Brothers
Brothers

Movie spotlight

Brothers

2012
Movie
12 min
English

Two brothers embark on a road trip home for their grandmother's funeral. But on a highway rest stop, David Stern finds out no one's told his younger brother Andy - they're not headed home for Grandma Vern's birthday anymore. Now David must confront his mother and bear the bad news to Andy, as only brothers can.

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes46%
Metacritic54/100
Google Users55%
Director: Jim SheridanGenres: Drama, War

Plot Summary

A decorated Marine captain is killed in action and presumed dead, leading his wife to begin a relationship with his troubled younger brother. When the captain unexpectedly returns home, he struggles to adjust to his life and family, while his brother's relationship with his wife and children becomes increasingly complicated. The film explores themes of trauma, loyalty, and the devastating impact of war on soldiers and their families.

Critical Reception

Brothers received mixed to negative reviews from critics. While some praised the performances of the lead actors, particularly Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal, and the film's exploration of difficult themes, many found the plot to be predictable and emotionally manipulative. The pacing was also criticized, with some reviewers finding it too slow or uneven.

What Reviewers Say

  • Performances from the lead actors are commendable, but often undermined by a melodramatic script.

  • The film attempts to tackle serious themes of war trauma and marital strain but falls short due to its heavy-handed approach.

  • Despite its good intentions, 'Brothers' is often seen as a less effective remake compared to its Danish original.

Google audience: Audience reviews for 'Brothers' are divided. Many appreciated the emotional depth and the strong performances, finding the story impactful. However, a significant number of viewers felt the film was overly sentimental, predictable, and failed to live up to the dramatic potential of its subject matter.

Fun Fact

This film is a remake of the 2004 Danish film 'Brødre', which was also directed by Susanne Bier.

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