Out of the Furnace (3/10/14)

Rated R for strong violence, language and drug content.

Starring Christian Bale, Zoe Saldana, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Willem Dafoe, Forest Whitaker and Sam Shepard

Directed by Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart)

Out of the Furnace and into the raw, gritty and very violent fire.

From Scott Cooper, the critically acclaimed writer and director of Crazy Heart, comes a gripping and gritty drama about family, fate, circumstance, and justice. Russell Baze (Christian Bale) has a rough life: he works a dead-end blue collar job at the local steel mill by day, and cares for his terminally ill father by night. When Russell’s brother Rodney (Casey Affleck) returns home from serving time in Iraq, he gets lured into one of the most ruthless crime rings in the Northeast and mysteriously disappears. The police fail to crack the case, so – with nothing left to lose – Russell takes matters into his own hands, putting his life on the line to seek justice for his brother.

Out of the Furnace is one of those films that is very difficult to review because of the strong violence and language. They are both brutal and relentless. But the story, acting and direction are lights out.

What I’m trying to say is that I liked this film, but I did not enjoy it. So let’s talk about some of the reasons why I liked it.

First, there is the story (which takes place in Pittsburgh), that is as raw and gritty as the steel mill itself. It focuses on the difficult life of Russell Blaze. A man that loses so much that it is almost impossible not to have sympathy for him. In my opinion, he is the epitome of a flawed hero.

Speaking of Russell, Christian Bale is flat out ridiculous. This is one of his best performances to date. Casey Affleck is perfect as the younger, hot-headed brother. Woody Harrelson and Willem Dafoe are frightening in their revolting roles. And Sam Shepard is as cool as ever.

Finally there is director Scott Cooper, who made a splash with Crazy Heart. Scott may not have the longest resume, but he is a very talented director and I personally can’t wait for his next film.

This film is clearly not for everyone. But if you’re looking for a film in the vein of Deer Hunter and Pulp Fiction, Out of the Furnace is for you. Although much of the film was difficult to watch, I am still going to give it a “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
No, this one has too much brutal violence and profanity for teenagers.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. What were some of the more tragic events that happened in this film?


2. How many of them could have been avoided if one or more people made a better decision?


3. Read Proverbs 14:12
   
   There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.
   
   In your own words, what does this verse mean?


4. Read Proverbs 3:5-6
   
   With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.
   
   The next time you have a difficult choice to make, how can you trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding?