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Brothers from 2004 is a Danish film depicting a story of two brothers, Michael (Ulrich Thomsen) and Jannik (Nikolaj Lie Kaas), who have vastly different personalities and fates. Michael is a family man, successful soldier, and a responsible individual, while Jannik is prone to criminal activities, substance abuse, and irresponsibility. The film showcases their complicated relationship, as well as their personal struggles that test their loyalty and love for one another.

The story begins with Michael being sent to Afghanistan as a part of a peacekeeping mission. Here, he is taken as a prisoner of war along with his comrade and friend, Lars (Søren Pilmark). The news of his capture devastates his wife, Sarah (Connie Nielsen), and their two daughters. Jannik, who is out on parole, tries to help Sarah as much as he can, but his presence makes it difficult for Michael's older daughter, Natalia (Sarah Juel Werner), who is aware of his past actions.

As Michael is missing and declared dead, Jannik tries to make amends with his family and become a positive influence on Natalia, who is struggling with her father's absence. Jannik's newfound responsibility and dedication towards the family creates tension between him and his girlfriend, but he endeavors to be there for the family in every possible manner.

However, Michael is not dead but has been kept captive and tortured for months. He manages to escape, and the Danish government brings him back. But Michael is not the same person he was before. The trauma and the horrors he endured have left him with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and he finds it difficult to readjust to civilian life. His relationship with Sarah is strained, and his daughters see him as a stranger.

Jannik is the only one who understands what Michael has been through, and this realization brings the two brothers closer than ever, and they embark on a journey towards reconciliation. Bonds, that were broken due to their differences, are mended by their collective struggles at redemption.

Brothers is a movie that captures the complexities of the human condition in a raw and unflinching manner. It presents the audience with the harsh truths and realities of war, PTSD, and family relations. The film is poignant in its portrayal of how different people cope with the same trauma and how family bonds are tested in times of adversity.

The performances of the cast are mesmerizing, and they bring to life the intricacies of their characters with exceptional skill. Thomsen's portrayal of Michael, before and after his capture, is a vivid depiction of how a person's psyche can be shattered by the horrors of war. Lie Kaas, on the other hand, delivers a nuanced performance that portrays Jannik's journey from a self-centered rebel to a responsible and caring individual. Nielsen's performance as Sarah is equally compelling, depicting the anguish and confusion experienced by the wife of a soldier missing in action.

The direction of the film by Susanne Bier is masterful, as she moves the narrative forward seamlessly, while also delving deep into the emotional cores of each character. The cinematography by Morten Søborg is breathtaking, capturing the haunting beauty of the rural Danish landscape, as well as the intense brutality of the war scenes.

In conclusion, Brothers is a powerful and emotionally charged movie that explores the complexities of human relationships in the face of adversity. It is a film that will resonate with anyone who is touched by the themes of family, love, and sacrifice. Its powerful message is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and it is a movie that will stay with the audience long after the final credits have rolled.

Brothers is a 2004 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 76.