Brothers (USA)

One could, I suppose comment on the fact that the US has been in Afghanistan so long that there has been time to make, and then remake a film about a western soldier's experience there. But this is a film blog and not a political one. The film in question is also not really political but a family drama about how stresses can help people grow up or drive them to the breaking point.

For those not familiar with the background of Brothers a short introduction is in order.  In 2004 there was a film released of the same name in Denmark. The film screened at SIFF where I saw it. Unfortunately I didn't blog at that time and my personal memories are a little hazy.  From what I can recall both films are very similar in basic story and presentation.  At the start one brother gets out of prison.  He's not necessarily despicable - but certainly is not the responsible one in the family.  His brother is a soldier with a young wife and 2 daughters.  As one gets out of prison the other is off to Afghanistan. There he's captured and forced to make extreme choices to try and stay alive.  Back home where the soldier is presumed dead the "lesser" brother begins to step up to help the family left behind. Of course dramatic tensions result.

The newer film is mostly a shot for shot remake of the earlier one - and this similarity is an accident.  The American film prominently displays a "Based on the Danish film Brødre" title card at the start. The new version should be commended for not rewriting with a Hollywood ending where everything is fully wrapped up over a heartwarming soundtrack.  All the performances are reasonable. If you haven't seen the original I'd say that if the material sounds along the lines of something you'd like then it's worth a look. A solid drama it likely will not disappoint. For me, it's hard to get completely past the "why remake?" question. The original is available on DVD. Just saying...

Update: Just read a review of this film from the NY Times by A.O. Scott that has a somewhat similar view to mine - though of course much better expressed.  Among the similarities I am proud to note is an observation about being able to make an original and remake while we're still involved in the same war.  Thinking back though I think that actually might have been my friend Scott's thought and not mine.  :-)