Directed by:
Jim SheridanCinematography:
Frederick ElmesComposer:
Thomas NewmanCast:
Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire, Sam Shepard, Mare Winningham, Bailee Madison, Taylor Geare, Patrick John Flueger, Clifton Collins Jr. (more)VOD (2)
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Captain Sam Cahill (Maguire) is embarking on his fourth tour of duty, leaving behind his beloved wife (Portman) and two daughters. When Sam's Blackhawk helicopter is shot down in the mountains of Afghanistan, the worst is presumed, leaving an enormous void in the family. Despite a dark history, Sam's charismatic younger brother Tommy (Gyllenhaal) steps in to fill the family void. (official distributor synopsis)
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Reviews (13)
Jim Sheridan approached this cleverly. He doesn't turn the cold atmosphere of the original film into emotional blackmail, but still doesn't want to immerse the viewer in the same filth as the characters. He maintains a reasonable distance with a creatively crafted soundtrack and warm camera work, and surprisingly wins the battle against comparison to the original. The original Brothers and its all-encompassing depression lost strength at certain moments, but here the irretrievable loss of idyll due to its more honest depiction is even more fatal.
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I like Sheridan's directorial style and the sufficient rawness you see in some cleverly edited scenes. There are some things we’ve seen a hundred times over and some that are interesting. Definitely an unusual perspective on war syndrome and depression that many people have, but without unnecessary moralizing and exaggerated wisdom. Good acting performances in a film that has something to say.
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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.
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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!
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The Danish original and the American remake of the same name can serve as an excellent comparison between European and American (specifically Hollywood) cinema. The European version tends to be more raw, not shying away from controversial topics, and is able to film them in a controversial way. The American version, on the other hand, films the same themes more pleasingly and tames the edges. Both films deal with the aftermath of wartime trauma, but while the Danish version is merciless towards its protagonist, gradually stripping him of everything, including hope, the American version is watered down and lacks the courage to thrust its characters into irreconcilable conflict. The family crisis is actually caused by a misunderstanding and is resolved in a compassionate way leading to forgiveness. Nevertheless, I would not condemn Sheridan's version because the Danish film is burdened by their adherence to Dogme 95. Like any dogma, it restricts, flattens, and irritates. The American version is simply more cinematic, more colorful, and features internationally acclaimed stars. However, I also have a complaint with the American version in that Tobey Maguire and Natalie Portman are too sweet and young for the characters they are supposed to portray. It's as if the producer wanted to sell this serious topic to American teenagers. Natalie looks like she had her children while still in high school, and Tobey, who is supposed to play the older, more mature of the two brothers, would be better suited for the role of a younger, immature troublemaker. And one last thing - as selfish as young children can be in their love, what escalated the family conflict is something they would probably never say in the real world, and certainly not think about at their age. Overall impression: 60%.
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