The Brave One (2007)

The Brave One stars Jodie Foster as Erica Bain, a radio personality who loves New York City and is set to wed someone she adores when, while they're walking their dog in the evening through Central Park, are senselessly and brutally mugged by cruel thugs, one of whom videotapes the assault that leaves her severely injured, her fiancé murdered, plus her dog and a ring stolen. The story follows Erica as she physically recovers but, with broken faith and full of anger and desire for vengeance against the criminals plaguing her memories and her city, obtains a gun and goes on a vigilante quest for justice. This is not Death Wish with a female hero, though the comparison does have some foundation-she's driven by her traumatic experience to seek out violent criminals and stop their predations on the innocent, despite her budding relationship with an active policeman who's investigating her assault as well as the vigilante activity occurring and the real danger she faces. She is a troubled, driven character and Jodie Foster gives Erica a spirit that is recognizable and sympathetic. If you've seen Jodie Foster in The Accused, one could say that this film's Erica would want to punish and permanently stop the rapists rather than see them jailed. If you like crime dramas with a vengeance angle or just want to see despicable individuals get shot by a rage-filled Jodie Foster, you may actually enjoy The Brave One.

Erik M.