I wanted to see this film because it had some pretty good names in it and it sounded like a story that I have never experienced before.  I was NOT disappointed!  Brothers is a roller coaster of emotions and is a very real story for many families.  I have not seen a drama with this great of acting in some time now.  This film will not disappoint!

Tobey Maguire plays Capt. Sam Cahill, a military man with a loving wife, Grace (Natalie Portman) and two darling young girls.  The military family is planning for Sam’s return to Afghanistan.  Before he leaves, Sam manages to take his brother, Tommy, (Jake Gyllenhaal) under his wings and tries to re-implement his black sheep brother back into the family.  One normal day, two military men show up at Grace’s door to deliver the news that her husband died in combat.  However, the audience witnesses Sam fighting for his life being held hostage at an Afghani military base.  Sam encounters horrific torturous decisions and ultimately cracks, murdering his military comrade under Afghani order.  Grace, on the other hand, painfully puts her life back in order and Tommy happens to be there to help pick up the pieces.  Tommy spends more and more time with the girls and Grace, learning to love all of them in a way he never felt he could.  As Grace and Tommy become closer and closer, Sam is miraculously rescued and returns to the United States a changed man.

Sam returns to a world that seems foreign to him.   It is difficult for him to laugh or even enjoy the fact that he is back home.  He walks around almost like the living dead, paralyzed by guilt. His paranoia brings him to a point where he is constantly on edge and he is convinced that Tommy and Grace were sleeping together.  His wishes are to return back to Afghanistan, as this the only way he knows how to live.  Sam eventually cracks with an explosive episode that brings him into a military mental rehabilitation program.  He eventually confesses to Grace his horrific experiences that he has had to endure.

WOW!  This story is incredible!  The acting in this film was phenomenal in every way.  I was impressed with Toby Maguire‘s distinct character change and believed every bit of his persona.  Maguire‘s only real Hollywood hit has been the Spiderman films, and unfortunately did not require him to play a role with stellar acting.  I think Brothers is his first chance at showing the world his true potential.  I thought he nailed Sam’s character, and could not think of anyone better to do the job.  I must give kudos to the two girls who played Grace and Sam’s daughters, Taylor Geare and Bailee Madison.  They were just as strong of actors as the rest of them.

I loved the fact that Brothers had such powerful and emotional scenes with the magic of silence.  There were many collections of shots that were silent moments- but I thought they were the strongest. Brothers is a very real film for families, as I can imagine these are many issues that military families endure.  My only complaint is that it left the audience hanging at the end.  This is a movie where you’ll have to decide how the movie ended.  (I HATE that!  I need closure!)  This movie deserves a solid 4 stars.  Strong film that I would highly recommend checking out!