Jim Sheridan's 'Brothers,' based on Susan Beir's 2004 Danish-language film, is the latest victim to Hollywood's current trend of plucking the rights to well-regarded foreign flicks and making them their own. (The 'Let the Right One In' remake is, sadly, shooting in New Mexico at this very moment.)The new trailer showcases a weepy Natalie Portman mourning the death of her recently "killed in combat" husband, played by Tobey Maguire. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Maguire's brother, who comforts Portman ... that is, until Maguire makes a miraculous return.
Films dealing with the Middle East crisis generally prove box-office flops, but 'Brothers' has Oscar-bait written all over it. Both Sheridan and Portman, and even Gyllenhaal, are no stranger to the Academy Awards telecast. However, 2009 is quickly becoming stiff competition for Oscar films with the Helen Mirren-starrer 'The Last Station' and Rob Marshall's 'Nine' around the corner.
If anyone can garner the attention of Academy voters, though, it's Sheridan and Portman, who will surely make a run for the Best Director and Best Actress categories, respectively. Maguire might be the clear long-shot as past award-worthy performances in quality pictures like 'The Ice Storm' and 'Wonder Boys' have gone unnoticed.
Reader Comments (4)
charlie.q at 3:56PM on Nov 22nd 2009
Thank you for posting this, I saw the preview yesterday before "Precious". Looks like great performances all around. I so hope Natalie Portman wins an Oscar for this. Being what seems to be her 1st "real world" role playing a Mother/Wife, looks very convincing. I can't wait to see it!
Watch Brothers at 7:35AM on Nov 26th 2009
Hi very nice review for movie brothers. I watched the trailer last night and it was awesome totally awesome. I think movie will be as exiting as a trailer. So I can't wait to watch brothers movie. That looks great!
peet at 10:03PM on Dec 7th 2009
i saw it Friday and cannot stop thinking about it. very moving. Movie of the year, no question.
Skeez at 3:10PM on Dec 9th 2009
I have heard nothing but great things about this film! I saw it two evenings ago and I concur with the previous comment. This film is going to turn numerous heads on the Oscar guild!