Out of the Furnace

Out of the Furnace falls into the category of "what would I do if I were in the same situation?"  When done well, this kind of movie is really thought provoking, and this film is successful.  I believe that The Road from a few years back tried to join this category, and even Zombieland would meet the requirements.  Out of the Furnace works because its characters are grounded in reality, and they face each situation accordingly.  The main question that this film asks of us, is how far would we be willing to go for a loved one?  Yet there is an added bonus question; which deals with the line between self-defense and revenge.  Both Christian Bale and Casey Affleck play their respective roles just right.  Bale is especially great in his ability to wrap quietness, honor, and intensity into one believable man.  Then there's Woody Harrelson's evil backwoods antagonist, who is anything but conventional.  What I mean, is that rarely do we see a villain who isn't explained in some basic manner; here we are forced to accept that he is both extremely evil and simply a man.  Because Out of the Furnace is about some dark questions which may lead us to uncomfortable places, it stands out as an interesting and poignant film.