Brother
Brother

Brother

2000Movie113 minJapanese

A Japanese Yakuza gangster's deadly existence in his homeland gets him exiled to Los Angeles, where he is taken in by his little brother and his brother's gang. Original Title: ブラザー

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Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes44%
Metacritic53/100
Google Users66%
Director: Takeshi KitanoGenres: Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

A stoic Japanese gangster, Yamamoto, flees to Los Angeles after his yakuza clan is wiped out. He reconnects with his estranged half-brother, Ken, who is involved in the local drug trade. Together, they attempt to establish their own empire, but their violent methods draw the attention of powerful American gangs.

Critical Reception

Takeshi Kitano's 'Brother' received mixed reviews, with many critics appreciating its stylish direction and minimalist approach to violence, while others found the plot predictable and the characters underdeveloped. It was seen as a notable entry in Kitano's filmography, showcasing his signature blend of brutal action and melancholic tone.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for Kitano's distinctive visual style and kinetic action sequences.
  • Criticized for a familiar plot and a lack of emotional depth.
  • Seen as a competent but uninspired entry in the gangster genre.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a stylish but somewhat predictable crime drama. Many appreciated the action and Kitano's direction, though some felt the story lacked originality and the characters could have been more compelling.

Fun Fact

Takeshi Kitano, who also directed and starred in the film, originally wrote the script with the intention of making it a non-violent drama, but decided to incorporate more action and gunfights during production.

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