‘Brothers’ a touching, honest and moving film

Director: Jim Sheridan

Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Toby Maguire, Natalie Portman, Carey Mulligan

Cert: 15

Sometimes Hollywood can surprise us with adult films based on strong writing and quite excellent performances all achieved without OTT special effects, computer enhancements and wild, violent action.

Here we have films about people facing life’s problems with wit, wisdom and humanity – and long may it last.

The story involves two brothers, one (Gyllenhaal) is an ex-con and general layabout, the other (Maguire) a US Marine who is shipped to Afghanistan leaving behind his wife and two young daughters. While on duty he goes missing and his useless brother steps up and looks after them … only to run into emotional turmoil when he war hero returns.

This is a well-constructed, compassionate examination of family life and from Maguire, better known for his swashbuckling role as Spider-Man, comes a performance that surpasses anything he has done previously … start thinking Oscar nomination here.

A touching, honest and moving film enhanced by brilliant acting. Long may it last.

Star Rating: 5/5.