per raccontarci di Bronson? Il palco. Sul palco Bronson è protagonista assoluto, così come lo è nelle tantissime carceri da lui girate. Sul quel palco ed in quei costumi si racconta al grande pubblico. Per assurdo, l'isolamento gli diventa amico e come tale fornisce il tempo necessario per la stesura del "copione" quale testo autonarrativo. Ricordate la scena con il galeotto in double face? Questo è Bronson, mi par di capire; un uomo che nella straordinaria interpretazione di Tom Hardy ci è presentato un po' giullare ma anche tanto, tanto corrosivo. Consiglio di vedere il film, per la regia qualitativamente brillante, per la storia non facile da raccontare ed interpretare; per le musiche; ma... tenetevi a debita distanza. Good Click!… Expand
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8
TokyochuchuNov 30, 2013
Bronson is a great, extremely strange movie from the director of the fantastic Drive. The central performance from Tom Hardy is truly mesmerizing. Despite the fact that Charlie Bronson is a complete, unrepentant maniac, you can't help butBronson is a great, extremely strange movie from the director of the fantastic Drive. The central performance from Tom Hardy is truly mesmerizing. Despite the fact that Charlie Bronson is a complete, unrepentant maniac, you can't help but feel sympathy for him. Which is a pretty amazing movie magic trick in itself. Compulsive viewing ahoy!… Expand
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7
Fenrir81Apr 22, 2011
Despite being flawed by a weak narrative structure and an overall awkward direction, Bronson is a very interesting film about antisociability in its most extreme form. Part prison drama, part slice of life with strong, absurd comedicDespite being flawed by a weak narrative structure and an overall awkward direction, Bronson is a very interesting film about antisociability in its most extreme form. Part prison drama, part slice of life with strong, absurd comedic overtones, the film tells the bizarre life story of Mike Peterson aka Charles Bronson, allegedly Britainâ… Expand
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4
cabritaAug 10, 2012
If valhalla rising was a weak version of agguire the wrath of god then this is a weak version of A clockwork orange. The film's dark comedy falls flat and many scenes that are supposed to be horrific don't really draw the viewer in. GrantedIf valhalla rising was a weak version of agguire the wrath of god then this is a weak version of A clockwork orange. The film's dark comedy falls flat and many scenes that are supposed to be horrific don't really draw the viewer in. Granted there were times where I felt bad for Charley Bronson but this is all because of Tom hardy's very good performance.… Expand
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10
farknashAug 19, 2011
http://mikesharkey.blogspot.com/2009/04/igizmo-review.html

And throughout, Tom Hardy
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4
SpangleMar 6, 2015
Extremely claustrophobic, Bronson is possibly Nicolas Winding Refn's best film in my eyes. As you can tell, I am not a fan of his. The cinematography is gorgeous, sure, but the film is entirely off-putting and never really hooks you in. TomExtremely claustrophobic, Bronson is possibly Nicolas Winding Refn's best film in my eyes. As you can tell, I am not a fan of his. The cinematography is gorgeous, sure, but the film is entirely off-putting and never really hooks you in. Tom Hardy is phenomenal here, but ultimately, the film itself is too shallow and self-indulgent to really do anything important. Charles Bronson is a riveting person and though he may not be worthy of having a film made about him, he certainly makes for an interesting character study. Sadly, the film is so short and so focused on how violent we can make it, it never really conducts this study and you are just left saying, "wow he's pretty violent, eh?" If this is the intent, then good job on the success, but it does not make this one an interesting biographical film in the least. Yet again, Nicolas Winding Refn sacrifices substance for style and yet again, it blows up in his face. The style is gorgeous, again, but without Hardy's fantastic embodiment of Bronson, this one would be far worse.… Expand
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8
Nesbitt10Jul 4, 2013
One thing is for certain: Bronson invites you to admire its protagonist as a pure, muscular embodiment of anarchy. And perhaps you will, but you will also be glad that he is still behind bars. The film opens with a man on stage proclaiming,One thing is for certain: Bronson invites you to admire its protagonist as a pure, muscular embodiment of anarchy. And perhaps you will, but you will also be glad that he is still behind bars. The film opens with a man on stage proclaiming, "My name is Charlie Bronson, and all my life I've wanted to be famous." The auditorium appears to be empty, but later, a still unseen audience provides the approval he so desperately covets.

Born Michael Peterson (Tom Hardy), in a British suburb in 1952, he first went to prison at the age of 22 for burglarizing a post office. He stole £26.18 and received seven years for the crime, but that sentence was quickly extended as Peterson's infractions inside began to pile up: insubordination, violence, blackmail, and multiple hostage situations. Michael is gradually swallowed up by the prison system, seemingly an environment that suits him best. It is during this time that Michael Petersen, the boy, fades, and 'Charles Bronson,' his superstar alter ego, takes over. Bronson occupies any territory in which he exists by sheer, brute, force. Bronson's first and only instinct is to fight, to capture, and to win. He never makes it to phase two of planning. He has now spent more than three decades in jail, with the majority of those years in solitary confinement, and has become a tabloid sensation as the "most violent prisoner in Britain."

The film is impressively structured and edited, shot in dark tones--illustrating his theme that Bronson is "an artist looking for a canvas," whose search is frequently violent, crazy, and erratic. The director is Nicolas Winding Refn, most famous for the movie "Drive" (2011), and his "Pusher" trilogy of films about Copenhagen's violent, multi-ethnic underworld. Refn himself is something of a rebel, who brings a sharp, surreal, foreign eye to the film.

The film solely rests upon the astonishing performance from an almost unrecognizable Tom Hardy. Bronson never asks for our sympathy for his situation, but somehow, at times, he is able to do just that. Hardy brings a raw physicality to the role, leaping naked about his cell, jumping from tables, and hurling himself into half a dozen guards. Unfortunately, the film never gets under the skin of Bronson and his motivations. It omits other facets of his life including the Muslim woman he married in jail, his conversion to Islam, and the subsequent renouncement of the awards he won for his art and poetry.

Enduring the egotistical ramblings of a psychopath may not sound like a particularly entertaining prospect, but "Bronson" delivers on all fronts. Gripping, visceral, ugly, and beautiful, "Bronson" is quite brilliant.… Expand
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5
TrilobiteGJan 6, 2016
Got to say, I'm rather disappointed. To begin with, Tom Hardy is still a cracker. Excellent performance, breathing life into this nutter, exceptional work. Also, cinematography was also very impressive. This being said, for a movie about theGot to say, I'm rather disappointed. To begin with, Tom Hardy is still a cracker. Excellent performance, breathing life into this nutter, exceptional work. Also, cinematography was also very impressive. This being said, for a movie about the most violent criminal in Britain, it is grainy in it's entertainment and becomes pretentious very fast, awkward blend of Art and Dark Humour, doesn't quite fit together as I'd hoped.… Expand
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5
TomBeltranMay 27, 2013
Posted on 5/20/13 10:15 AM
Tom hardy gives a brutally shocking performance that Refn films it beautifully,that being said I find Bronson too exploitive and bizarre to be a good film or even tolerable for a second view
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7
BrettTJun 8, 2014
Well acted and gritty, Bronson is a good film. It goes over the most violent prisoner in Britain, Charles Bronson (a.k.a. Michael Peterson). The acting is very well done, and for the most part the film is enjoyable. This is a good film, butWell acted and gritty, Bronson is a good film. It goes over the most violent prisoner in Britain, Charles Bronson (a.k.a. Michael Peterson). The acting is very well done, and for the most part the film is enjoyable. This is a good film, but not a great or perfect film. If the prisoner Charles Bronson (player very well by Tom Hardy) interests you, then this is your film. If you like crime/prison films or violent wrestling-like films then this is also for you.… Expand
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8
VoltronixAug 14, 2014
Tom Hardy nails it in this role, partially due to all of the prep work he did for it, the mustache from Charles "Bronson" Salvador actually shaved off his face for Hardy, and for just "lettin' it all hang out." Had Jason Statham taken thisTom Hardy nails it in this role, partially due to all of the prep work he did for it, the mustache from Charles "Bronson" Salvador actually shaved off his face for Hardy, and for just "lettin' it all hang out." Had Jason Statham taken this on, originally cast for the role, I don't think it would have had nearly the punch and effect Hardy exhibits.… Expand
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9
LatinCritic13Apr 7, 2019
Bronson is defined as a film that’s notorious under Charles Bronson name and Tom Hardy’s portrayal as the showstopping prisoner truly shines throughout the whole film thanks to the excellent coherent direction led by Nicolas Winding Refn.
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9
MattBrady99Sep 9, 2015
Bronson follows the life of notorious prisoner Michael Gordon Peterson, who was re-named Charles Bronson by his fight promoter. Born into a respectable middle-class family, Peterson would nevertheless become one of the UK's most dangerousBronson follows the life of notorious prisoner Michael Gordon Peterson, who was re-named Charles Bronson by his fight promoter. Born into a respectable middle-class family, Peterson would nevertheless become one of the UK's most dangerous criminals, and is known for having spent almost his entire adult life in solitary confinement. Tom Hardy plays a scary and messed up person in this movie and the directing is superb in this movie with out a doubt. Nicolas Winding Refn always has he's characters a silent but deadly person in all of his films.… Expand
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5
RalfbergsJun 25, 2016
I really liked TOm Hardy's performance here, but I do think that movie wasn't meant for me. I mean, I expected something more from it, but I guess as it is based on Bronson's life, then they did a pretty good job, but at the same time I feelI really liked TOm Hardy's performance here, but I do think that movie wasn't meant for me. I mean, I expected something more from it, but I guess as it is based on Bronson's life, then they did a pretty good job, but at the same time I feel like I am not that amazed with Bronson like others are. Maybe I am wrong, but that made me feel that the story of the movie isn't that interesting - I mean the overall story ok, but the details not so much.… Expand
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8
nbockAug 26, 2015
While Bronson does take several creative liberties with the life and story of Charlie Bronson, the film is undeniably an ambitious attempt to merge ultra-violence and art. Bolstered in large part by the performance of Tom Hardy, BronsonWhile Bronson does take several creative liberties with the life and story of Charlie Bronson, the film is undeniably an ambitious attempt to merge ultra-violence and art. Bolstered in large part by the performance of Tom Hardy, Bronson transcends the style of the common crime/action movie.… Expand
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3
BroyaxJan 27, 2017
J'avais vu la bande-annonce, très drôle, et j'espérais beaucoup de Bronson, surtout de la part de Winding Refn. Et quelle déconvenue ! très répétitif et pas drôle. Sauf le premier quart d'heure, quand même. Pas très violent non plus ceJ'avais vu la bande-annonce, très drôle, et j'espérais beaucoup de Bronson, surtout de la part de Winding Refn. Et quelle déconvenue ! très répétitif et pas drôle. Sauf le premier quart d'heure, quand même. Pas très violent non plus ce Bronson, en petite forme Winding Refn qui nous a habitué à bien mieux, bien plus percutant à cet égard. On le sent mal à l'aise sur ce film à ressasser les mêmes tics kubrickiens (de la musique classique et quelques ralentis...), à loucher fortement du côté d'Orange mécanique... Et pourtant, il n'a ni l'ironie, ni le style incomparable du Maître. Un pétard mouillé donc et un sujet gâché.… Expand
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7
AndrewBurgeJan 31, 2019
This film is so British that I want to send it to Prince Charles as anger release material to the fact that his mother is still alive and kicking. And good for her, God Bless The Queen, indeed. This fact is even more surprising giving asThis film is so British that I want to send it to Prince Charles as anger release material to the fact that his mother is still alive and kicking. And good for her, God Bless The Queen, indeed. This fact is even more surprising giving as Nicolas Winding Refn, the directorial mind behind this exhibition piece is Danish.

Aesthetically, this is strapped of any beauty. It is a raw, intentionally unpolished piece into the life of Britain's most notorious prisoner, Michael Peterson a.k.a. Charles Bronson. Saying that Tom Hardy shines performing this maniac would be a poor choice of words. His performance is beyond good or bad, its simply performance art--which is what I think Charles Bronson is. He is the ultimate performance artist. You can clearly see Hardy enjoying playing him because his versatile talent is pushed to theatrical lengths.

Refn did not bother going into details about Bronson's life or upbringing, but he wanted us to know that he did not have any traumas as a child. He strips any reasoning for this film and wants us to understand that Charles Bronson is like that simply because he IS like that. "You can't pin me down"--he says. For him, prison was opportunity, his violent outbursts were an art form. The scene in which he captures the librarian bringing him books to incite the guards just so he can do his routine shows that perfectly, not to mention the theatrical intermissions which are also a big clue.

For the inevitable brawl with the guards he prepares like any artist does for a performance. In his case, he strips naked, paints his body and is eager to rumble. Bronson revels in chaos and beyond that there really is not much going on. The interactions with people around him are sparse, linear and the outside world simply does not work for him.

There really is not much to say about this film. Its all about Bronson and the guards topping each other off over and over again. Refn constantly smashes his head against a concrete wall here, and while its engaging to watch at first, after a while you become irritated, even disturbed by it.… Expand
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6
ahmedaiman1999Mar 20, 2019
This is definitely a one-of-a-kind character study! Although our psychopathic protagonist narrates some of his own stories to the audience, he doesn't give any sort of an explanation to his deranged behavior and acts of violence., thus RefnThis is definitely a one-of-a-kind character study! Although our psychopathic protagonist narrates some of his own stories to the audience, he doesn't give any sort of an explanation to his deranged behavior and acts of violence., thus Refn assures us that the aim of his movie is not to provide us with the titular lunatic criminal's clear motives or even causes; but rather to tell us that humans can act in a most barbarous way with no reason, or at least with a reason we can't grasp at all.

Nicolas Winding Refn explored Bronson's baffling psyche through art, many sorts of art one of them is Tom Hardy's monumental acting abilities and tremendous range. I've always been a fan of this massively talented and charismatic British actor, and this is undisputedly one of his finest performances in his career, so far.

Sadly, I was never constantly invested in the movie. Honestly, the movie almost lost me completely after the first 25-30 minutes. Nevertheless, I found some moments to be highly entertaining and quite engaging; but that was only sporadically. I think Refn could have explored, or rather made us explore, Bronson in more aspects and with more creativity, which Refn, apparently, has no shortage of. Instead, 95% of Refn's artistry is at the very beginning and very the end. The remaining 5% could have been gone unnoticed if it wasn't for Hardy's mind-blowing performance.

(6.5/10)… Expand
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10
Mclovin69Apr 5, 2021
The movie was hilarious, Michael peterson was certainly an interesting character.
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9
TUMBLERokJun 22, 2020
Безумие, саундтрек, игра и ультра насилие именно этим меня зацепил фильм. Восхищает сама история а её подача заставляет пересматривать снова и снова. ДА! Именно безумие. Когда ты начинаешь смотреть этот фильм он ошарашивает и ты либоБезумие, саундтрек, игра и ультра насилие именно этим меня зацепил фильм. Восхищает сама история а её подача заставляет пересматривать снова и снова. ДА! Именно безумие. Когда ты начинаешь смотреть этот фильм он ошарашивает и ты либо влюблявшийся в него либо он отталкивает тебя, когда такое происходит со мной Я предпочитаю думать что просто ещё слишком мал для того или иного фильма, благо с Bronson мне повезло и фильм захватил меня. С каждым просмотром я не перестаю им восхищаться. Этот фильм Я увидел в отрочестве и именно тогда Том Харди открылся для меня как интересный актёр многих интересных ролей. Конечно у фильма есть недостатки но с моей точки зрения они абсолютно в совершенной форме не критичны и фильм достоен более чем 9/10.… Expand
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9
HonestyopinonsJun 27, 2020
one of the best movies about insanity without really being about insanity, rather its a journey of a man making the best of a terrible situation a man destined to be star, if you like movies about incredibly insane people then you will loveone of the best movies about insanity without really being about insanity, rather its a journey of a man making the best of a terrible situation a man destined to be star, if you like movies about incredibly insane people then you will love this film. almost a modern clockwork orange but with more style and less depth.… Expand
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8
dedaibrahimApr 21, 2022
Bronson is a movie that successfully pictures a man of violence who is neither sane or insane; he just likes fighting and through fighting he wants a piece of fame. He is ambitious about it.

Despite excessive violence and blood, the movieBronson is a movie that successfully pictures a man of violence who is neither sane or insane; he just likes fighting and through fighting he wants a piece of fame. He is ambitious about it.

Despite excessive violence and blood, the movie has a sense of humor. The humor helps avoiding the boredom and meaninglessness from coming in the movie, although it also reminds me of how Guy Ritchie uses humor in his movies. Tom Hardy is hardly immediately recognized as he acts as Bronson. That is how well he plays his part.… Expand
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0
Manucci555Aug 18, 2023
A film about a disgusting and repulsive, monstrous psychopath. There's little that's interesting about the animal that is the protagonist, the film merely is one which attempts to appear intriguing while managing to be truly gross to theA film about a disgusting and repulsive, monstrous psychopath. There's little that's interesting about the animal that is the protagonist, the film merely is one which attempts to appear intriguing while managing to be truly gross to the audience.

Its attempts at being interesting can be seen through by anyone with a working brain, its an awful and strange film that I hope to never see again.… Expand
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