Watch 21 Brothers

"21 Brothers" is a 2011 war drama film directed by Michael McGuire, starring a talented cast of young actors for the most part. Set in the First World War, the story centers around a group of Canadian soldiers who must endure the trials and tribulations of trench warfare during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. The film opens with the enlistment of 21 young men from the same small town in Ontario. The group includes brothers, cousins, and childhood friends who are excited to serve their country and do their part in the war. They arrive in Europe and are immediately thrust into battle, and soon learn that war is not what they expected it to be.

The soldiers are soon entrenched in the brutal and damaging battle of Vimy Ridge. As the days grind on, the soldiers experience the horrors of war and have to deal with issues like homesickness, injuries, and death. With their spirits waning, they bond together, using humor and camaraderie to boost morale and keep fighting.

The film succeeds at conveying the surreal and traumatic nature of war with its intense battle scenes, which are often gritty and brutal. The trenches, mud, and filth become a character of their own, as the soldiers face constant hardship and terror. The film also does a good job capturing the absurdity of war, with scenes like when the soldiers play cricket amidst the fighting.

The characters are well written and distinguishable, with each having their own personality and arc. Steve VanVolkingburgh carries the film as the lead, Private James Downey, a young man who dreams of one day becoming a teacher. Clayton Garrett plays the brash and cynical Corporal Gordon Flowerdew, while Steven Spencer plays the sensitive and artistic Private Francis Pegahmagabow. All three give great performances, especially VanVolkingburgh, who makes a convincing transition from an idealistic young soldier to a hardened veteran by the end of the film.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of color. The movie is shot in black and white, but features subtle flashes of color. The technique works to emphasize key moments, and the red of blood stands out starkly against the gray and brown of the trench.

The film also captures the diversity of the soldiers who fought in the First World War. In a time before widespread integration, the movie provides a glimpse into the experiences of Indigenous soldiers who faced discrimination and racism despite fighting to protect Canadian soil. The character of Pegahmagabow, a real-life war hero, is an important reminder of Canada's complex history.

Though it takes some time for the plot to fully develop, the pacing of the film is steady, and it keeps you engaged throughout its entire run time. The dialogue is also well-written, capturing the unique vernacular of soldiers in a way that feels authentic.

The film ends on a poignant note, encapsulating the soldiers' experiences and paying tribute to their sacrifices. It shows that even through the most harrowing of circumstances, bonds of brotherhood and camaraderie can form, and that hope can still be found. In the age of blockbusters that often glorify war and violence, "21 Brothers" stands out as a reminder of the true cost of conflict and the sacrifices of those who fought in it.

Overall, "21 Brothers" is a powerful, emotional, and thought-provoking war film that deserves to be seen by a wider audience. It's a film that captures the horrors of war while honoring those who fought in it, and it stands as a tribute to the bravery and humanity of those who served.

21 Brothers is a 2015 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.7.