What is it about?
Two sons of a Caribbean immigrant in Canada face questions and obstacles regarding masculinity, identity, racism, family, community, and personal dreams.
Who is in it?
Lamar Johnson - Michael
Aaron Pierce - Francis
Marsha Stephanie Blake - Ruth
Kiana Madeira - Aisha
Favorite Scene:
[spoiler alert]
After a failed audition, and before the police once again, Francis emotionally says to all of his loved ones, "we dreamin, that's all, we're just dreamin"
Favorite Quote:
"Our immigrant parents cleaned toilets, took care of other people's f----ing kids, took shit all day, struggled with rent, were chronically tired...all for us."
Review:
Brother sat on my trusty "My List" on my NetFlix account for two years. The overall description of the film, of Caribbean immigrants and a family, intrigued me due to my similar background. After finally giving myself the green light to engage in this film, I'm upset it took me this long. Brother is profound, deep, and powerful.
And yes, as you can imagine, there are moments when it hits home in a big way. As noted just above, my favorite quote from the film got me. I lived that.
Despite the personal connection, Brother bounces back and forth between three timelines, letting you in on this family's issues. Brother has several major conflicts at play, while also carrying underlying tones and challenges for the characters throughout the film.
The characters are complex as they struggle with some of life's hardest and most difficult decisions.
The acting is phenomenal. Bravo to all involved.
Brother is slow-moving. It can feel like a drag in the early parts of the film where the foundational work of the characters is playing out. Stick with it. It's a phenomenal film that will force you to tink and feel throughout its run time.
Grade: 4.5/5