Brothers

[a_person]

When a decorated Marine goes missing overseas, his black-sheep younger brother cares for his wife and children at home with consequences that will shake the foundation of the entire family. BROTHERS tells the powerful story of two siblings, thirty-something Captain Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire) and younger brother Tommy Cahill (Jake Gyllenhall), who are polar opposites. A Marine about to embark on his fourth tour of duty, Sam is a steadfast family man married to his high school sweetheart, the aptly named Grace (Natalie Portman), with whom he has two young daughters (Bailee Madison, Taylor Geare). Tommy, his charismatic younger brother, is a drifter just out of jail who's always gotten by on wit and charm. He slides easily into his role as family provocateur on his first night out of prison, at Sam's farewell dinner with their parents, Elsie (Mare Winningham) and Hank Cahill (Sam Shepard), a retired Marine. 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 for himself, Grace, and the children. But Sam is not dead; he and a fellow soldier have been captured by Taliban fighters. In Afghanistan's harsh, remote Pamir Mountains, Sam is subjected to traumas that threaten to rob him of his very humanity. At the same time that Sam's sense of self is being destroyed overseas, Tommy's self-image is strengthening at home. And in the grief and strangeness of their new lives, Grace and Tommy are naturally drawn together. Their longstanding frostiness dissolves, but both are frightened and ashamed of the mutual attraction that has replaced it. 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 Sam, uncharacteristically withdrawn and volatile, grows suspicious of his brother and his wife.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.

RELEASE DATE: 22nd Jan 2010

TRAILER:

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[Beate]

The title of the film is "Brothers", not "The Brothers" which is a different film entirely. See Film First got that wrong on the printout but here is the imdb page: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765010/
Can't make my mind up now whether to see this or Precious. Will have to read through a lot of user reviews etc.! Why does everything have to be on the same day, yet there is no film today?

[Ms Thrifty]

The Danish original was good. I hope the remake hasn't been dumbed down too much.

[tilly]

Just seen this film at the empire Leicester square,about 80% full. I was pleasantly surprised and really liked it. Strong cast and very well acted. I thought the 2 daughters were brilliant and helped the film be less sombre. 8/10

[Beate]

Blimey, they gave us the huge screen no. 1 for this! It wasn't completely full but 75% or so are still hundreds of people!

I thought it was good but I had a problem with the narrative. Had they not told us before what Tobey Maguire did to save his own life, and had we found out with his wife at the end instead, it would have packed a much bigger punch about the question "What price living?". Apart from that it was well-acted but the kids were a bit annoying to be honest. Also, nothing was really solved in the end, everyone was still saddled with their individual problems. I would have wished the final part of him being home and readjusting to be drawn out a bit more. Nice to see Mare Winningham and Carey Mulligan, albeit in thankless roles.

7/10

[miss_indigo]

I saw this today at Leicester Square....so first of all, how AMAZING was the cinema?! Screen 1 is absolutely MASSIVE and spectacular with the lighting and decor! I was even taking photos of the inside before the film started!!!!!

I loved the film too....I loved how everyone at the screening was so quiet...we were transfixed by the film. I loved the acting - Toby Maguire put in a great performance as did the 2 young actresses playing the daughters. I laughed, cried and thoroughly enjoyed the screening. (Last night I watched UP again...forgotten how emotional and moving it is) Time to watch a comedy tonight as I have been having some weepy moments this weekend!

[Beate]

Were you sitting next to us in the last row? Someone there took pictures!

[mdweaver]

Also saw this at Empire Leicester Square, the biggest cinema I've ever been in!

Although it was quite topical, it was predictable in places. The actors did do a good job, and overall it was a good film. 7.5/10.

[jpeg]

Yup saw this today also at Empire Leicester sq. Came in at about 11:05 to see the Cinema very packed! around 75-80% as mentioned above...

I thought the film was a lot better then what I had thought it would be. The two daughters were very cute and funny (was the older one also in Nanny Macphee? )

Good cast as already mentioned....I thought the plot was interesting, although I found the ending a little disappointing. I felt there could have been more of a conclusion to it.

7/10

[valda]

Its a fantastic cinema, where they usually do premiere's, I've always enjoyed going there. I was pleased that the cinema was so full. It may make them decide to use it more often, knowing that many people will turn up on a Sunday morning. I was pleasantly surprised by the film. I loved the girls in it, they lightened the tone of the film which could have been too bleak. I thought it was a good move to have Jake and Toby play against type. I would normally think of Jake as being the tough Marine and Toby the layabout brother. I wish the film were a bit longer so we could have seen if thier issues were resolved. 7/10