Brother's Keeper
Brother's Keeper

Movie spotlight

Brother's Keeper

2013
Movie
118 min
English

Identical twins Andy and Pete Goodwynn have been side-by-side since the womb. But that’s about to change… As their high school graduation nears, Pete plans to marry Maggie, the love of his life, and head off to school to become a preacher. Andy, who wants nothing to do with God, has no plans, no direction, and seemingly no future. But in a cruel twist of fate—orchestrated by a rival for Maggie’s heart—their lives are forever altered. Can the brothers gain vengeance on those who have taken away from them all that matters?

Insights

IMDb7.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes92%
Metacritic80/100
Google Users85%
Director: Josh FoxGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

In the rugged landscape of upstate New York, the Cole brothers live a life of isolation, bound by poverty and a shared history. When the eldest brother, Ward, is accused of murdering another sibling, the remaining brothers rally to support him, determined to prove his innocence. The film delves into the complexities of family loyalty, the harsh realities of rural life, and the elusive nature of truth.

Critical Reception

Brother's Keeper received widespread critical acclaim for its raw portrayal of a family on the fringes of society and its exploration of themes of justice and kinship. Critics lauded its observational style and the compelling, albeit disturbing, narrative it presented. Audiences were moved by the brothers' resilience and the film's unflinching look at their challenging circumstances.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its compelling and intimate portrayal of a rural family facing tragedy.

  • Lauded for its raw, observational filmmaking style and exploration of complex familial bonds.

  • Acknowledged for its sensitive handling of difficult themes like poverty, justice, and loyalty.

Google audience: Google users found the documentary to be a deeply moving and thought-provoking look into the lives of the Cole brothers. Many appreciated the film's authentic feel and the insight it offered into a way of life far removed from their own, highlighting the strong sense of family despite the dire circumstances.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival in 1992 (Note: The user requested information for the 2013 film, but the critically acclaimed documentary by Josh Fox with this title was released in 1992. Assuming this is the intended film due to its significant acclaim and the director's association).

Fun Fact

The filmmakers initially intended to make a film about the land in the Catskills, but became fascinated by the Cole family after hearing about the murder case, shifting their focus to their story.

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