Brick (2006)

With its hip lyrics and 50's styled character speak BRICK is an instant classic. It has a streak of REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE in it. The eclectic arrangement of the deranged is inventive and full of texture. I own it and watch it often!...

Brick is a detective/noir film but to the viewer’s surprise, in a high-school setting. It is written and independently directed by Rian Johnson. At the mention of any movie revolving around high school or teenagers, all that comes to mind are the various stereotypes but this movie gives a surprise to the viewer.
The story revolves around a particular, rather abrupt and frantic phone call received by the high school misfit, Brendan Frye (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) from his terrified ex-girlfriend, Emily Kostich (Emilie de Ravin) who begs him for his help. Brendan vows to investigate and solve her murder himself and is - in the process - forced to mingle with the very same high school stereotypes that he so diligently avoided. The character of Brendan is quite the risk taker, fearless to inves...

We start proceedings with "Brendan" (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) standing over the body of a girl lying dead in a storm drain. It turns out that she is "Emily" - and was his girlfriend. He's very much on the edge of society at his school, but with the help of his way more savvy, but just as ostracised, friend "The Brain" (Matt O'Leary) he determines to infiltrate the local drug supply network and get to the legendary "Pin". This is where he expects to find answers, and maybe even a bit of retribution. Along the way he encounters some of the less savoury characters from his community - notably the hard-punching "Tug" (Noah Fleiss) and the manipulative "Laura" (Nora Zehetner) and takes a few beatings - but will he get to his well shielded mark? It's really well written, this drama. The dialogue is...