Brothers

Name: Brothers
Genre: Drama, Thriller, War
Released: December 4, 2009
Duration: 105 min
Rating: 58
Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire

2009

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 31 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 289 Ratings

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8.4	User Score Universal acclaim based on 289 Ratings

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Brothers

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Movie Details & Credits

Lionsgate | Release Date: December 4, 2009 | R

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire

Summary: Brothers tells the powerful story of two siblings, thirty-something Captain Sam Cahill and younger brother Tommy Cahill, who are polar opposites. Shipped out to Afghanistan, Sam is presumed dead when his Black Hawk helicopter is shot down in the mountains. At home in suburbia, the Cahill family suddenly faces a shocking void, and TommyBrothers tells the powerful story of two siblings, thirty-something Captain Sam Cahill and younger brother Tommy Cahill, who are polar opposites. Shipped out to Afghanistan, Sam is presumed dead when his Black Hawk helicopter is shot down in the mountains. At home in suburbia, the Cahill family suddenly faces a shocking void, and Tommy tries to fill in for his brother by assuming newfound responsibility by taking care of his brother's wife and children. When Sam unexpectedly returns to the States, a nervous mood settles over the family. Sam, uncharacteristically withdrawn and volatile, grows suspicious of his brother and his wife. Their familiar roles now nearly reversed, Sam and Tommy end up facing the ultimate physical and mental challenge when they confront each other. In the shifting family dynamics, who will dominate? And how will the brothers come to terms with issues of love, loyalty, and manhood—and with the woman caught between them? [Lionsgate]… Expand

Director: Jim Sheridan

Genre(s): Drama, Thriller, War

Rating: R

Runtime: 105 min

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Critic Reviews

David Edelstein

Sheridan’s actors work with their intellects fully engaged--and they engage us on levels we barely knew we had. Read full review

Michael Phillips

The film is gripping---an honorable and beautifully acted addition to the tradition of homefront war stories. Read full review

Claudia Puig

In exploring the complicated nature of family bonds, Brothers is thought-provoking. The wounds inflicted by the cruelty of a troubled parent can prove as painful as battle scars. Read full review

Owen Gleiberman

Brothers isn't badly acted, but as directed by the increasingly impersonal Jim Sheridan, it's lumbering and heavy-handed, a film that piles on overwrought dramatic twists until it begins to creak under the weight of its presumed significance. Read full review

Wesley Morris

This is a corny tale, told with both generous helpings of deli-sliced cheese and a brief stretch of chilling tumultuousness. Read full review

Kyle Smith

Having seen the trailer for Brothers and now the finished film, I feel as though I just watched the trailer twice. Read full review

Joe Neumaier

Brothers tries to delve into how war can tear families apart, but only succeeds in showing how miscasting and melodrama obscure good intentions. Read full review

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User Reviews

StevenB.

Jun 1, 2010

This is the most emotionally effective film I have thus far seen in my life. Superb acting all around, and incredibly tense situations throughout.

2 of 2 users found this helpful

Mr.JohnP.

Dec 5, 2009

A beautiful drama movie !! Great actors for a movie extraordinary !! Oscar for Natalie Portman!!