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. (2022-01-08)

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% (2014-07-15)

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. (2010-02-09)

Though it may be a little flat, this American-style “hardcore psychology” is emotionally strong. The actors are in sync and you believe their every word; the tense scenes in Iraq are impressive and the ending is moving. And Natalie Portman's character is every man’s dream wife. (2010-01-26)

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! (2010-08-03)