★ 8 / 10
In the 1920s, several young men, impacted by
Logan D
In the 1920s, several young men, impacted by WWI and the Spanish flu, join two veterans for summer camp. Powerful film given a serious undertone by the fact…
In the 1920s, several young men, impacted by WWI and the Spanish flu, join two veterans for summer camp.
Powerful film given a serious undertone by the fact it's based on a true story. I'm not sure alternating between the tragedy and the camp scenes works but I love the themes addressed. Modernity vs traditionalism. Male bonding. Expectations of masculinity. It's a dark film with beautiful scenery.
★ 10 / 10
Excellent Canadian cast telling an unknown Canadian story
R T
Excellent Canadian cast telling an unknown Canadian story. Beautiful cinematography.
Excellent Canadian cast telling an unknown Canadian story. Beautiful cinematography.
★ 5 / 10
HALF MAST Like a Heritage Minute expanded to
john s
HALF MAST Like a Heritage Minute expanded to ninety, "Brotherhood" just may be the quintessential Canadian film. It is a beautifully shot, carefully paced…
HALF MAST
Like a Heritage Minute expanded to ninety, "Brotherhood" just may be the quintessential Canadian film. It is a beautifully shot, carefully paced, charmingly acted, and expertly wardrobed, family fare period piece, right in the wheelhouse of the CBC and NFB. Which also means that it is a little dry, a little too sentimental, and a little too eager to please. But damn it, it is maple leaf red Canadian, and the locals will love it.
Capturing the simple but beautiful landscapes and times of a post First War Kawartha Lakes young men camping adventure, "Brotherhood" is a throwback not only as an historic piece, but also a nod to classic movie making. Strengths and flaws and backgrounds are onion peeled as the scrum navigate boys-to-men, life building skills, culminating in an ultimate weather and water survival test.
Trouble is brewing, that much is clear, as the film flashes forward and back from sunny beach to ominous dark currents. What could have been a groaning plot spoiler, serves as character development whilst navigating a dire circumstance.
Based on fact, "Brotherhood" is good enough to engage in a tragedy for which the ending is no mystery. A little sappy, and a little cliched, it nonetheless entertains, especially to a devout patriotic audience. Perfect for post Hockey Night in Canada, late Saturday viewing on the small screen.
- hipCRANK
•••
out of ten I would say a possible 2.5