Brothers

I haven’t seen Brødre, the Danish film on which Brothers is based, but as always seems to be the case, the reviews suggest that the original is a better film than this re-make. However, this isn’t to say that you shouldn’t give Jim Sheridan’s film a chance. Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire are the eponymous stars, one (Gyllenhaal) just being released from prison, while Maguire is a soldier about to be posted to Afghanistan . On his return from duty, Maguire’s character struggles to cope with the horrors of his service and begins to suspect that his wife (Natalie Portman) and his brother have been getting too friendly during his time away. To say anymore would be to give too much away. Overall this film contains some great acting, even as the screenplay becomes a bit stagey. In fact, the acting is really the main reason for watching and enjoying this. All characters from major to minor put in a good shift. The children playing Portman and Maguire’s kids are outstanding. Out of the brothers, Gyllenhaal takes the honours, though his part is less demanding than Maguire’s. Ironically, despite looking fairly similar in the film, they fail to convince as siblings and share very few scenes together. The film does have one other major drawback though. There isn’t really anything original here. Soldiers suffering from post traumatic stress, though a serious issue, has been analysed on film for nigh on 100 years now and the stereotypical family of one son’s a hero, one’s a drop out, is a movie of the week staple.

The OC Film Sting Final Verdict
Some great performances just about paper over the cracks of a screenplay short on new ideas. Rating: 7/10.