Brothers

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. (2022-01-07)

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. (2010-04-25)

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. (2010-02-08)

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% (2014-07-14)

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. (2009-12-30)