Brothers is a 2009 American drama film. Directed by Jim Sheridan, with a screenplay written by David Benioff. The film is an American adaptation of the 2004 Danish film Brødre (Brothers). It stars Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman. The film deals with the traumatic effects of war on individuals and families.

Plot

The film tells the emotional and psychological difficulties faced by the family of an American soldier serving in Afghanistan, after he goes missing. Captain Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire) is presumed dead when his helicopter is shot down by enemy fire during his tour. His wife, Grace (Natalie Portman), and two daughters mourn Sam's death, while Sam's rebellious brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal) tries to support the family. However, when news arrives that Sam is alive and has been taken prisoner, the family's dynamics shift, and everyone's life is reshaped.

^{A Scene from the Film (IMDb)}

Themes

The film explores not only the physical effects of war but also its psychological impact on individuals and families. Themes such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), family relationships, loyalty, betrayal, and forgiveness are particularly highlighted. Additionally, concepts like masculinity, honor, and the meaning of war are questioned in the film.

Cast

• Tobey Maguire – Sam Cahill
• Jake Gyllenhaal – Tommy Cahill
• Natalie Portman – Grace Cahill
• Bailee Madison – Isabelle Cahill
• Taylor Geare – Maggie Cahill
• Sam Shepard – Hank Cahill
• Patrick John Flueger – Joe Willis
• Ethan Suplee – Sweeney

^{Brothers Film Trailer (Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailer)}

Awards and Nominations

Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films, USA

• Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film - Nominated
• Best Actor - Tobey Maguire - Nominated
• Best Actress - Natalie Portman - Nominated
• Best Performance by a Younger Actor - Bailee Madison - Nominated

Critics' Choice Awards

• Best Young Actor/Actress - Bailee Madison - Nominated

Chicago Film Critics Association Awards

• Best Supporting Actress - Natalie Portman - Nominated

Golden Globes, USA

• Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Tobey Maguire - Nominated
• Best Original Song - Motion Picture - Nominated

Irish Film and Television Awards

• Best Film Director - Jim Sheridan - Won

Prism Awards

• Performance in a Feature Film - Tobey Maguire - Nominated
• Feature Film - Nominated

CinEuphoria Awards

• Best Actor - Tobey Maguire - Won
• Top 10 of the Year - Won
• Freedom of Expression - Honorary Award - Won

^{A Scene from the Film (IMDb)}

Character Analysis

• Sam Cahill: An American captain serving in Afghanistan. The traumas he experienced during the war deeply affect his psychological state and his relationships within the family. In the film, Sam's internal conflicts and changes upon his return are highlighted.
• Tommy Cahill: Sam's brother. After Sam's disappearance, he tries to support Grace and the children while also dealing with his own inner struggles and feelings of guilt.
• Grace Cahill: Sam's wife. Her relationship with Tommy as she tries to come to terms with Sam's presumed death, and the emotional turmoil she experiences upon Sam's return, are important themes explored in the film.