Alright, lads and lasses, let’s get into it—Bronson, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. What an experience. If you’ve never heard of Charles Bronson (not the actor, the real-life fella), you’re in for a wild ride. The film paints a rough portrait of England’s most notorious prisoner with a mix of dark humor and raw intensity.

Now, I have to say, Tom Hardy? Absolutely bonkers. The guy transforms into Bronson with such ferocity, it’s like he swallowed a red-hot chilli and channeled all that fire into his performance. It’s not just acting—it’s almost like dance theater, you know? Like at some twisted folkdans in Småland after too many brännvins.

The narrative, though, is rather choppy. It’s like jumping between different paintings in some ecclectic art gallery. Some folks might find that frustrating. I think it’s kind of fitting considering the chaotic mind of our lead character. And wow, the violence. It’s not for the faint-hearted. One minute you’re chuckling at a quirky monologue, and the next, BAM, you’re clutching your fika in shock.

What struck me most was the juxtaposition—yes, fancy word—of Bronson’s inner world versus the real one. It’s almost like watching Ingmar Bergman if he decided to go batshit and play with violent criminals instead of melancholy Swedes.

Funny thing, when I watched this film, I couldn’t help but remember the time I got lost in Stockholm’s old prison at Långholmen. It’s a museum now, of course, but it gave me chills walking those halls, imagining the lives that passed through. Not quite as mad as Bronson’s life, but still. There’s a strange blend of fascination and fear with such tales.

And the soundtrack! It’s surreal. Classical music mixed with techno. Just like when I overlayed Pippi Longstocking’s tunes with some techno beats as a DJ back in the days. Did it work? Not quite. But hey, worthy experiments.

So, should you watch Bronson? If you’re okay with a little mind-bending, blood-spattering art piece, then, ja, absolutely. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, just grab your gamla Karl-Bertil Jonsson och en kopp kaffe istället.

Check out the trailer yourself here: Bronson (and a bunch of other movies in the same one)