Brothers (Brødre) (2004)



Movie Title: Brothers (Brødre)

Year Released: 2004

Rated: R

Runtime: 1h 57min

Genre: Drama, War

Director: Susanne Bier

Writer: Susanne Bier and Anders Thomas Jensen

Starring: Connie Nielsen, Ulrich Thomsen, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Sarah Juel Werner, Rebecca Løgstrup, Bent Mejding, Solbjørg Højfeldt, Niels Olsen, Paw Henriksen

Review: (Original Title: Brødre)

Brothers tells the story of two siblings that live very different lives, but when tragedy strikes their roles within the family go through dynamic changes.

I heard about Brothers while listening to a movie podcast one day. The premise sounded compelling enough to give it a look, but when I discovered that it starred Connie Nielsen (Gladiator, The Ice Harvest, Wonder Woman) and Ulrich Thomsen (Banshee), two of my favorite actors, I was sold. The two of them are so good in everything they do, no matter how big or small the role may be. Nielsen is especially wonderful to watch as she tries to stay strong amid the devastating situation that her family has to go through.

Ulrich Thomsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas play the "brothers". Michael (Thomsen) is the family man who's about to be diploid to Afghanistan and Jannik (Kass) is the black sheep of the family, fresh out of jail with no prospects on the horizon. Once Michael is presumed dead after a helicopter crash, Jannik begins to help Michael's wife, Sarah (Connie Nielsen), cope with the loss, take care of the kids, and be there for her in Michael's absence. But when Michael is rescued and returned home things aren't like they were before. Now that is not a spoiler, believe me. That's just what sets this powerful drama in motion.

I just want to let you know that Brothers is a Danish film, but not to worry, there are English subtitles. I must confess that the movie is so good that sometimes I forgot to read the subtitles. The characters emotions run so high and the acting and directing are so strong that I knew exactly what was happening. I was so drawn into this movie. Writer-Director Susanne Bier (Bird Box) is the unsung hero of this under-seen gem. She really gives this movie an intimate feel like you are part of the family witnessing their grief, struggles, and little moments of joy. She's a wonderful storyteller and I'm definitely going to seek out more of her work.

I was so glad that I discovered this movie. It's an emotional drama with great characters, acting, writing, and directing that draws you in this tense story of a family forever changed by war. It's not preachy. It's honest, emotional, and truly makes you empathize with those that have experienced the horrors of war and come home forever changed.

Stars (out of 4):
       

Fun Fact: There's an American remake of this movie entitled Brothers (2009) starring Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman.


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