Brother Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A stoic Japanese gangster gets sent to LA, teaches his brother’s wimpy gang how to *really* be criminals, and then gets super murdered.

🍿 Brother: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Exiled to Los Angeles

Aniki Yamamoto, a hardened Yakuza enforcer in Japan, finds himself exiled to Los Angeles after a power struggle within his clan. Forced to flee, he seeks refuge with his younger half-brother, Ken, who has assimilated into American life and is involved in a small-time drug operation.

Building a New Empire

Disappointed by Ken’s lack of ambition and the small scale of his operation, Aniki takes charge, using his Yakuza expertise to organize and expand the gang’s influence. He quickly establishes a ruthless reputation, leading to conflicts with rival gangs, including Mexican cartels and eventually the Italian Mafia.

A Brutal Turf War

As Aniki’s power grows, so does the violence. He instills a strict code of honor and loyalty within his crew, but the escalating turf war takes a heavy toll. Betrayal and shifting allegiances become commonplace, testing the bonds between Aniki, Ken, and their diverse group of associates, particularly Denny, a street-smart African American who becomes Aniki’s trusted lieutenant.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Aniki Yamamoto (Takeshi Kitano): A stoic and ruthless Yakuza gangster exiled to Los Angeles who rises to power within the local criminal underworld.
• Ken (Claude Maki): Aniki’s half-brother living in Los Angeles, initially a small-time drug dealer who is pulled into Aniki’s violent world.
• Denny (Omar Epps): A street-smart member of Ken’s crew who becomes a loyal and trusted ally to Aniki.
• Shirase (Masaya Katô): Aniki’s trusted and loyal Yakuza lieutenant, following him from Japan and assisting in his operations.
• Kato (Susumu Terajima): A seasoned Yakuza member who supports Aniki and provides insight and experience.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Aniki Yamamoto: “I understand ‘fucking Jap,’ asshole!” – Yamamoto responds with anger after being insulted with a racial slur.
• Aniki Yamamoto: “We Yakuza are different from Mafia.” – Yamamoto explains his code of honor and loyalty to Denny.
• Denny: “You ain’t from around here, are ya?” – Denny’s initial skeptical greeting to Yamamoto.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $450,594
• Worldwide Gross: $15,250,594

💥 Brother Reviews

Personal Review

I was hooked from the start with this film. The pacing is great, as is the cinematography. The sudden violence is unexpected and adds to the intensity. I particularly liked the subtle humor and the performances by both Kitano and Epps. The ending was shocking, but felt inevitable. I loved the score as well. Joe Hisaishi is one of the best composers of our time.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Takeshi Kitano’s other films”
  • “Viewers interested in Yakuza films”
  • “Those who appreciate stylized crime dramas”
  • “Fans of Omar Epps”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Gang-related themes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Kitano masterfully blends Japanese stoicism with American gangster tropes. The violence is sudden and shocking, but the film explores themes of loyalty and the clash of cultures. Omar Epps delivers a strong performance, adding a layer of authenticity. While some find the ending abrupt, it’s a powerful statement on the cyclical nature of violence. A compelling watch for fans of crime dramas with a unique perspective.
• IMDB: “Brother has all the usual and breath taking Kitano elements we’ve learnt to see. The flashbacks of events, long shots without editing, character’s faces that say more things than 100 words, images of beauty and peace and wry humor, among others elements. The main theme in Brother is loyalty and friendship that becomes even love.

Audience Reactions

The film is filled with unexpected violence and intensity.: Viewers appreciated Takeshi Kitano’s unique directing style and the blend of cultures.

Some fans thought Kitano brought eastern film making to Hollywood with the utmost panache.: It is very different but can also be compared to American films like Scarface.

Overall Consensus: Brother is a stylish and violent crime film with a unique cultural perspective, showcasing Takeshi Kitano’s distinctive directing style and exploring themes of loyalty and identity.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was Takeshi Kitano’s only American film. He later stated that he regretted his ‘Hollywood adventure’ and had no intention of filming outside Japan again.”
• “The U.S. version was heavily cut for violence in order to receive an ‘R’ rating from the MPAA.”

🖥️ How to Watch Brother?

Brother is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check your local listings for availability on other streaming services. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also available for purchase online and in stores. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Brother, you might like these similar films:

• Sonatine (1993): Another yakuza film directed by and starring Takeshi Kitano, known for its stark violence and melancholic tone.
• The Yakuza (1974): A classic American-Japanese crime film exploring similar themes of honor, loyalty, and cultural clashes within the Yakuza underworld.
• Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999): Jim Jarmusch’s film blends samurai philosophy with a modern-day hitman story, similar to the code of honor present in Brother.

🛒 Brother Related Products

• Takeshi Kitano Blu-ray Collection (Sonatine, Hana-Bi, Brother): A limited-edition Blu-ray box set featuring three of Takeshi Kitano’s most iconic films, including Brother, with exclusive behind-the-scenes content and interviews.
• Brother (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Audio CD: Joe Hisaishi’s haunting and memorable score for Brother, capturing the film’s blend of violence and beauty. Includes bonus tracks and liner notes.
• Yakuza Inspired Streetwear T-Shirt: High-quality cotton t-shirt featuring a minimalist design inspired by the Yakuza aesthetic from Brother, perfect for showcasing your appreciation for the film’s style.
• Brother Movie Poster (Limited Print): A high-quality, professionally printed reproduction of the original Brother movie poster. Perfect for framing and displaying in your home theater or collection. Limited to 500 prints.

🎧 Soundtrack

Brother features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Casta Diva che inargenti” – performed by Vincenzo Bellini
• “Brother” – performed by Joe Hisaishi

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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