The Brave One (2007)
Director: Neil Jordan
Writers/Screenplay: Roderick Taylor, Bruce Taylor
Warner Bros
Rating: 7 of 10
 
Director Neil Jordan brings us a surprisingly powerful, yet brutal film.  Jodi Foster tackles the role of Erica Bain, a popular New York radio host, who is in the midst of planning a wedding to David Kirmani, played by Naveen Andrews. During an ordinary evening stroll through the park, David and Erica are viciously attacked by a group of men for no apparent reason. Sadly, David does not survive the attack, leaving Erica alone, haunted by terrifying memories. Scared to venture enter her "normal" existence unprotected, Erica feels the need to purchase a gun. Armed with fear and an extreme sensation of vengeance, Erica takes the law into her own hands. Just as the vigilante begins to gain momentum, she is sidetracked by an extremely insightful Detective Mercer, played by Terrence Howard.
 
One particular aspect that continually entered my mind, while watching this film, was how well the cast embraced their characters to make them seem so relatable.  The audience literally watched Jodi Foster change the character of Erica Bain from a naive, content person to a resilient, strong-armed, vigilante. The transformation was amazing. It was not in any way forced. Terrence Howard does a remarkable job at portraying Detective Mercer. He's tough, yet vulnerable, which inevitably makes him a likable character.  I, as well as others seemed, to be shocked at the brutality of the film. From the beatings of the main characters to the strong, filthy language of the other perpetrators, I was visibly disturbed. I'm sure that was the point of the film. Many are so wrapped up in the normalcy of their lives that they fail to recognize the apparent danger lurking around every corner. This film shatters the safety bubble audiences sometimes deny they live in. The light is shone upon the darkness in the world and the alarming fact that any of these occurrences could happen to you or someone you know. Although parts of the film are not realistic for obvious reasons, it does not take away from the emotional connection.
 
I would not recommend this film to the overly sensitive audience due to the atrocity of some scenes. Some visions will remain with you for a long time. On the contrary, I feel that this film is a must see. It explores the fear and violence of our everyday world and the reality of how victims can be lost through our system. This is a disturbing, yet powerful film that deserves to be seen.