Brother

Watch Brother

"They have a plan, but not a clue."
  • R
  • 2000
  • 1 hr 53 min
  • 7.7  (324,653)
  • 69

Brother is a crime drama film released in 2000 directed by Takeshi Kitano. The film tells the story of Yamamoto (played by Kitano himself), a Japanese yakuza who is betrayed by his own clan and forced to flee Japan. Yamamoto travels to Los Angeles to seek refuge and finds his way to an old friend named Ken (played by Claude Maki), who owns a small Japanese restaurant in the city. After a series of events, Yamamoto meets some members of a local gang called the Army of One, and soon he becomes their leader.

George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson play the roles of American gangsters who get involved with Yamamoto and his newfound gang. Clooney's character, known as 'The Kentucky Colonel,' is an eccentric but ruthless gang leader who is competing with another gang for control of the city. Turturro and Nelson's characters are his right-hand men, who initially underestimate Yamamoto but later come to respect him for his skills and intelligence.

The movie explores the themes of culture clash, loyalty, and honor, as Yamamoto tries to adapt to a completely different environment and build a new life for himself while also dealing with the conflicts and tensions between various gangs in the city. The film depicts a world of violence, betrayal, and desperation, where the characters' fates are determined by the codes they live by and the choices they make.

One of the film's most significant strengths is its exquisite cinematography, which captures the gritty and raw atmosphere of the city and accentuates the film's themes of alienation and disorientation. The movie also features an outstanding soundtrack, composed by Joe Hisaishi, which blends traditional Japanese musical elements with contemporary beats.

Brother marks Takeshi Kitano's first English-language film, and he delivers a remarkable performance as Yamamoto. He portrays the character with a complex mixture of stoicism, vulnerability, and charisma, creating an unforgettable protagonist who commands both fear and respect. Clooney, Turturro, and Nelson also deliver strong performances, bringing their own unique style and energy to the film. The supporting cast, including Maki, Omar Epps, and Masaya Kato, also adds depth and texture to the story.

Overall, Brother is a gripping and intense crime drama that explores the dark side of the American dream through the lens of Japanese cultural values. The film is a remarkable achievement for Kitano, who manages to fuse his distinct directorial style with a fresh and captivating narrative, while also highlighting the talents of his talented cast and crew. Brother is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and world cinema.

Brother is a 2000 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7 and a MetaScore of 69.

Brother
Description
Where to Watch Brother
Brother is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, Apple TV, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Brother for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2000
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 53 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.7  (324,653)
  • Metascore
    69