Brothers

I didn't expect it to ever happen again, but after all the Ryans, Lists and Apocalypses, my dislike of war has now deepened even further. It’s not complex or strongly patriotic, it’s an emotionally gripping psychological drama that says what it wants to say and still manages to entertain with thoughtful dramaturgy and performances. And if you're a guy and you like Natalie Portman, you've got one more reason to watch. 85% (07/14/2014)

Even though I didn’t watch the Danish original, I was able to figure out how the story would develop after ten minutes or so, and that’s pretty much all I can criticise Brothers for. A strong topic, excellent direction and brilliant performances by the main trio. Some of the final scenes strongly reminded me of last year’s performances of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in Revolutionary Road. Maguire’s character gave me goosebumps several times and I can imagine him in a psychological horror film. Strong four stars. (12/30/2009)

I can safely and without exaggeration say that I have never seen a more powerful and hard hitting drama than Brothers. A heartbreaking and nerve-wracking thriller drama that sucks all the emotions out of the viewer and leaves them just staring at the end credits with tears in their eyes. Jim Sheridan has combined his talents with the big names of Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman and Tobey Maguire, ably seconded by their two young daughters, leaving a gaping hole in the viewer's overall conception, because there has never been a war drama so perfectly combining the elements of reintegration into society in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder together with family problems, and I ate it up hook, line and sinker. Don't expect a sweet, dramatic soap opera, because this is a very tense affair that will make you curl your toes into your seat, cry for ten minutes after it's over, and simultaneously marvel at cinema's most precious gem. (01/07/2022)

Great acting is what it's all about. Unlike the author of the original version, Susanne Bier, the experienced Jim Sheridan unequivocally opted for a fluent and orthodox melodramatic style – the film Brothers is crafted and tight, is able to hit the first signal precisely, but after watching the film, a strange emptiness remains. The film hides nothing under its pretty facade except for a kind of careful pacifism and simple psychology. The music by U2 goes well with it. The fact that it’s well made and has decent moral appeals is easily interchangeable with ideological neutrality. (02/07/2010)

After watching the film, I was a little disappointed with my initial expectations, as I was lured in by the great cast, the strong theme and the enticing trailer. The acting is top notch - especially Tobey Maguire and the young Bailee Madison. The theme may be simple (family crisis + inability to return to reality), but it's still pretty ageless. The film could have been a bit more heated and I was struck by the quick ending. The best scenes were the ones in Afghanistan and the daughter's birthday party. In short, a film from which more could have been wrung! (08/03/2010)