Rated: M
Running Time: 104 mins
Director: Jim Sheridan
Cast: Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman
Release Date: 18th March 2010
Tobey Maguire steps out of his Spiderman shadow to star in “Brothers” as Sam, a soldier getting ready for his tour of duty in Afghanistan. He’s leaving behind his wife, Grace (Natalie Portman), his two children, and his brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal). These two brothers could not be more different; Tommy, is the black sheep of the family, and has just been released from prison, whereas Sam is a career soldier, and the apple of his father’s eye.
While in Afghanistan Sam’s helicopter is shot down, and he’s captured and tortured by the Taliban. He is presumed dead to everyone at home, leaving Grace consumed with grief. Tommy steps in to help look after the children and help around the house, and becomes very close to Grace and the kids.
The impact this kind of emotional film has really comes down to the cast, and all the stars deliver with powerhouse performances. Tobey Maguire proves he is capable of so much more than we’ve seen, delivering a haunting performance with a dark edge, you just never know when he is about to crack. Natalie Portman gives just the right amount of emotion, never going over the top, but heartbreaking none the less.
Jake Gyllenhaal, besides being dreamy to look at, is vulnerable and charming – you quickly find yourself switching sides from ‘Team Sam’ to ‘Team Tommy’.
And I have to give a special mention to the two young actresses who play Grace and Sam’s daughters. Taylor Geare and Bailee Madison are so believable, managing to convey a couple of complex emotions at once, very rare to see in a Hollywood movie!
I can’t comment on whether this remake is as good as the original Danish film it’s based on, since I am yet to see “Brodre”; but this version of “Brothers” will take you on an emotional and thought provoking ride, which you’ll be talking about with your friends for hours afterwards.
4 out of 5
Reviewed by Alicia Malone
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