Most war films, particularly those made decades ago, glorify war and seldom, if ever, talk about the true cost. Think about it....it's hard to imagine John Wayne or Jimmy Stewart breaking down and sobbing after a battle! But there is a reality to war, the psychological trauma, that just isn't talked about enough...especially since it doesn't just hurt the soldier but their families as well.
In "Brothers", the film begins with a real black/white situation. There are two brothers...a good, honorable one and the other a jerk who's just gotten out of jail. But life is rarely black and white...and over time, the 'bad brother' (Jake Gyllenhaal) manages to do something with his life while the 'good one' (Toby McGuire) goes off to war and it emotionally damaged to such a point that he's a danger to his family.
This is a tough film to watch. If you've been through war or had family members affected by PTSD, this film might even be tougher to watch...to the point where you might want to watch this with someone and have some Kleenex handy. But I think this is a good thing. The film is wonderfully crafted and acted...but brings attention to our veterans and their plights.....plights which are certainly understandable considering what they've been through. A very good film...well worth seeing.
By the way, this is a remake of a Danish film...which I have not seen but plan to see.
In "Brothers", the film begins with a real black/white situation. There are two brothers...a good, honorable one and the other a jerk who's just gotten out of jail. But life is rarely black and white...and over time, the 'bad brother' (Jake Gyllenhaal) manages to do something with his life while the 'good one' (Toby McGuire) goes off to war and it emotionally damaged to such a point that he's a danger to his family.
This is a tough film to watch. If you've been through war or had family members affected by PTSD, this film might even be tougher to watch...to the point where you might want to watch this with someone and have some Kleenex handy. But I think this is a good thing. The film is wonderfully crafted and acted...but brings attention to our veterans and their plights.....plights which are certainly understandable considering what they've been through. A very good film...well worth seeing.
By the way, this is a remake of a Danish film...which I have not seen but plan to see.