My Brother Tom (2001) User Reviews (25)

Perhaps not the best movie for parents who are easily worried

[philip_vanderveken · 8/10 · 6 January 2005]

My Brother Tom is about a subject that is, sadly enough, quite well known in my country. As you may know, we had a case of child abuse that was so gruesome that it has probably been covered by the news all over the world. Since Dutroux has been put in jail for the rest of his life, people gradually seem to be able to cope with the subject again. I guess that the fact that this movie was actually shown on television is a good example of that.

If you read the title of this movie, you might think that it is about a kid who's brother Tom is the victim of child abuse. That's not entirely true. In fact it is about two victims, a girl and a boy, who have found each other in their misery and try to deal with it together. Even though they aren't relatives, they call themselves twins. That's where the title comes from.

My Brother Tom is probably not the best movie for parents of young children who are easily worried. I guess they might get frightened by the idea that this could happen to their own children. However, you could also see it as a very good educational movie. Anyway, I must say that I liked it. The acting and the story are very convincing and are brought to you in a very good way. It shows very well how devastating this abuse is and what it can lead to in the end. I reward it with a 7.5/10

Superb, disturbing film

[davek28 · 8/10 · 20 December 2004]

A fascinating and disturbing study of two damaged teenagers who find solace in each other's company.

This is what film is all about. The use of hand-held DV - the unselfconscious performances of the two leads - the harsh portrayal of the selfish acts of cruelty perpetrated by unthinking adults on vulnerable, impressionable children. I love this film, but I could barely watch it at times.

The two leads reminded me of a young Joanne Whalley (Jenna Harrison should go far if there's any justice in the film industry) and a seriously unhinged Lee Evans without any of the comedy - just his style of manic lashing out.

Spoiled on its UK TV airing by the booming Channel 4 Big Brother voice ruining the mood over the credits. Channel 4 seems happy to destroy the end of its own movies. Sad.

8 out of 10. At least. Should be shown in schools.

Handheld cam made me queasy

[s_j_e · 6/10 · 27 December 2019]

Ben Whishaw is great. Including in this. Just wish he'd limit himself to great parts where he is the focus and great directors. Less of the quirky art films, shorts and bit parts! You're better than that Ben! Almost stopped watching this early on due to the terrible 'queasy-cam' handheld camera which is relentless. The lead female confusingly sounds almost exactly like Emily Blunt. But isn't! At least, she has a separate profile! The bit players are not of the same caliber, though. Which made the supposedly shocking bits slightly unbelievable. Except for Richard Hope who has too little screen time.

'No worst, there is none; pitched past pitch of grief.'

[rolandanorton · 10/10 · 22 November 2001]

'Teenage love is rarely this painful.' said the blurb outside the cinema. 'My Brother Tom' is a film full of pain and sadness. This film has not been written for fun, as entertainment, nor as a job of work, but has been wrenched out of the reality of someone's suffering. It shows life from the perspective of a child who has experienced and seen things more painful than her tender years can accommodate. But it does not leave one without hope. The director has been courageously faithful to the script and the challenging roles are fulfilled without self-consciousness. The film bears a degree of honesty that is rarely seen in life, let alone on screen, and perhaps for some viewers it will be too much. 'Man cannot bear too much reality'. It also carries an exhilarating sense of freedom - the two children have been let down by society, and understandably and with true childlike spirit they abandon it. They choose for their home the 'good wood', and the film's sense of hope comes from nature. Society may be 'f***** up', but mother nature is a refuge, full of nurture and protection and love.

Theologically speaking - for though in a sense iconoclastic the film is not secular - it is the product of an age in which the Church has become a shrine to its own conventions, and has lost sight of the 'living spirit' which was once its source. Thus far from being offensive to the religious, 'My Brother Tom' is on the side of the Spirit, desperately wanting to resurrect the Spirit from the sepulchre of conventional 'religion'.

As for the hand held camera, I did not once find it an irritation or a distraction, as I did occasionally, for example, in 'Festen'. On the contrary, it suited the film, adding to its wildness and immediacy in a way I never really believed that this technique could.

If you regard film as primarily for relaxation and entertainment, this is clearly not a film for you. If, however, you are someone ready to wrestle with all the truth and pain that this world holds, and if you regard film as a fit medium for this wrestling, then do not miss 'My Brother Tom'.

A compelling & disturbing drama - It should be compulsory viewing

[paulfrance · 10/10 · 13 September 2004]

I found this film very disturbing. I had to watch it until the end.

The acting was such that I had to remind myself that it was acting sometimes. I feel that some actors are very brave to take on certain parts.

I think that in some darker places in the world (e.g. USA), elements of the population would confuse the actor with the part and abuse him. Congratulations to all involved for an excellent performance. The tension is never "Watch out behind you" but "Please, please, not that".

If this film causes just one adult to reflect on how his actions may damage a child then it is very worthwhile.

a hard hitting and extremely moving film

[samdwilliams · 11 September 2004]

One of the most moving and hard hitting films I have seen in a long while. It deals with issues very rarely brought to the film going audience. The topic of abuse is the thread that holds the screen play together, and it is an issue that is used without it being sugar coated for the audience. At times I felt that I should not be watching; I felt that I was trespassing on something private and unseen.

Though the camera work is shaky and the film so dark as to seem almost black and white this adds and I believe does not detract from the overall message.

'My Brother Tom' is neither enjoyable or entertaining to watch. Rotheroe does the same as Tim Roth does in 'The War Zone'; he broaches issues that deserve a representation in celluloid. I recommend strongly that you see this film but do not expect an easy movie experience, instead expect to shocked by realities that you would rather less confront.

Fantastic!

[hanman60 · 10/10 · 12 September 2004]

I really loved this film! I was watching it from about 12:40 midnight and I was falling asleep, but i had to watch it to the end. It highlights really well the reasons why some people seem crazy and shows how we should look for reasons rather than just scorn or punish people. Raw, but tender passionate, painful, blissful. It had all of these and really captured the mental instability of both characters through brilliant filming.

The acting was superb. Ben Whislaw was excellent as Tom, really getting underneath the skin of the character, and Jenna Harrison also gave an excellent debut performance, making the story so real and so passionate. Well done!

A complete mess from go to woe.

[gsims · 1/10 · 5 August 2001]

If utterly facile, regressive, self-indulgent, anti-establishment, anti-civilisation juvenilia appeals to you, then this is the ideal film. Very poorly scripted, with often inaudible dialogue and infuriatingly tiresome hand-held camera throughout, this is a film that presents the world in appealingly simplistic, Manichean terms: all adults (especially teachers, parents, priests and doctors) are insensitive and bumbling at best, and predatory monsters at worst. The only escape from the horrors of civilisation as a whole is plenty of primal screaming (yawn) and infantile regression (literally) in a primitive cave-like space in the woods, with utopia taking the form of a rave party - again, in the woods (naturally...). Displays all the weaknesses of a first film, and plenty more besides.

one of the best films seen this year

[funtoosh · 10/10 · 30 May 2002]

very surprised, too, to read so many bad comments. this is, at the very least, the best british film i ve seen this year. very strong, very emotional, very black&white: if u don't like that, do not go. else: IT S A MUST. (ps: FANTASTIC phtography by robby mueller. yes, handheld camera, nevertheless: FANTASTIC)

-funtoosh

Brave performances spark dour drama

[Libretio · 4/10 · 3 February 2005]

MY BROTHER TOM

Aspect ratio: 1.85:1

Sound format: Dolby Digital

Following an episode of sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted neighbor, young Jessica (Jenna Harrison) forms a relationship with a strange boy (Ben Whishaw) she meets in the woods. Unfortunately, Whishaw has secrets of his own, no less troubling and far more dangerous...

Dour drama, sparked by brave performances by Harrison and Whishaw, in which two kindred spirits immerse themselves in a mutual love of nature after being traumatized by their experiences in the 'real world'. Unfortunately, their friendship unravels as harsh reality begins to intrude, leading to an inevitable tragedy. Directed by Dom Rotheroe and photographed in digital video format, the movie looks ragged in places (too many awkward close-ups and sloppy hand-held camera moves) and takes a while to find its feet, but the dramatic pay-off is quietly rewarding.

Compelling and necessary viewing!

[s_comley_2000 · 12 September 2004]

An incredibly compelling film which had me glued from start to finish. As someone personally affected by the abuse issues raised I felt so much empathy for the characters who were portrayed fantastically by the young actors. Uncomfortable viewing at times, particularly for those with such experiences in there past, but essential non the less. The harsh reality of adults, especially those in powerful positions, reluctance to see what is going on around them is shown brilliantly. Yes it shows a dank view of the world, but talk to 10 young people in your life and its almost guaranteed that at least 5 of them would have experienced similar acts, with no one to turn to.

A film were you need to look beyond such aesthetics as SFX or high budget locations and accept that this stuff really does happen everyday!!!!!!

Yay!

[Tabbycarla · 10/10 · 16 September 2004]

Ben Whishaw is fantastic as Tom. He really acts insanity well. You

instantly fall in love with Tom and want to comfort him for all he has

been through. He is really believable. The whole film has a very interesting cinematic style using some

very artistic shots and angles making the film, overall, interesting

to watch just for the style. There is a problem with the sound as some of it is too quiet. The

credits have the sound of the woods alone, which immediately

gets you interested and 'set up' for the film. I think everyone should see this film, even if you may not like it, for

the experience of an interesting British film.

a modern day love story

[baby_natz16 · 9/10 · 11 September 2004]

this film is real...both touching and engaging. It covers some very taboo story lines, and when the characters lives finally connect, what we are left is one of the most romantic-erotic teen love scenes.

The characters are well acted, especially Jessica whose personality evolves over the course of the film.

Whilst there is little dialogue in this film, everything is said through Jenna and Ben's eyes - very convincing!

****************** rating: 4 out of 5 ******************

A beautifully raw movie exploring nature, the spirit, love and the harsh impressions adults can leave on children.

[milicentbrovovich · 9/10 · 4 January 2014]

This is a beautiful movie, perhaps not in a purely aesthetic sense, it has the hand-held camera and no shiny, polished or pretty cinematography, but if it did, this film would lose so much of what makes it raw, real and ultimately beautiful. Most films are pure escapism, meant for enjoyment, or thoughtful pondering, this film feels like a very personal one. It's not a fast-paced, exciting blockbuster but what it is is a patient, careful, beautifully crafted tale of abuse, and love of nature and spirit. It is a harsh look at how an adult can damage and hurt a child, and the performances from both leads are to be commended; a wonderful, almost fairy tale like story that perfectly captures the innocence of youth, a joyous love of nature and wonder that can be found in it and in other people. I loved this film. It broke my heart and had be sobbing but I loved in nonetheless, maybe I loved it because it made me really feel. Beautiful.

Possibly the WORST film I have ever seen.

[djderm · 1/10 · 16 October 2001]

Cheap and manipulative. This film has no heart.

It's also got dire dialogue, unconvincing characters and a preposterous, or rather non-existent, story. It just lurches from bad to worse in a cynical effort to wrench some kind of emotion from an insincere and unengaging hysterion-afest!

And the HEDGEHOG!!!!How many cheap shots can a film take? The hedgehog, by the way, gave the most convincing and watchable performance in this ninety-minute cringe-athon.

If you have considered watching this film, don't. I'm sorry but I cannot find a single redeeming feature to this movie. It scores a big, fat ZERO with me. Strictly for sub-Dogma knicker-wetters. Yawneroony!

Still, if you liked Dancing In The Dark...

This film moves you

[maqman · 10/10 · 11 April 2002]

Don't understand why here are so many bad comments. Yes, the camera was maybe little unusual, but the story goes to your mind. This film gives you something to think about. After this film you will love yourself, at least i did. A MUST SEE FILM, SO SEE IT! ***** out of *****

Self-indulgent, new age freak show

[Cedric_Catsuits · 1/10 · 14 April 2010]

Much as I tried to like this film because it deals with a serious subject, the fact is this is just drivel. The ramblings of an egotistical, bored, probably middle-class, twit striving to create art out of their impotent, insignificant, scrambled thoughts.

Frankly it takes a serious, sensitive and important subject matter and turns it into something resembling a drug-fuelled, devil-worshipping orgy of incest, rape and paedophilia, with no artistic merit and no inkling of understanding the issues it so freakishly misrepresents.

Bravo to the young actors for making a go of it, but the adults responsible for dishing up this repulsive and voyeuristic exhibition of perverted fantasies ought to be locked away for all eternity. They have created a film that fails to inform, educate or inspire debate. All of which leaves me wondering if this is meant to entertain in some way: if so, then it really is an exercise in bad taste.

emotionally engaging triumph

[Arcimboldo · 25 August 2001]

Rarely do first time directors have the confidence to abandon superfluous dialogue and concentrate on the raw emotion of their story. Rotheroe is an exception. Not a frame is wasted as he explores the sexual trauma of two teenagers groping towards understanding in the magical woods.

A Wonderful Movie Not To Be Missed Because of Ben Whishaw

[robert23-1 · 10/10 · 23 May 2018]

I completely disagree with the "negative reviews" but totally agree with the current rating. Although this movie was made 17 years' ago, I came across it on a Gay Movies site and I'm glad I did. If it weren't for the outstanding performance of Ben Whishaw(Tom), this movie would not have succeeded as it portrayed the sexual abuses experienced by young persons which continue to exist, sadly, today! The performance of the female lead was commendable, but it is Whishaw's performance that keeps you focused the entire time. Whishaw, with 8 wins, including Best Actor(MBT) from the 2001 Sochi(Russia) International Film Festival and Most Promising Newcomer (MBT) from the 2001 British Independent Film Award, and 15 nominations is worth watching in any movie he is in. He makes other actors better because of his performance. I have seen Whishaw in other movies and I'm glad I found him in this one. It's no wonder his career has taken off as evidenced by the filmography which includes current pre & post production. Children are so vulnerable to sexual predators and parents & children should watch this movie!! Congrats Ben & Jenna!!

sensitive exploration of two teens entering the cruel world

[s33a2d17 · 8/10 · 8 September 2006]

I was lucky enough to catch My Brother Tom yesterday on the only showing this movie ever got in theaters in The Netherlands. With an audience of only 3, including myself, I wonder what is wrong with movie lovers these days. In general terms, the movie is about how a traumatic event affects the lives of two teenagers. Their view of the world is altered, their 'innocence' lost, as they discover that the outside world is a cruel and indifferent one, and that youthful peace and joy only remains within themselves - and between two people, if at all. 'They never listen' Tom says at one point, voicing an all too familiar (but true) sentiment among teenagers with or without scars.

The acting is wonderful and refreshing, although I did think both actors appeared older than their roles which at times interfered with the story. But perhaps that can't be helped with a subject like this. To see that this is Jenna Harrison's first role, amazes me, she's a natural. Whishaw's acting as Tom left me wondering 'what is wrong with that guy' as if he had some kind of mental condition. But at all times I wondered about Tom, not Whishaw - they were one and the same, as far as I was concerned.

The film felt almost like a fairytale at times, albeit a dark one. The bond between Tom and Jessica is painfully believable, and wonderfully disarming at the same time. It felt real, and that is a great achievement.

Brilliant Film

[hanman60 · 10/10 · 22 April 2006]

This is the best film I have ever seen in my life.

It was so intense and almost spiritual. It took you to the level of someone elses emotions that you cannot normally arrive at unless you are actually them.

Brilliant acting, fantastic camera and brilliant story line. Really showed what abuse can do and how people sometimes cope.

The film was unpredictable and lost some of the almost abstract atmosphere after we revisit the pair but recaptures it spectacularly at the end with the sex and suicide scenes. Overall a very well made, well written, well acted and underrated film.

Pure Raw Emotion-Excellent Leads-So believable...Bravo!!

[grfulnfree-72649 · 8/10 · 21 October 2019]

I'm rating an 8 for the raw beautiful nature of the story and superb acting by the leads. Not many could pull off such unbridled emotion especially at their age; they allow one to really feel everything they are feeling and it really draws you in. Bravo! Segway in to my camera rating of a 4, normally a handheld feels very amateurish and basically does here too, however, the story being told and the rawness of the performances make up for this aspect. This movie is intended for mature audiences who want to sit and really "feel" a movie and not critique based on dark content or camera work. It is not a blockbuster thriller and sorry to the other reviewer, no automatic weapons or busty women either! (Uuuhhggg...some people). Well done, enjoy.

Surely Dogme inspired

[neil_mc · 14 September 2004]

The way it is haphazardly edited, the poor quality of the sound and the general disturbed nature of the plot and it's character's, all suggest that Dom Rotheroe has been watching too much of Lars von Trier at al.

We begin with 15 minutes of absolutely nothing - walking to and from school, little dialogue, little plot development apart from a hedgehog and the odd jump from a tree. But this laboured pacing sets us up for the almost 'mentioned-in-passing' rape of a young schoolgirl by her teacher. In her own bedroom. With her mother downstairs in the living room. We know from here that what we are watching is pretty serious stuff.

With an air of 'Heavenly Creatures', the two kids become almost inseparable, stripping off but doing little more than feeling each other and banging foreheads - we are shown an extremely intense relationship between two seriously messed up children.

I thought I recognised the girl who played Jessica from somewhere else, but looking at her bio there is nothing on there that rings a bell. She puts in an impressive performance which she'll probably never match, and one which I'm sure she'd be disappointed has only been witnessed by a small number.

On the whole, the film was very engaging and very hard-hitting - but the biggest compliment I can give, is that I'm pretty sure Mr von Trier would have loved it.

Jesus Christ...some partial Spoilerage below

[Mighty_Possum · 11 September 2004]

Films like this scare the s**t out of me. I thought it was all a bit seedy with the naked dancing in the woods, the tree filled with bible pages, the self harm and the forceful teacher. But when the dad opens his flies to his son you know there is something seriously disturbing about the film.

Along with this there is the fact that Tom talks like a toddler and misses out necessary words in his sentences, and the fact he likes chucking himself from trees and falls over every few minutes just for the crack...as do all abused teenagers I'm sure.

The makers of the film also only seem to know one scene transition, fade to bright light, which I'll admit is effective, but it's no Starwipe thats for sure.

Aside from the aforementioned disturbing stuff I found the film to be fairly strong and almost uplifting in places to see two people who have had a crap time of things find a sort of happiness with each other, though this is shattered eventually.

The funeral scene is also fairly strong and well done, however I find it hard to believe that a teenage girl could move a 6ft + coffin with a dead weight in it with such ease.

A stellar performance from Monsieur hedgehog as well who awoke us all to the pitch cry of the pained hedgehog. It struck me that it would have been hilarious when Tom puts the hedgehog out of his misery if he'd of gone "Oh s**t he's stuck in my foot!" and hopped around for a while.

Overall I give this film 6 out of 10 as it loses marks for being disturbing and for not having any automatic weaponry or busty women.

In conclusion...stop falling in the lake...you'll catch cold...and fade to bright light.

Hollyoaks meets Blue Velvet

[rupcousens · 16 September 2004]

Broadcast on UK terrestrial TV for the first time last weekend, in the early hours of the morning, *My Brother Tom* sums up where the ailing FilmFour went wrong: while admirably uncompromising, the film manages to be both histrionic and flat at the same time, its depiction of doomed teens in perverted suburbia ratcheted to pure absurdity and never managing to convey any greater purpose other than to be grim for the same of it. It's no surprise that the film was virtually ignored on its cinema release - who were its intended audience? The saving graces are the fabulously committed lead performances, particularly Ben Whishaw as 'Tom'. Unsurprisingly, the film has led to better things for him: it's easy to see why Trevor Nunn picked him to play a young Hamlet on the London stage recently.