'Brothers' Movie Offers Choice for Good Suspense Movie
Nick Johnson
Around Campus Editor
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| Courtesy of www.iamlala.com |
Based Susan Bier's Danish film "Brothers"(Brodre), Jim Sheridan's "Brothers" follows the story of two brothers, going down different winding paths of redemption and psychosis.
Tobey Maguire (Spiderman) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Prince of Persia:The Sands of Time, Jarhead) star in this emotionally charged film about Tommy Cahill (Gyllenhaal) and his brother Sam Cahill (Maguire).
The two brothers are obvious opposites. Sam enjoys a successful life as a Captain in the United States Marines, faithful husband to his wife Grace (Natalie Portman) and father to his two daughters. Tommy struggles as a nonchalant ex-convict, who often burdens his family.
After serving his time in jail, Tommy gets to start his life over again. His family however, doesn't welcome him with open arms.
Audiences can then see the contrast between Sam and Tommy. Sam receives love from his wife, kids, father and mother, while Tommy struggles to earn their approval.
Shortly after his release from prison, Tommy finds out about Sam's return to Afghanistan for the fourth time. Shortly after his duty begins, Sam's plane gets shot down, thus killing him.
Mourning her husband's death, Grace struggles to cope with raising her two daughters on her own. After comparing his life with his deceased brother, Tommy lends a helping hand to Grace and her daughters.
Suddenly we find the change in Tommy's character as he matures and the change in the family's attitude toward him. Even Grace's daughters take a liking to Tommy.
It seems all is right with the world again, until Sam miraculously returns. This time Sam battles a severe case of Post-Traumatic Stress after having to make a horrible life or death decision while in Afghanistan. To make matters worse, he suspects Grace cheated on him with Tommy. Sam who normally acts calm and controlled, becomes angry, disoriented and paranoid.
If you love suspense, "Brothers" is a good choice. The plot takes several different turns and leads up to a very powerful ending. The story shows the effects of Post Traumatic Stress and how war can turn even the best of men into monsters. The story also shows the biases family has toward certain family members. It's a very real and gripping story about a broken family, put in an unbelievably tough situation.
The film however has a few character issues. The movie will move a little fast, especially Tommy's change of heart. In real life, would someone have a change a heart that fast?
The film runs about 105 minutes and received close to $40 million at the box office. Maguire received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance while the band "U2" received a Golden Globe nomination for the use of their song "Winter" in the film.
The film received fairly good reception. Movie review aggregate, Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie 6.2 out of 10.
All in all, the film isn't worthy of an Oscar, but the movie can stand alone as a good, solid suspense movie.
"Brothers" is now available on DVD.
Tobey Maguire (Spiderman) and Jake Gyllenhaal (Prince of Persia:The Sands of Time, Jarhead) star in this emotionally charged film about Tommy Cahill (Gyllenhaal) and his brother Sam Cahill (Maguire).
The two brothers are obvious opposites. Sam enjoys a successful life as a Captain in the United States Marines, faithful husband to his wife Grace (Natalie Portman) and father to his two daughters. Tommy struggles as a nonchalant ex-convict, who often burdens his family.
After serving his time in jail, Tommy gets to start his life over again. His family however, doesn't welcome him with open arms.
Audiences can then see the contrast between Sam and Tommy. Sam receives love from his wife, kids, father and mother, while Tommy struggles to earn their approval.
Shortly after his release from prison, Tommy finds out about Sam's return to Afghanistan for the fourth time. Shortly after his duty begins, Sam's plane gets shot down, thus killing him.
Mourning her husband's death, Grace struggles to cope with raising her two daughters on her own. After comparing his life with his deceased brother, Tommy lends a helping hand to Grace and her daughters.
Suddenly we find the change in Tommy's character as he matures and the change in the family's attitude toward him. Even Grace's daughters take a liking to Tommy.
It seems all is right with the world again, until Sam miraculously returns. This time Sam battles a severe case of Post-Traumatic Stress after having to make a horrible life or death decision while in Afghanistan. To make matters worse, he suspects Grace cheated on him with Tommy. Sam who normally acts calm and controlled, becomes angry, disoriented and paranoid.
If you love suspense, "Brothers" is a good choice. The plot takes several different turns and leads up to a very powerful ending. The story shows the effects of Post Traumatic Stress and how war can turn even the best of men into monsters. The story also shows the biases family has toward certain family members. It's a very real and gripping story about a broken family, put in an unbelievably tough situation.
The film however has a few character issues. The movie will move a little fast, especially Tommy's change of heart. In real life, would someone have a change a heart that fast?
The film runs about 105 minutes and received close to $40 million at the box office. Maguire received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance while the band "U2" received a Golden Globe nomination for the use of their song "Winter" in the film.
The film received fairly good reception. Movie review aggregate, Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie 6.2 out of 10.
All in all, the film isn't worthy of an Oscar, but the movie can stand alone as a good, solid suspense movie.
"Brothers" is now available on DVD.
