Brothers

Genre: family drama
Director: Susanne Bier
Release: 2005
Studio: NFI et al. - IFC Films
Rating: R
MBiS score: 8.1/10


Warring On The Home Front


While readying for a rebuilding mission in Afghanistan, Michael Lundberg (Ulrich Thomsen), a major in the Danish army, goes to the local prison to pick up his brother Jannik (Nikolaj Lie Kaas) who was jailed for assault. In view of recent events, both men now face similar challenges… but are they really prepared for what lies ahead? With Connie Nielsen (Sarah, Michael’s wife), Bent Mejding (Henning Lundberg, the father), Solbjorg Hojfeldt (Else Lundberg), Sarah Juel Werner and Rebecca Logstrup Soltau (Natalia and Camilla, Michael’s daughters).

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If you know nothing about Susanne Bier’s work, BROTHERS will easily convince you of her talent. This intimate tale about a family struggling with life’s unexpected brutality warranted a low-key approach and Susanne’s no-frills direction served it very efficiently. Truth be told, there is nothing forced or unnatural in BROTHERS despite its familiar theme of duelling siblings. Everything is in its place, every character has import, every situation is expertly developed.

Like all other aspects of this fine, engrossing film, the acting thoroughly pleased me. Ulrich Thomsen and Nikolaj Lie Kaas offer strong performances but due credit must also be given to Connie Nielsen, a luminous actress and a splendid woman (my apologies to all but I simply had to get that one out of my system). In many ways, Sarah is the most influential character in the story, a reassuring presence for her children, a voice of reason amid the turmoil. One scene in which we see her commute in Denmark while her husband lands in Afghanistan speaks volumes about her quiet courage and level-headedness. As for the story-line, I fully appreciated its logic and emotional power; the film’s visuals are also noteworthy. Incidentally, for those of you who care about geopolitics, the movie also demonstrates that so-called « rebuilding efforts » involve as much risk as « combat operations » and offer no greater guarantees of success.

So there it is. If you ever feel like watching a serious and realistic film about family relationships in times of hardship, do pick BROTHERS. I simply loved it, and so will you. Thank you, Susanne!


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