The Coda Presents: For Your Consideration 1

With the numerous methods readily available for watching film, streaming media seems to be winning the battle for the future. Though I still believe that some films need and should be seen in the theater with the participation of an energetic audience. However, I understand the valid complaints made about the movie going experience. The crowds are getting more annoying, phone screens are brighter, and ringers are basically sirens, not to mention the rising prices for IMAX and 3-D! I’m still petitioning for a “talk or text, get tased” policy to be enforced.

So, my good friend Ryan C. suggested that I start a Netflix recommendations section for The Coda. After taking an in depth look at the content available I’ve decided to suggest two films for your viewing deliberation every week. So, without further explanation, here are two films For Your Consideration…

Bronson

Dir. Nicolas Winding Refn

Starring: Tom Hardy

Rated: R (violence, graphic nudity, sexuality, and language)

The excitement was evident before Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 when the audience realized they were watching the trailer for The Dark Knight Rises, the third and presumably final installment in the Batman saga. With the magnificent portrayal of The Joker, still stunning after numerous watches, the new villain has undoubtedly hefty shoes to fill. Then it was announced that Tom Hardy was attached to play the villain Bane in the new installment and I immediately became excited about the potential because of Hardy’s performance in Bronson.

Bronson is film about a man that is imprisoned for 30 years in solitary confinement, during which he develops an alter ego, Charles Bronson. This film is a great performance piece for Tom Hardy and an interesting concept on the power of the mind and fragility of reality. Do yourself a favor and watch this early Hardy performance, because he is undoubtedly going to be a household name after The Dark Knight Rises.

The Man From Nowhere

Dir. Jeong-beom Lee

Starring: Bin Won, Sae-Ron Kim

Rated: R (strong bloody violence, language, and brief nudity)

The next film comes from South Korea and yes…it has subtitles. I still know people who won’t watch a film with subtitles and it still perplexes me. Watch foreign film!!! Many times they are heads above anything in the movie theaters. The Man From Nowhere is a simple film, but it’s lots of fun. Easy premise, quiet man owns a pawnshop and befriends a young child that is his only connection to the world. The mother of the girl is a drug smuggler and entangles the man and her daughter with the drug ring. Both mom and daughter are kidnapped, leaving the man to fear the worst for his only friend. Bent on revenge, the quiet man will battle! The action is intense and is magnificently choreographed, some of the best fight scenes I’ve seen in awhile. I know it sounds mindless, and similar to The Professional and numerous other revenge films, but it’s fantastic action and touching lead performance make it a standout For Your Consideration.