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There are many dark dramas out there that depict trauma without proper upbringing. Plagued by anti-black stereotypes, these big-budget narratives are often celebrated by the film elite, while independent films (which are usually ten times better) are discarded and forgotten. Based on the novel by David Chariandi and premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, Clement Virgo's latest project, Brother , has a delicate balance of story, drama and violence that sends the message that while the struggle is real, compassion for each other will win.
Francis (Aaron Pierre) and Michael (Lamar Johnson) are brothers who immigrated to Canada in the 1990s and are fighting hard for themselves. In particular, Francois stands on his feet in different worlds: in one – violence and danger, and in the other – his family. The film follows Michael as he travels through the suburban landscape and his own temptations with the dark side. One brother follows a certain path, the other tries to catch up with him, but he is like a stranger in a familiar community. What sets Bhai apart from other films of this type is its focus on the family and how, in a changing environment, boys are forced to become men before they are ready.
Brother has three parallel storylines and Virgo keeps all three at a constant pace and it never gets confusing. He knows how to visually communicate with the audience. The story is filtered through a familiar look that speaks to people in certain communities and conveys a universal message about what it means to be an outsider. Its clarity must be attributed to the playing of Pierre and Johnson.
The cast couldn't be more perfect. There is a vulnerability that the actors project onto the audience, which hits hard. The macho stigmatization of black men has left many feeling oppressed and isolated because vulnerability is being repressed. Pierre and Johnson did not hold back and did not fall into the trap of one-dimensional stereotypes. Your characters can freely express their inner thoughts. None of this would have worked if these young people hadn't set out and understood the path of grief Frances and Michael face, and it showcases two talented actors who are fearless and confident in their abilities. You are wonderful.
Bhai is a film that confirms why I love films. The narrative asks many important questions about black life and masculinity, but most importantly: when black boys grow up, who do they turn to for support? This is the main dilemma that Francis and Michael face. " Brother " is not just another "black" film. It's an integral part of the film that doesn't generate the excitement it deserves. I don't want this to go unnoticed and I hope others are open enough to recognize the talent of Clement Kumari and these young actors.
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