Brother to Brother (2004) User Reviews (30)

Good intentions are not enough, not for film makers nor for critics

[grahamclarke · 6/10 · 8 April 2005]

There is a strong and understandable tendency to over praise films dealing with or representing minority groups simply as a means of encouragement. It's all very well being supportive of a particular minority group, but biased criticism ultimately does nobody any good.

Countless of very mediocre gay themed movies have received disproportionate praise. With themes of being black as well as being gay, "Brother to Brother" is a perfect candidate for such slanted criticism.

Let me state clearly, that to my mind, "Brother to Brother" is in no way mediocre clearly having being made with much care and devotion. As others have pointed out, it's informative and educational in its depiction and discussions of the Harlem Renaissance about which not terribly much is known by the wider public. Rodney Evans proves himself a director and writer with a lot of promise.

However labelling this a "masterpiece" or "amazing" is to do a disservice to Evans. Hopefully he will go on to create masterpieces and amazing films but this is not it. "Brother to Brother" has much to recommend it. The performances are solid, the dialogue flows, the characters are interesting, and the cinematography is way above the average for a first time indie effort. For all this Rodney Evans certainly deserves praise.

With all the genuine will to encourage young black, (or gay) film makers, it's important to keep focus on the real quality of the work. "Brother to Brother" despite it merits doesn't quite make the grade.

Interesting, educational, and affirming!

[preecherkid · 8/10 · 3 February 2005]

These are the three words that I would use to describe Brother to Brother. Evans does an awesome job of linking the issues of society during the Harlem Renaissance and those of today. He shows us that not much has changed in all these years with the perceptions of gay black life. We're still dealing with other people's misconceptions of what gay life is.

Evans imagery of the past and future are excellent complements of each other. We get to see how 4 well know black writers dealt with issues back then and how those same issues are dealt with today.

The other contrasting imagery he uses is with the age difference between Perry and Bruce. Is it OK for an older man to befriend a younger man? While the gay community seems to have a problem with this, Perry learns that the older gentleman has a lot to share with him. Evans is brilliant in showing us the other side of the hill. In the gay community, once you hit 30, you're old and no one wants you. Evans does an excellent job of pointing this out and is one of the only themes he seems to tie up. No matter how hot you are when you're young, you're going to end up old and lonely in the end.

The older black gay community is non existent and there is no one passing this history down to the younger generation. I saw this movie in February, Black History Month, and must say it was an eye opener. Evans touched upon many different aspects of the gay community but mainly the gay black community. I think the reason that he didn't make this a Cinderella ending is because as a community we are still searching for the answers to many of his points.

Pretty good

[lloydbowman · 8/10 · 26 July 2004]

I couldn't disagree more with the person who described the film as "dreadful."

I am no great critic of film but I saw this film at the Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival (PIGLFF) and enjoyed it and was ultimately moved by it.

I detected a moment of spotty acting in an early scene; otherwise, I found the film to be professional and polished. It deals with themes of parenting, maturation, relations across generations, race, friendship, sexuality, homophobia, perception, the life, role and integrity of an artist in one's culture.

It provides an interesting and enticing view into the Harlem Renaissance, a place and time I was not that familiar with.

It was well received by the audience I viewed it with, and I recommend it.

Best of the Fest! An amazing, powerful, and engaging film

[TATBOY · 10/10 · 2 August 2004]

"Brother to Brother" just won the two most coveted awards at the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival - otherwise known as Outfest. The Audience Award for Best Feature and the Jury Prize for Best Feature! And I was one of over a thousand queerfolk who voted them into the first award. This film is amazing!

The Harlem Renaissance was a seminal period in African American history; one that can be seen to have repercussions through to Stonewall and beyond. Sadly, it was one of the only times in our history where African American queers and other "outcasts" created and published their own voices for the world to see, read, and hear. And hear it they did.

Some of the most powerful and important queer poetry and prose were written during this time by the likes of the incredible Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Wallace Thurman, and of course, Bruce Nugent; one of the main characters in this story.

Over the course of befriending Perry, a present-day artist/student trying to find his own voice in the world, Bruce recounts some of his own history with his radical, groundbreaking friends.

The film is exquisitely composed. The music created for "Brother to Brother" is eloquent and evocative and perfectly reflects and tints the images and perspectives within the story. Organic timing creates an engaging flow of story and character which passes back and forth from past to present and back; revealing at once how much and how little has changed over the last 80 years of Black (and queer) history.

All in all, this film ends as handsome Perry begins to find a clearer path for himself in the world. It ultimately gives us much of value that is even more than the sum of its respective parts. Most importantly, it shows us ourselves - beautiful, flawed, real human beings who seek nothing more than to have a voice, to give and receive love, and to make life as good as it can be.

This is one film which fully deserves its place in movie theaters and in DVD collections.

Good film, but the timing was a problem.

[bkoganbing · 7 July 2005]

Unless I missed something in the screening I saw tonight, we had a college age kid get involved with a man who had to be at least 100 years old.

The premise was a young sensitive black and gay student who's going through his own angst happens to meet up with a survivor from the Harlem Renaissance era of the 1920s. Anthony Mackie as the student and Roger Robinson as the artist/survivor both give fine performances and I was deeply moved. A lot of issues that they talked about are as relevant today as during the 1920s, although God knows a whole lot of history has occurred in the intervening years.

After the film though I started thinking. Roger Robinson looks about 75 in the film, he was born in 1940 which would make him sixty five. But 105 would be a more appropriate age if we're to believe he was hanging out with Langston Hughes, Zora Hurston, etc. back in the day. I'm sure some other people had to realize that as well.

In order to make the film more plausible, the writer and director should have placed the modern story circa 1980. That would have been more believable with the players ages.

Still and all, it's a deeply moving film and one to be seen and treasured.

PS. After writing this review I looked up Richard Bruce Nugent and found that he was born in 1906, died in 1987 and that he died in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Informative

[flyblind · 6/10 · 11 November 2004]

A movie about connecting modern-day gay struggles withing the African-American community with the bohemian artists of the Harlem Reniaissance.

After reading some of the mixed reviews from others that have seen this film...I decided to see if for myself. What a surprise, this film has a bit of everything that was informative and entertaining.

Brother to Brothers' script has minor holes and the characters need a bit more developing but the acting, flashbacks and feel of the movie compensates for the few downfalls.

A big credit to those who took on a subject matter that Hollywood still cannot get right: Gay Black Men. I have not seen many films that have come close to or able to capture the real struggle of the Gay African American Community....Well done!

Amazing

[wacguy · 10/10 · 25 June 2004]

We just had an amazing screening of BROTHER TO BROTHER in Minneapolis last night. The response to the film and filmmaker was overwhelmingly positive. Not only did the audience love the film, but the press was also wild about it. Some of the conservative African American newspapers wrote some of the most positive pieces about the film surprisingly. Having such great press created an audience that was extremely mixed in terms of race and gender. During the Q & A with the filmmaker, it became obvious that his film touched on subject matter that had deep meaning for audience members no matter their background.

I'm so happy that this film has been picked up for distribution because it is essential that it's seen by a wider audience. If you have the opportunity to see the film, don't pass it up!

Excellent!

[Britinmiami · 6/10 · 28 July 2005]

I got this film out thinking that it was going to be a light weight! Far from it! This is a "Giant" of a film within its class (GLBT). It directly deals with some real issues and portrays black gays in a very positive way.

This film should be seen by all those who are struggling with their sexuality and especially black men. The film appropriately deals with issues and for a change it is handled well.

The relationships within the film are well crafted and the central relationship between the two main characters is dealt with in a very poinient way.

I enjoyed this film and was touched as well as educated. If you are looking for something interesting with a black gay theme and not full of Hollywood trash, this is it.

Wonderful!

[Prettygoldenboy · 10/10 · 16 November 2004]

I loved this movie! From the moment it began as we traveled over the East River, I was totally absorbed it this movie. However, be aware that it is quite "erotic" even though it is not explicit. I saw the film in Manhattan early in the afternoon. There were quite a few "Thug" types in the audience, I guess because it is a predominatly "black" movie. To my surprise, they sat through the entire movie, erotic scenes and all. I think this makes a statement. Perhaps the "thug" scene is just a facade and this movie gets to the heart of what many men, including Black men feel. This movie has wonderful performances from everyone. It's ashamed that it is not in wider release. Congratulations to Anthony MacKie for taking on this role.

Dreadful

[preppy-3 · 2/10 · 18 June 2004]

A film about the Harlem Renaissance and one author in particular. It contrasts it with a modern day story about a young, gay, black artist.

If that sounds vague it's because the movie itself is. It's well-directed, fairly well-written and (for the most part) well-acted. Also the scenes in the past are shot in moody black & white. Also this is one of the few film dealing with gay men that does NOT shy away from sex scenes (not that explicit and no frontal). Still, I mostly hated this.

The film meanders all over the place, is full of unlikable characters (including the main protagonist) and (this is the killer) moves at a snails pace. Three times I considered leaving the theatre because I was so utterly bored. But the director WAS there so I stayed.

His talk afterwords shows this was a labor of love and took 6 years to complete. I really wish I could like this more (there are VERY few films dealing honestly with gay blacks) but I can't. Unless you're very interested in the Harlem Renaissance there's no reason to see this.

Finally, A Film For US!

[myklcris24 · 10/10 · 20 November 2004]

BROTHER TO BROTHER is a first step in the right direction for Black gay film. Until now, all we've seen are campy, flamboyant caricatures, or deceitful, bisexual Black men destroying their families.

Anthony Mackie, I felt handled this role with great pride and dignity. I believe he captured the mindset of a young, angst ridden, creative, same gender loving soul. I'm actually considering renting SHE HATE ME when it comes out just to see his performance!

The one thing that bothered me (and I guess I'll have to rectify this when I write my films)) is the continued desire to show interracial coupling. Sure, it happens, but can we see some 'brother to brother' love once in awhile?

Overall, the film more than satisfied me. I have been in the habit, lately, of only going to see the mega-blockbuster films, but I'm glad I finally had a reason to get back to independent film. Finally, I'm seeing a part of me.

great film

[mslydi · 5/10 · 15 October 2004]

this film brought together a lot of parallel themes. after leaving the movie i keep talking about it, surprised that i was not familiar with the involvement of Zora and Langston in the Renaissance time period gay struggle. there were so many timeless themes involved in this movie which is such a rarity in today's one-oversimplified-theme kind of world. it is very provocative and forces the viewer to explore their own views on the issue of linking these causes together (i.e. class/homeless/gay/black/whoredom).

i do have one remaining question, please answer it or comment if you can:

was the ringleader of the guys that beat up Perry his friend? he was angry when Perry did not want to compromise his art for the white dealer and never came back in the movie. it also would parallel the memory of Bruce's when Fire was burned in the steel trash can by other blacks.

Incredible!

[owen_charles · 10/10 · 21 January 2005]

I was thoroughly impressed w/ Rodney Evan's Brother to Brother. It was a refreshing coming of age story. To add a historic context was genius. This movie was bold in that it brought to light the homosexual subtext of the Harlem Renaissance. BTB was not laden w/ stereotypical imagery that often plagues Black cinema. The setting was simple, one of which we can relate. My favorite scene was the skit that included James Balwin whereby Baldwin had to defend why being gay does nothing to hinder 'the movement.' Although Evans had many concurrent themes, the movie was not over-bearing. From familial troubles to inter-racial relationships, we saw that Perry's character was multi-dimensional Kudos!

Absorbing

[bubsy-3 · 10/10 · 16 November 2004]

I met Anthony MacKie, the actor who plays Perry, after experiencing his wonderful portrayal of Tupac Shakur in a play off Broadway in NYC and we had a few moments to chat as he signed my program. As I watched "Brother to Brother" I kept wondering how much of Perry's life paralleled the life of Anthony MacKie? I loved this movie! I felt that the characters were well developed and the contrast and similarities between modern day and the Harlem Renaissance fascinating. I find it hard to believe that this movie is only being shown at one theater in NYC. Anthony MacKie has, to his credit, roles in Manchurain Candidate and 8 mile, as well as theatrical roles in the Off Broadway "Up Against the Wind" and the (less successful) Drowning Crow on Broadway. Brother to Brother is an outstanding motion picture.

Brilliant - An audacious, brave, universal story

[stickymuse · 10/10 · 14 July 2004]

I had the privilege of screening this film at OUTFEST in Los Angeles last

evening. I am still riveted by the artistry of this film, from the story, to the acting, cinematography, editing, and overall attention to detail.

The musical score was superb. It offered a subtle, ethereal restrained approach. No aspect of the score (or film for that matter) ever attempted to manipulate.

I am thrilled that it it is getting a theatrical release. I think it will garner many awards and continue to wow it's audiences.

Congratulations to those who gave so much to create this masterpiece.

Ambitious

[topp1guy · 6 November 2004]

Brother to Brother is an interesting film that highlights artists from the Harlem Renaissance and the similar plight contemporary African American artists face today. Like most first time film makers, Rodney Evans tries to accomplish too much in his first narrative film. That he succeeds as well as he does is a testament to his talent and love for his subject manner. This is a film about thoughts and concepts, conflict comes from a deeply internal place: How does a young black artist reconcile the duality of being Black and Gay. How do you handle it when other African-Americans hatred is stronger than the solidarity you want from them? The film is lyrical, appropriately poetic and sincere. Anthony Mackie is strong as the young artist (Perry) who stumbles across an elderly writer from the renaissance who has fallen on hard times, Bruce Nugent, wonderfully played by Roger Robinson. All the performances have charm and style. Brother to Brother is not a perfect film, but without making any special allowances it is an ambitious thoughtful film. It shows a time and place almost overlooked by the general public but worth more than a second look.

Uh oh!

[RitchCS · 4/10 · 14 June 2005]

Uh oh! Another gay film. This time it's showing the black side. Bet your last dollar it's gonna have an unhappy ending! But WHY? With only less than a half dozen exceptions, ALL gay films have to end in death or an "addio" finale. It's like all the European Film Noir releases in the 40's, 50's, 60's, and 70's. The lead...male or female must die or ride off alone into oblivion. Why in God's name must writers, directors, and producers have the audience leave the theatre feeling depressed? After all, it's supposed to be gay...not glum. Maybe the category should be changed to a 'glum' film. A large percentage of gay relationships DO last and the couples DO ride off together into the sunset! No matter who writes or produces, he only shows the down side of gay life and gives the incorrect impression of gay lifestyle. This movie just proves my point. If you rent the DVD, take an antidepressant, for here comes another 'gay' film! This is WRONG!

This was a masterpiece; first of it's kind

[jamesatlga · 10/10 · 10 January 2005]

This is the only movie that deals with the black gay experience in such an honest way. It is controversial and some may be offended by the subject matter or may feel that it is to 'urban'. I don't think the director intended for there to be any closure but wanted the audience to feel that the black gay experience is ever changing and complex. There were no villains or heroes in this movie - just regular people living life and trying to figure out which path to take. I guess the reason this movie got a poor rating isn't because it was a 'bad' movie. Those who rated it poorly concede that it was well acted. The problem was that there was no 'happy' ending. While the title character did form an strong bond of friendship, he never found the intimate relationship that he desperately desired. Instead he chose to perfect his talents in writing and painting. One imagines that he will go on enriching the lives of others with his artistry while living a life of lonely desperation. There were lessons yet to be learned by the title character and you're left wondering if he 'got them'. He never grabbed the unbridled passion for life that he gazed upon in black and white. I was left with the impression that he will take a more 'responsible' stride through life much like his forebear Langston Hughes ... or maybe not.

Remarkable Film the Radiates Intelligence, History and Passion

[gradyharp · 10/10 · 15 June 2005]

Rodney Evans has created a wondrous little independent film, that sort of film that is born out of insight, devotion, research, and passion for the story. This is a fine work of art on every level from the research, writing and directing by Evans to the consistently superb cast.

The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s was a period during which African American artists bonded and overcame a doubting world to produce some of the finest work of the past century. Some artists of that period and the years following included Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Wallace Thurman, Bruce Nugent and (stretching the time frame a bit) James Baldwin and Malcolm X. But the driving force of the intelligentsia of Black America was solidified by the first four who managed to be proudly Back, write about the taboo gay aspects of the community, and come together in the Journal FIRE! produced by the brilliant Thurman.

The film opens in contemporary times with Perry (Anthony Mackie) as a young gay artist, disowned by his family for his sexual preference, living in Harlem as a painter while supporting himself by working for a Homeless Shelter. Perry's friend Marcus (Larry Gilliard, Jr) is a poet and a firm supporter of Perry and even is supportive of Perry's involvement with a white young man Jim (Alex Burns) who becomes his mate. Perry thrashes about his homophobic environment, struggling with oppression and artistic block, until he encounters an old man at the Shelter who happens to be Bruce Nugent (Roger Robinson), a giant of a poet from another era.

Nugent informs Perry about the same issues of being black and gay that he had during the Harlem Renaissance and this is done through a series of effective black and white flashbacks where we meet the young Bruce (Duane Boutte), Langston Hughes (Daniel Sunjata), Wallace Thurman (Ray Ford), and Zora Neale Hurston (Aunjanue Ellis) along with clips of the real James Baldwin, Malcolm X etc. It is this circle of continuity, relating historical social problems and artistic successes between the old and the present Harlem, which brings this film such resonance. The bond of brotherhood as personified by Perry and the older Bruce is pure magic, especially as portrayed by Mackie and Robinson.

The DVD includes a wonderfully informative commentary by Rodney Evans which is a stimulus to watch the movie again immediately. The film has message, style, class, and quality that make it one of the finer films about class, gender, and racial dichotomies and how very wasteful those prejudices are. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp

Harlem Renaissance historical account

[michellespraggy · 10/10 · 27 March 2004]

I saw this film at the London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival last night and am very pleased that I did. It follows a young Black artist as he struggles to find a boyfriend and be true to himself whilst at Uni. He meets Bruce Nugent a mover and shaker of the Harlem Renaissance, who with the likes of Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston and Wallace Thurman created Fire! a revolutionary journal. This is a touching, well acted and thought provoking film. I learnt much that I did not know about this incredible quartet, especially the lesser known Wallace Thurman and Bruce Nugent. It tackles homophobia from the Black community, both in the modern day and the past, challenging the stereotypes that all Black people are homophobic and that all gay men are 'effeminate'. The film also raises issues around interracial relationships and the political/personal issues they can raise. I'd definately recommend seeing it. (and yes, the lead guy is the guy from 8Mile!)

better than the marketing campaign reveals

[nextmoov · 20 November 2004]

Brother to Brother was not the film that I thought I would see -- which I gladly welcomed. The film is promoted as being about gay artists in the Harlem

Renaissance. This is only a small portion of this story -- specifically seen

through the eyes of one character.

The film features the friendship of two artists from different eras. Both are black men, gay and self-confident. The script brilliantly weaves a narrative that

illustrates the personal and political struggles that each man addresses in the past and present. Most of the story is free of hackneyed predictable plot twists. Complex issues regarding interracial relationships and objectification are

introduced in a very delicate manner -- great food for thought. Characters such as the two leads are rarely seen in film -- commercial or indie. The

performances by the entire cast is very strong, particularly by the actor

portraying Bruce Nugent. Having been one of the few who saw Spike Lee's

"She Hate Me," I was pleasantly surprised to see Anthony Mackie in the lead

role also providing a very strong performance.

One pet-peave that was distracting: cinematography. Many scenes are shot out

of focus -- not good, particularly in a somewhat dramatic scene with Langston Hughes and the younger Bruce. Even with a shoestring budget, there is no

excuse for showing sloppy work. Aside from this minor flaw in the film, I found extremely refreshing and worth discussing.

Blew me away

[fnp1301 · 10/10 · 15 June 2005]

Every actor was excellent, I grew up on James Baldwin and lived through the early civil rights fight. Although not Aferican American my self, I think the movie had a strong message for all people no matter what their sexual orientation is or the color of their skin. I just went on line an bought it, since our PBS station obviously cut the film (at least they warned us prior to showing it). So I can see the full content of the movie.

Having been young and gay and now not elderly but "fabulous" I can relate the both of those times in a gay man's life. It was refreshing to see some one played so realistically. I hope we see more films from this group of people

excellent gay historical film

[porgiamor · 10/10 · 14 June 2005]

i loved the flashbacks & the cast was very talented. great moments - great acting. so many layers. so interesting to watch. first, there's the possibility of a love story that doesn't pan out. then there's also the historical perspective involving black gay writers from the early 20th century. add to that the civil rights movement; and also the burgeoning friendship between perry & bruce nugent. i watched this program on pbs - independent eye. june 14th, 2005. i was very surprised to see the film was censored. the language was not really that offensive. the expletives did not need to be edited out. i've watched a lot of gay film & this one is a standout. definite required gay film for all to watch.

Thank you

[macbeth-6 · 9/10 · 15 June 2005]

Fantastic, refreshing and not such mature film making from an African American gay perspective ?ever? Wonderful.The Harlem Renassaince has interested me for years but this personal yet not over the top portrayal seems to capture the energy and the conflict so well. the ambiguity and unresolved issues in the film resonate. The significant number of low ratings seem to have come from folks who stumbled into this film by mistake. No possible way it gets a 4.8 average from people who might enjoy the film who went to see it or rented it. I can't believe there is a 10 line minimum for this site given that I have nothing more profound to say.

Awesome Movie!

[joelsink · 8/10 · 11 July 2005]

Watched "Brother to Brother" last night and thought it was excellent. A small movie shot on a small budget that packed more punch than many of the pathetic H'wood Blockbusters I've seen over the past year. You don't have to be black or gay to appreciate the artistry of this film. This is a story of a young black man coming to terms with two different prejudices, his being black, and his being gay. He meets gay writer Bruce Nugent who with other prominent artist of his day pushed the envelope of acceptance on many different levels. The flashbacks to Nugen't youth are beautifully done with period music. While it was obvious that this was a low budget film, that fact didn't take anything away from the movie. It only made me respect the makers even more for crafting such a fine film without the mega-budgets usually given to film makers. Most all of the actors did fine jobs here. Rent/buy this movie, let the studios know that there is a market for this type of film - one with heart and soul.