Release Date: 2013 (limited) May 29, 2015 (Wide Release)
Rating: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hours
Brother’s Keeper follows the story of two orphaned identical twins, Pete and Andy. As their high school graduation nears, Pete plans to marry Maggie, the love of his life, and head off to school to become a preacher. Andy, who wants nothing to do with God, has no plans, no direction and seemingly no future. In a cruel twist of fate—orchestrated by a rival for Maggie’s heart—Pete finds himself locked away in prison on trumped-up charges. The brothers must decide if they will seek vengeance on those whose corruption and deceit have taken that freedom away. While revenge may seem sweet, Brother’s Keeper is a powerful reminder that only forgiveness can truly heal.
Brother’s Keeper is a Desert Wind Films’ flagship project. Executive Producer Steven Camp helped to secure the rights to the original story, “The Gift & Giver,” which inspired the film. The movie is directed by Josh Mills and TJ Amato and stars Alex and Graham Miller, Daniel Samonas (iCarly, Wizards of Waverly Place), Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy) MacKenzie Mauzy (Into the Woods), Ray Wise (How I Met Your Mother), W. Earl Brown (True Detective), Noell Coet, Robyn Lively and country music artist, Travis Tritt.
I admit, Brother’s Keeper wasn’t on my radar until last month. Most faith based films are like that, unfortunately. Though I don’t want to be out of the loop with these films so expect to see more coverage right here on Hollywood the Write Way. Because movies like these are important. They matter. So let’s talk…
Now this film starts off a bit dry but it doesn’t take too long for the inciting incident to occur and really get the train going. What a pleasant surprise it was to see Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead) in this film as the chief of police in town. It’s incredible how one crooked chief police officer can change the course of someone’s life. Yes, the brothers made choices one night that forever altered their futures but there were chances not only for them but for others, like the chief, to make a choice that would turn things around.
These decisions were the catalyst for the themes of the movie which mainly revolved around forgiveness but also sacrifice and hope. Brother’s Keeper is a truly fascinating story detailing the sacrifices brothers (and sisters) will make for each other. Sacrifices among brothers (and sisters) know no boundaries and we see that here. We see the transformation and growth among each other as one carries out a sentence for another. It’s terrifying but that unconditional love shines through and boy is love a powerful thing.
I do wish that Brother’s Keeper had intertwined the themes of truth and honesty among all of the key players into the movie more (aka we got more from the “villains”) as it had plenty of potential and opportunity to do so. Because it was lacking a bit here, I wasn’t as captivated as I may have been otherwise. Story aside, fantastic job with the casting. Every single actor was compelling in their own way and really brought an emotional resonance that was very much needed for a film like this to pack that punch and stay with the viewer after watching.
While we’re on the subject of casting…this movie is set in Georgia in the late 1950s yet I found the lack of diversity to be glaringly obvious. Sure, this town is clearly a predominately caucasian town (heck, there are still many in the U.S. today, many in GA today) but I did see one black guy in the prison so… umm, maybe there could have been a little more color in the background of some town scenes somehow? Anyway…
Brother’s Keeper is a moving story about grace that anyone, Christian or not can and most likely will walk away from reflecting on. My favorite part? You can clearly see the hard work and heart that everyone put into making this film which makes it all the more beautiful. So if you find yourself with some time to catch Brother’s Keeper, be sure to find a local theater playing the film and tickets here.
Brother’s Keeper is in theaters now.