Watch Orphans
- R
- 1988
- 1 hr 55 min
-
6.5 (927)
Orphans is a dramatic film from 1987, directed by Alan J. Pakula and starring Albert Finney, Matthew Modine, and Kevin Anderson. The story is set in a working-class neighborhood of Philadelphia and follows the lives of four brothers, all orphans, who have grown up together in a run-down row house. The brothers are each struggling to find their place in the world and deal with their own demons.
The eldest brother, Treat (played by Modine), is a small-time criminal who has been keeping the family afloat by robbing passersby with his brother Phillip (Anderson). He is a man who is fiercely protective of his brothers, but also volatile and prone to violent outbursts. Phillip, on the other hand, is mentally unstable and spends most of his time locked away in a room, talking to himself and reliving past trauma. The middle brothers, Babe (played by Finney) and Harold (played by Rickie Lee Jones), are the more stable members of the family, but they too are grappling with their own issues.
One day, Treat decides to kidnap a wealthy businessman named Harold (played by John Kellogg) for ransom money. However, when they bring him back to the house, they find out that he is actually a gangster who has just killed someone. The situation quickly spirals out of control, and the brothers must figure out how to handle the dangerous stranger in their midst while also dealing with their own personal struggles.
Throughout the film, we see the brothers grappling with feelings of abandonment, anger, and resentment towards the world around them. Babe, the eldest brother, is a former boxer who has turned to alcohol to cope with his pain. He spends his days drinking in local bars and reminiscing about the past, when he was a successful athlete. Harold, the youngest brother, is a talented musician who dreams of leaving the house and making it big, but feels tied down by his loyalty to his family. He too turns to alcohol to numb his feelings of hopelessness.
As the situation with the gangster unfolds, the brothers must confront their own issues head-on and decide what kind of men they want to be. They are forced to make difficult choices that will ultimately determine their own fates and the fates of those they love. The film is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the struggles that we all face in life. It is a moving portrayal of brotherhood, family, and the lengths that we will go to protect those we love.
Overall, Orphans is a heartfelt and honest portrayal of life in a working-class neighborhood. It is a gritty and realistic look at the struggles that many people face on a daily basis, and it is a testament to the power of family and brotherhood to overcome even the toughest obstacles. The performances by the three lead actors are all powerful and moving, and the film is expertly directed by Pakula. For anyone who appreciates a good drama, Orphans is an absolute must-see.
Orphans is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.