Salon by Andrew O'Hehir

Bronson owes a little or a lot to Kubrick's "Clockwork Orange," but if that's a crime I wish more people would commit it.

The New York Times by A.O. Scott

Bronson invites you to admire its protagonist as a pure, muscular embodiment of anarchy. And perhaps you will, but you may also be glad that he’s still behind bars.

Los Angeles Times by Gary Goldstein

Whether it's Peterson/Bronson's more theatrical bits or his untamable character's many blood-spitting, knuckle-beating, explosions, Hardy chomps down on his once-in-a-career role with stunning ferocity and never lets go. He's extraordinary.

The A.V. Club by Noel Murray

There are two Bronsons on display here: the impossible thug that we don’t dare release into polite society, and the guy we enjoy watching do his terrible thing. The man and the movie are both living, punching contradictions.

NPR

He's neither victim nor hero, but a man who, in every conceivable sense, belongs behind bars.

Time Out by Joshua Rothkopf

Refn has somehow found his way to an authentic English hard-man drama, anchored in a dynamite performance, even as it celebrates thug life.

Arizona Republic by Bill Goodykoontz

This is unhinged genius, an amazing piece of acting. Brutal, yes, but magnetic all the same.

NPR by Scott Tobias

He's neither victim nor hero, but a man who, in every conceivable sense, belongs behind bars.

Austin Chronicle by Kimberley Jones

Refn’s artful and energetic film never goes further than face value.

New York Post by V.A. Musetto

Tom Hardy gives an amazing performance as Peterson, who took on the nickname Charlie Bronson, after the "Death Wish" actor.

Rolling Stone by Peter Travers

This movie and Hardy's electrifying performance will knock you for a loop.

Variety

Too smart/arty for the slasher set, and too violent for high-brows, Bronson may have a tough time finding its niche, although it has "cult hit" written all over it.

Village Voice by J. Hoberman

Bronson is essentially a faux-operatic, music hall turn--a larky, lumpen version of "Lola Montès."

The Hollywood Reporter

Despite the artistic flourishes, this is still an utterly repellent look at a psychopath who does not deserve the attention of the filmmakers or the audience.