Watch My Brother the Devil

My Brother the Devil is a 2012 British film directed and written by Sally El Hosaini. The film follows the story of two brothers, Mo (played by Fady Elsayed) and Rashid (played by James Krishna Floyd), who live in East London. Mo is a teenager who joins a local gang of drug dealers, while Rashid dreams of becoming a professional photographer. When Rashid discovers Mo's involvement with the gang, both brothers are forced to confront their beliefs, values, and cultural identity.

The film takes place in Hackney, a neighborhood in East London, where Mo lives with his Egyptian family. Mo is tired of his mundane life and the lack of opportunities that he sees around him. He finds a sense of belonging and purpose when he joins a gang led by a charismatic and ruthless leader, named Hammer (played by Aymen Hamdouchi). Mo becomes increasingly involved in the drug trade, seeing it as a way to escape poverty and to earn respect from his peers.

Meanwhile, Rashid struggles to pursue his passion for photography while he faces racism and prejudice from the society around him. He is a good student who dreams of going to university, but his family expects him to work at their local store. Rashid finds support and inspiration from Sayyid (played by Said Taghmaoui), a photographer who lives nearby and who recognizes Rashid's talent.

As Mo becomes more involved with the gang, his relationship with Rashid becomes strained. Rashid suspects that Mo is involved with drugs, but he cannot prove it until he confronts him. When Mo is arrested by the police for drug dealing, Rashid becomes increasingly worried about his brother's safety and tries to help him. But Mo sees Rashid as a traitor, believing that he has betrayed their family and their cultural identity.

The film explores the themes of brotherhood, identity, and disillusionment. Mo and Rashid struggle to reconcile their family values and their aspirations with the reality of their surroundings. Mo and his gang members see drug dealing as a way to assert their masculinity and to gain respect, but they are also aware of the dangers and the violence that come with it. Rashid's photography allows him to express his feelings and to capture the beauty of his environment, but he also faces discrimination and misunderstanding from those who see him as an outsider.

The performances of the actors are commendable, especially those of James Krishna Floyd and Fady Elsayed. Floyd portrays Rashid as a sensitive and ambitious young man who wants to break free from the stereotypes that surround him. Elsayed portrays Mo as a complex and conflicted character who grapples with his loyalty to his family and his desire for independence. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their interactions are realistic and emotionally charged.

The film also benefits from its cinematography, which captures the gritty and colorful atmosphere of Hackney. The camera moves smoothly between the narrow streets, the colorful markets, and the gray housing projects, creating a sense of place and realism. The soundtrack, which combines hip-hop and Arabian music, enhances the film's themes and mood.

Overall, My Brother the Devil is a compelling and thought-provoking film that explores the challenges and the contradictions of growing up in a multicultural and urban environment. The film engages with social issues such as poverty, racism, and drugs, while also celebrating the power of art and creativity. It is a commendable debut for director Sally El Hosaini, who has created a memorable and original film.