Film Review : Brothers

This was a movie that didn't get much in the way of advance publicity (or, at least, none that I was aware of) until I saw the trailers which appeared in December. Despite its' top-notch leading cast, it looked as if it ran the risk of being a little too cut and dried in its' approach to its' topic.

Tobey McGuire and Jake Gyllenhall play two brothers, with McGuire being the dutiful son who married his childhood sweetheart - and who wouldn't if she looks like Natalie Portman - and Gyllenhall the black sheep of the family who has just been released from a prison sentence.

Sam (McGuire) is sent to serve in Afghanistan and is involved in an incident which leaves him missing in action. Believed to be dead, his family and friends mourn him and attempt to move on. Having made some attempt to sort himself out, Tommy (Gyllenhall) seeks to provide some comfort and support to Grace (Portman) and her two daughters.

Sam, however, is not dead but has been prisoner for some time and is eventually released after his hiding place comes under attack. However, his exposure to the horrors of war has been traumatic and deeply personal which have damaged him tremendously.

It is therefore a withdrawn, sullen and paranoid Sam who returns to his family. And for Tommy, Grace and the family an equally difficult set of challenges faces them.

As mentioned, the trailer suggested that this might treat the topic with some predictability and perhaps the script does this - the ending, in particular, is a little glib and unsatisying. However, the performances have an intensity and realism about them which makes this a gripping movie. McGuire in particular is excellent and is required to show considerable range from the loving father through to the mentally unstable soldier returning from combat.