Brothers

"Brothers" is a 2009 film starring Tobey Maguire, Natalie Portman, and Jake Gyllenhaal. It is a dramatic story in which Tobey's character, Sam Cahill, is thought to have died in a helicopter crash while fighting in Afghanistan. While mourning his death, his brother Tommy and his wife Grace end up developing a very close relationship that climaxes when they kiss one night. However, it is then discovered that Sam had actually survived the crash in Afghanistan and was on his way back home. Upon arriving, he immediately knows something happened between his wife and brother. This along with the guilt over things he did while at war haunts him and eventually drives him to insanity.

From the beginning of the the movie, the actors all do a very good job of portraying the type of people their characters are. Tommy was the neglected child who grew up a troublemaker. As you see through out the movie, he has a lot of issues with his father. His brother, Sam, is the son to be proud of. Tobey portrays the character in a very sincere and modest way. He always stands by the side of his troubled brother and is a loving father and husband. Grace is the faithful wife who is head over heels in love with her husband. She stands by him through all of his shifts in Afghanistan and successfully portrays all of the emotions that the wife of a soldier would typically go through.

The contrast of scenes following Sam's helicopter crash are extremely well done. One minute, you're with Sam being held hostage in Afghanistan. You experiences his inner struggles to not forfeit information despite being tortured. In the next scene, you're back in the states watching a relationship slowly develop between Tommy and Grace. The kids look up to Tommy as a father figure and you feel for both of them because of the situation they are in. It's like watching a high school couple fall in love.

However, the parts that stole the show were on the night of Sam's daughters birthday. After having come home, his post-war stress reaches a high point at the dinner table with his family. This scene successfully conveyed anticipation and anxiety in me better than almost any other movie I've seen. The tension between him and his daughter is slow and it bothers you more and more as it goes along. While the daughter is rubbing her balloon, it feels like listening to nails on a chalkboard. That along with his psychotic breakdown in the last scenes, showcase the tremendous acting in the movie. Tobey Maguire was fantastic through out. The editing was spot on and it allowed me to experience a large variety of emotions. In fact, the only downside to this movie was that it wasn't long enough. It left you on a note that made you want more information. The story isn't properly wrapped up, but it's still a great watch. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a showcase of good acting and editing.


You can watch the trailer here.