🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the movie “Brick,” directed and written by Rian Johnson, the audience is taken on a gripping journey into the underworld of a high school crime ring through the eyes of a teenage loner, Brendan Frye. The film, produced by Ram Bergman and Mark G. Mathis, features cinematography by Steve Yedlin and music by Nathan Johnson, creating a unique and immersive experience for viewers.
The story unfolds as Brendan discovers the lifeless body of his ex-girlfriend, Emily, in a sewage tunnel entrance. Prompted by a distressing phone call from Emily just days prior, Brendan sets out to unravel the mystery surrounding her untimely death. With the help of his nerdy friend, Brain, Brendan delves into the dark and dangerous world of high school cliques and criminals to seek justice for Emily.
As Brendan follows cryptic clues left by Emily, including the enigmatic words “brick” and “pin,” he crosses paths with a series of shady characters, including drug dealers Kara, Dode, Brad Bramish, Laura, and Tugger, all leading him closer to the powerful teenage drug dealer known as The Pin. Through his relentless pursuit of the truth, Brendan uncovers shocking revelations about Emily’s demise and finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and danger.
Set in a modern-day Southern California high school, “Brick” presents a stylized narrative reminiscent of classic detective films, where Brendan’s sharp intellect and determination drive the story forward. Despite his outsider status, Brendan’s quest for justice propels him into the elite circles of his peers, including the affluent Laura, the menacing Tugger, the troubled Dode, the alluring Kara, and the ominous Pin.
As Brendan navigates the treacherous social dynamics of his school, he confronts his own inner demons and grapples with the harsh realities of the world he thought he knew. Through his interactions with the enigmatic Pin and his associates, Brendan uncovers hidden truths about himself, Emily, and the dark underbelly of his seemingly ordinary high school.
The film masterfully blends elements of mystery, suspense, and teenage drama, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as Brendan races against time to solve the mystery of Emily’s death. With a compelling storyline, strong performances from the cast, and a visually striking presentation, “Brick” delivers a captivating cinematic experience that explores themes of love, loss, deception, and the complexities of youth.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Nora Zehetner, Lukas Haas, Noah Fleiss, Matt O’Leary, Emilie de Ravin, Noah Segan, Richard Roundtree, Meagan Good, Brian White
Movie Casting:
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Brendan Frye
- Nora Zehetner as Laura Dannon
- Lukas Haas as The Pin
- Noah Fleiss as Tug
- Matt O’Leary as The Brain
- Noah Segan as Dode
- Meagan Good as Kara
- Emilie de Ravin as Emily
- Richard Roundtree
💬 Reviews and feedback
Are you ready to embark on a cinematic journey that blends high school drama with jaw-dropping film noir? Well, grab your popcorn and detective hat because “Brick” is here to whisk you away into a world of mystery, intrigue, and teenage crime.
Imagine if Humphrey Bogart traded in his fedora for a backpack and wandered the halls of a modern-day southern Californian high school. That’s the essence of “Brick,” one of the best films of 2006 that takes the classic film noir genre and gives it a teenage twist.
As we dive into this riveting tale, we are introduced to Brendan, portrayed brilliantly by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who transforms into a ’30s-style gumshoe to unravel a complex web of deception and danger. But why does Brendan cough so much throughout the film? Well, it turns out that all those blows he endures early on have left him with internal bleeding. Add in sleep deprivation, and you’ve got a recipe for some serious coughing fits.
Plot Twists and Intrigue:
- From stolen bricks to mysterious deaths, “Brick” keeps you on the edge of your seat as Brendan navigates through a world where nothing is as it seems.
- Lies unravel, secrets are exposed, and alliances shift in this gripping narrative that will leave you guessing until the very end.
The movie’s plot is like a labyrinthine puzzle, with each piece fitting perfectly into place as Brendan uncovers the truth behind Laura’s involvement in the sinister events that unfold. It’s a rollercoaster ride of emotions and revelations that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Acting Mastery:
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt shines as Brendan, delivering a performance that oozes charisma and intelligence.
- The supporting cast adds layers of complexity to their characters, bringing depth and authenticity to this noir-inspired tale.
The chemistry between the actors is palpable, drawing you into their world with every whispered conversation and intense stare. Each character feels like a piece of the puzzle, essential to unraveling the mystery at hand.
Cinematic Brilliance:
- The cinematography in “Brick” is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the dark and gritty atmosphere of both high school hallways and underground crime rings.
- The production design transports you to a world where shadows reign supreme, adding an extra layer of tension and intrigue to every scene.
Every frame feels meticulously crafted, each shot serving a purpose in building suspense or revealing crucial details. The visual language of “Brick” speaks volumes without uttering a single word.
Binge-Watching Tips:
If you’re planning on watching “Brick,” make sure to pay close attention to every line of dialogue. The devil is truly in the details in this film noir gem.
In Conclusion:
“Brick” is not just another teen movie—it’s an immersive experience that blends genres seamlessly while delivering top-notch performances and captivating storytelling. So grab your magnifying glass and get ready to uncover the mysteries lurking beneath the surface of high school life.
Ratings: 9/10
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Well-written film noir thriller | Some viewers find it weird and overrated |
| Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s performance | Terrible character development |
| Unique blend of high school drama and film noir | Unbelievable plot twists |
| Engaging storyline with intriguing mystery | Heavy focus on writing may not appeal to all viewers |
Feedback
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Brick (film) - Wikipedia
Brickis a 2005 American neo-noir mystery thriller film written and directed by Rian Johnson in his directorial debut, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt.Brickwas distributed by Focus Features, and opened in New York and Los Angeles on April 7, 2006. The film’s narrative centers on a hardboiled detective story set in a California suburb. Most of the main characters are high school students. The film draws heavily in plot, characterization, and dialogue from hardboiled classics, especially those by Dashiell Hammett. The title refers to a block of heroin, compressed roughly to the size and shape of a brick.
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Brick (2005) - IMDb
- Awards
- 11 wins & 23 nominations
- Emily
- (as Emilie De Ravin)
- Straggler
- (as Tracy Wilcoxen)
- Tangles
- (as Ari Velkom)
- The Pin’s Driver
- (uncredited)
- Woman Sweeping Backstage
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Did you know
- TriviaRian Johnson cited Spaghetti Westerns and Cowboy Bebop (1998) as influences on his visualization of the movie.
- GoofsWhen Brendan is in Tug’s trunk on the way to see the Pin for the first time he opens up the trunk to see where the Pin lives. He clearly does not have his glasses on while looking out from the trunk. Yet, in the next scene the camera’s vision of the Pin is very blurry until Brendan puts his glasses back on. This makes it impossible for him to have been able to see the numbers on the mailbox without his glasses on.
- Quotes Brad Bramish: Hey! What are you doing here? Brendan Frye: Just listening. [long pause while Brad stares at him] Brendan Frye: All right, you got me. I’m a scout for the Gophers. Been watching your game for a month, but that story right there just clenched it. You got heart kid. How soon can you be in Minneapolis? Brad Bramish: Yeah? Brendan Frye: Cold winters, but they got a great transit system. Brad Bramish: Yeah? Brendan Frye: Yeah. Brad Bramish: Oh, yeah? Brendan Frye: There’s a thesaurus in the library. Yeah is under “Y”. Go ahead, I’ll wait.
- SoundtracksThe Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablazefrom “The Mikado”Music by Arthur SullivanLyrics by W.S. GilbertArranged by Renato NetoPerformed by Nora Zehetner
“Brick” is original in the sense that there are no other stylized neo-noir films set in high school, but it lacks originality in all other areas. Rian Johnson’s (who is clearly, based on this film, a very talented director) direction is almost too inspired by classic noir for the film to work in its own right. It’s certainly pretty to look at, and quite well-paced, but it’s far too concerned with being an homage to bother with feeling genuine. The same could be said of the plot, characters, and dialogue, which are all so ‘inspired’ by Raymond Chandler and countless other sources that they seem far more interested in packing in homage after allusion after homage after allusion than telling a story. The story itself is mildly interesting, and some of the plot twists and turns got an ‘ooh’ out of me, but the whole thing feels completely phony and soulless. The sort of thing that would have been fun as a 10-minute short for film class, but is incredibly frustrating as a feature.
- Awards
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Brick | Rotten Tomatoes
This entertaining homage to noirs past has been slickly and compellingly updated to a contemporary high school setting.Read Critics Reviews
BrickWhere to WatchBrick
Rent Brick on Fandango at Home, Prime Video, or buy it on Fandango at Home, Prime Video.
What to KnowCritics ReviewsAudience ReviewsCast & Crew
Rian JohnsonDirectorJoseph Gordon-LevittBrendan FryeLukas HaasThe PinNora ZehetnerLaura DannonNoah FleissTuggerMatt O’LearyThe Brain
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the movie “Brick” (2005), the ending is a culmination of intense and intricate events that unfold in a modern high school setting with a noir-style detective plot. The story revolves around Brendan (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), who sets out to uncover the truth behind the murder of his ex-girlfriend Emily (Emilie de Ravin).
The climax reveals that Tugger (Noah Fleiss) is the one who killed Emily, driven by jealousy after she ended her relationship with Brendan. Tugger also eliminates Dode, who wrongly believed Brendan was the culprit, to avoid being blamed himself. As tensions rise, Tugger and The Pin (Lukas Haas), the town’s drug kingpin, engage in a meeting moderated by Brendan to prevent implicating The Pin in the murders.
However, chaos ensues when the last brick of heroin, a crucial element in their deal, goes missing. A violent brawl erupts, resulting in one of The Pin’s henchmen returning with a fatal gunshot wound, accusing Tugger of stealing the brick. This accusation leads to a brutal confrontation between Tugger and The Pin, with Brendan caught in the middle.
Amidst the escalating conflict, Brendan, who had orchestrated for the police to intervene, seizes Tugger’s gun and makes a quick escape to avoid being caught in the impending raid. The following day, Brendan learns from Laura (Nora Zehetner) that Tugger met a violent end during a police shootout, connecting him to the murders of Dode and Emily.
Brendan confronts Laura with the revelation that she orchestrated the theft of the heroin bricks, framing Emily for the initial theft and setting in motion the events that led to the violent showdown at The Pin’s hideout. Brendan’s cunning plan involves leaving a note for the assistant vice principal, implicating Laura in the crimes.
The movie’s ending is a blend of betrayal, deception, and retribution, as Brendan navigates the treacherous world of high school crime to unravel the truth behind Emily’s murder and bring those responsible to justice.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
R
Age Rating:
Brick (2005) is rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements, violence, and language.
Parental Guide:
Parents should be aware that Brick contains:
- Language: The movie includes instances of strong language such as one use of “Fuck,” one use of “Shit,” and one use of “Motherfucker,” although the latter is barely audible.
- Violence: There are scenes of violence throughout the film, including physical altercations, gun violence, and themes of crime and investigation.
- Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking: Moderate depiction of alcohol, drugs, and smoking is present in the movie.
- Thematic Elements: The film deals with mature thematic elements suitable for older teenagers, including the underworld of a high school crime ring and the investigation of a character’s disappearance.
Overall, Brick is recommended for viewers aged 13 and above due to its mature themes, violence, and language content.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | Available to rent or buy |
| Apple TV | You can buy or rent on Apple TV |
| Google Play Movies | You can buy or rent on Google Play Movies |
| YouTube | You can buy or rent on YouTube |
| Vudu | You can rent or buy on Vudu |
| Microsoft Store | You can rent or buy on Microsoft Store |
❝ Quotes and Cult
Loving some girl like she's all there is, anywhere, to you. I've always seen you. Or maybe I liked Emily. Maybe I see what you're trying to do for her, trying to help her, and I don't know anybody who would do that for me.
You're gonna make me curious being so curious.
You're in a spot, but I can get you out of it if you just come back to me.
Emily: No you're not hearing me! I don't want to be put away and protected. Brendan Frye: Whatever befalls you I'll deal with. Just tell me about the trouble with the brick, the pin.
🤖Brick Reddit Talks
Brick (2005)
Premise:
Brick follows the story of Brendan Frye (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a teenage loner who investigates the mysterious disappearance of his ex-girlfriend Emily. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deception, drug dealing, and murder.
Plot Summary:
Brendan’s investigation leads him to suspect Emily’s new boyfriend, Tugger, and his associates. With the help of his friend The Pin, Brendan uncovers a drug ring operating within their high school. As he gathers evidence, Brendan faces threats and violence, but he remains determined to find the truth.
Critical Reception:
Brick received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising its unique blend of noir elements with a modern high school setting. It was recognized for its clever dialogue, stylish cinematography, and Gordon-Levitt’s standout performance.
Discussion Points:
1. Brendan’s Coughing:
- Brendan’s persistent coughing throughout the film is attributed to internal bleeding from injuries sustained in the film’s opening scene.
- His lack of sleep also contributes to his physical exhaustion.
2. Emily’s Baby:
- Laura, Emily’s friend, reveals to Brendan that Emily was pregnant with his child.
- Emily intended to abort the baby, a revelation that adds complexity to their relationship.
3. Noir Elements in a High School Setting:
- Brick’s unique selling point is its juxtaposition of classic film noir tropes with a contemporary high school environment.
- This blend creates a distinctive and memorable cinematic experience.
4. Brendan’s Lack of Investigative Skills:
- Despite his determination, Brendan lacks formal investigative skills.
- His reliance on his wits and resourcefulness adds an element of vulnerability to his character.
5. The Pin’s Death:
- The Pin, Brendan’s friend and confidant, is brutally murdered by Tugger.
- This event highlights the dangerous consequences of Brendan’s investigation.
6. Brendan’s Disposal of Emily’s Body:
- In a desperate attempt to protect himself and frame Tugger, Brendan conceals Emily’s body in Tugger’s car trunk.
- This act reveals Brendan’s willingness to bend the rules in pursuit of justice.
7. The Missing Brick:
- The “brick” of the film’s title refers to a missing brick of heroin.
- Its disappearance triggers chaos and violence, leading to the film’s climactic confrontation.
Overall:
Brick is a critically acclaimed neo-noir film that blends classic noir elements with a modern high school setting. Its clever dialogue, stylish cinematography, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s standout performance have made it a cult classic among film enthusiasts.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/tasdy9/brick_2005_is_so_fucking_brilliant/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/bv7j8d/brick_2005_w_joseph_gordonlevitt/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/ily6nq/can_we_talk_about_brick2005_real_quick/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/40sv0v/i_watched_rian_johnsons_brick_for_the_first_time/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/7thl3/ask_movie_reddit_could_someone_explain_the_plot/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of the movie Brick?
Brendan lies to Laura and says he never made it to the Pin’s, so Laura tells Brendan what happened. Six were found dead, including the Pin, Tug, and Emily. Brendan then tells her and the viewers what Laura’s role in all of this is. Laura was the one who stole the 9th brick, and she took half and then cut the rest.
What happened at the end of Brick?
At the meeting, chaos erupts when it is discovered that the tenth brick is missing. Tug beats the Pin to death while Brendan flees, escaping just as police arrive. As he goes, he passes the partly-open trunk of Tug’s car, where he has placed Emily’s body to ensure that police blame her murder on Tug.
What happens in Brick?
A teenage loner pushes his way into the underworld of a high school crime ring to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend. A teenage loner pushes his way into the underworld of a high school crime ring to investigate the disappearance of his ex-girlfriend.
Why does Brendan cough so much in Brick?
Brendan has coughing fits throughout the film, due to internal bleeding from all the blows he endures during the beginning of the film (from Brad and Tug mostly). Also, he’s functioning on very little sleep, which leads to his collapse in the tunnel.
What did Laura do in Brick?
In Pin’s house, things are heating up and both the Pin and Tugger are killed. Finally, he confronts Laura with his reasoning: she had stolen the first brick and had Emily accused in her place, then she arranged for Tug to kill her.
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- The Maltese Falcon: A classic film noir with Humphrey Bogart as a private detective.
- Chinatown: A neo-noir mystery thriller starring Jack Nicholson as a private investigator.
