Watch Brother to Brother

Brother to Brother, a 2004 drama film directed by Rodney Evans, tells the story of a young artist, Perry (Anthony Mackie), as he struggles to find his place in the world and connect with the past, present, and future of the Black and LGBTQ communities of Harlem. At the beginning of the movie, Perry is a struggling artist who feels misunderstood and out of place. He has just been kicked out of his art school for refusing to change his style, and he is forced to take a job as a catering waiter to pay the rent. However, his life changes when he meets Bruce Nugent (Roger Robinson), a forgotten figure of the Harlem Renaissance, who becomes his mentor and friend.

As Perry gets to know Bruce, he learns about the struggles and achievements of the Black and LGBTQ communities of the past, and he finds inspiration and hope for his own future. Bruce introduces him to other figures of the Harlem Renaissance, such as Langston Hughes (Daniel Sunjata), Zora Neale Hurston (Aunjanue Ellis), and Wallace Thurman (Larry Gilliard Jr.), and helps him understand the complexities and intersections of race, sexuality, and art.

The movie explores the themes of identity, history, and art, and raises questions about the role of the artist and the meaning of artistic freedom in society. It also shines a light on the overlooked and marginalized voices of the past, and celebrates their contributions and legacy.

The performances of the cast are outstanding, with Anthony Mackie delivering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of Perry's journey, and Roger Robinson bringing depth and humanity to the complex character of Bruce. Alex Burns also gives a compelling performance as the young Bruce Nugent, in flashback scenes that reveal his struggles with racism, homophobia, and creative expression.

The cinematography and music of the movie are also notable, creating a vibrant and evocative atmosphere that captures the mood and spirit of Harlem and the Harlem Renaissance. The use of black-and-white photography and jazz music in the flashback scenes adds a nostalgic and dreamlike quality to the movie, contrasting with the gritty and realistic present-day scenes.

Overall, Brother to Brother is a moving and thought-provoking film that tackles important and timely issues with sensitivity and insight. It is a reminder of the bravery and creativity of the Black and LGBTQ communities, and a call to action for the present and future generations to keep fighting for equality, justice, and artistic expression.

Brother to Brother is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1 and a MetaScore of 57.