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Movie Review: Brothers Alternate Title: The Human Toll
Story: Director Jim
Sheridan and writer David Benioff do a terrific
job of bringing Susanne Bier and Anders Thomas
Jensen's 2004 Danish film 'Brodre' to American
audiences.
Yes, it is another film drawn from the horrors
of present day wars. The emphasis, however, is not on any particular
political agenda but on the terrible toll that war brings to everyone
both fighting the war over there and those left at home.
Sam is about to deploy to Afghanistan, leaving behind his adoring wife
and two small daughters. His ne'er do well brother Tommy is getting
out of prison and could have used Sam as a role model and helper in
his transition back to society.When Sam's helicopter crashes he is pronounced
dead by the military and the grief and nightmare strikes home. The family,
including Tommy, slowly starts to put the pieces together of their new
life - but Sam is not dead. He has been taken prisoner and undergoes
nightmares we can not dare imagine.
His homecoming becomes fraught with problems because Sam is no longer
the man is was when he left. He, in essence, died over there and the
shell that remains is deeply scarred.
This is a film for grown ups who can deal with the consequences of
the toll of war on the individual. It deals with highly emotional issues
and tugs at your heart without being maudlin. Director Sheridan has
a wonderful way of dealing with children and the strong performances
throughout the cast make this a film well worth your time and consideration.
Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJtEUfSAfOk
Here is the trailer from the original Danish
film here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkdnlLUt2MA Acting: Tobey Maguire as Sam, gives a powerful performance.
He is a long way from Spiderman. Jake Gyllenhaal as
Tommy, also delivers a fine performance. Natalie Portman
as Grace, is believable and underplayed perfectly. Sam Shepard
as Hank is a bit stereotypical. Young Bailee Madison as
daughter Isabelle is sensational. Taylor Geare as little
Maggie is adorable. Patrick Flueger as Private Joe
Willis tugs at your heart. The supporting cast is fine all around, including
Clifton Collins Jr. (Major Cavazos), Carey Mulligan (Cassie Willis),
Omid Abtahi (Yusuf), Ethan Suplee (Sweeney) and Mare Winningham (Elsie
Cahill).
Trivia: Director Jim Sheridan's In
America (2002) was loosely based on his own family's struggles in the
early 1980s in New York City. Jim Sheridan lived in NYC with his wife
and children from 1981-1989, before moving back to Ireland to film,
My Left Foot (1989). He has been nominated for six Oscars. His other
films include, In the name of the Father, The Boxer and The Field.
Predilection: I like Jim Sheridan and I enjoyed the
original film, Brodre.
Critters: Goats and horses
Food: Pancakes, meatloaf, peas, mashed potatoes,
birthday cake, milk and pizza.
Sex Spectrum: Cuddling
Blatant Product Placement: Heinz Ketchup, Coca Cola
Soundtrack: A nice soundtrack including work by U2.
Opening Titles: We see Sam heading to the base to
get ready to deploy and with his adoring children before the title.
Al credits at the end.
Theater Audience: Two guys and me.
Weather: It is cold in Minnesota.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: War makes me squirm.
Drift Factor: I was attentive throughout.
Predictability Level: I saw the original.
Tissue Usage: I welled up a few times.
Oscar Worthy: Hmm
Big Screen or Rental: I always say go for the big
screen whenever possible.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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