Brothers
The tale of four brothers and their widower father, who heads a large Buddhist temple in Tokyo. Goro Kishitani, the oldest brother, does not want to take over the temple. He prefers only to pass through now and then to exercise his eldest brother prerogative and hit No. 2 brother Masahiro Nakai over the head. Nakai, who really wants to be a sportswriter, appears to be in line for the temple takeover and zips around in a motorcycle helmet and Buddhist robes to chant sutras for the dead. Papa-san frequents Ginza clubs and had a cigarette or a toothpick dangling from his mouth for most of the first episode. He hires an "Otonashi Karen look-alike" (Kimura Yoshino) with a crush on Nakai as housekeeper and she bops around the temple grounds as if it was Shibuya on a Sunday. The opening sequence where they all grab guitars, line up in black robes in front of the temple incense burner.
Insights
Plot Summary
Set during World War II, Brothers tells the story of two Danish brothers, one a soldier fighting on the Eastern Front and the other a civilian trying to survive at home. Their lives become tragically intertwined as they navigate the brutal realities of war and occupation, facing moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices.
Critical Reception
Jan Troell's Brothers is a somber and unflinching portrayal of the impact of war on individuals and families. It was noted for its powerful performances and atmospheric depiction of the era, though some found its pacing deliberate and its themes heavy.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its historical authenticity and strong acting.
- Critiqued for its bleak tone and slow narrative.
- A thoughtful exploration of duty and survival during wartime.
Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this film.
Fun Fact
The film was originally intended to be a television mini-series before being adapted into a feature film.
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