My Brother is an inner city, New York story, of two impoverished boys, one of whom is developmentally disabled, and the bond of love they have for each other. This bond, forged in their youth by their mother, and made under lifes most desperate circumstances, is unwavering even in the face of adversity. In the present, one brother, trying to get free of oppressing debt, falls prey to ruthless men, setting in motion life-threatening events that test their greater-than-blood bond. This leads to a decision that only an epiphany, and courage, can overcome.
NY Times Review
““to counter 15 years' worth of Mayhem-N-the-Hood stereotypes”
…Its earnest tone, moving orchestral score and strong cast including Vanessa L. Williams (Ugly Betty) as the boys' fiercely devoted mother anchors sentiment to reality…The movie's strongest element is the chemistry between the reflective Mr. Kearse (Desperate Housewives) and Mr. Scott (who really has Down syndrome) is their relationship feels real, not like a movie contrivance.
Chicago Tribune - Three Stars.
“surprisingly good. The often touching story is centered on two orphaned brothers, Isaiah (Nashawn Kearse), a would-be stand-up comic, and James (Christopher Scott), a garment district worker who has Down syndrome. (So does Scott, who gives a memorable performance.)” “
“The acting is good, the feeling sincere and the filming vigorous;
Houston Chronicle
warmth and meaning of its values. Kearse gives a powerful performance, and supporting roles are strongly played. Best of all are many scenes of fierce bonding between the brothers and a wrenching flashback... In short, bring tissues.
Washington Post
Williams and Kearse, both recent TV smashes (in "Ugly Betty" and "Desperate Housewives," respectively) give it their best, and Scott, who has Down syndrome (as does Donovan Jennings, who plays him as a child), is terrific.
TV Guide
“…Lover's film is surprisingly affecting: Kearse gives a solid, low-key performance as a decent man caught between sibling devotion and frustration at the way caretaking has shaped his life, while Scott, who has Down syndrome (as does Donovan Jennings, who plays James as a child), imbues James with quirky, unself-conscious personality.”
Variety
Strong acting helps, including impressive perfs from two special-needs thesps.
Kam Williams - Excellent (3.5 stars)
“I loved it.”
“directed by Oscar-nominee Anthony Lover (for De Duva: The Dove), who must be credited for using his cinematic canvas to paint a quite touching tableau of brotherly love and devotion.”
well crafted and expertly executed by the capable cast, most notably, Vanessa Williams, who exhibits an emotional range unseen in any of her previous work.
A moving and meaningful melodrama about a blood bond tested by the trials and tribulations of trying to survive in the inner city.
My Brother was released March 16th in 19 cities. The DVD comes out May 29th at Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Blockbuster, Hollywood Video, Amazon, and everywhere else.
My Brother debuted July 22nd as the closing night film at the HBO-sponsored American Black Film Festival, where it won both the Audience Award for Best Picture, and the Founder's Award for Acheivement in Independent Cinema. My Brother made its New York premiere October 6th, 2006, at the Harlem International Film Festival , sweeping the Awards, winning the Audience Award for Best Picture, Best Actor (Nashawn Kearse) and Best Actress (Vanessa Williams).
My Brother also showed at the Walmart African American Women In Cinema Film Festival as the Opening Night Film where Vanessa Williams was awarded an award in Special Recognition of her work as an actress.
My Brother was written and directed by Academy Award-nominee Anthony Lover, and stars Vanessa Williams, Tatum O'Neal, Nashawn Kearse , Christopher Scott, Rodney Henry, Donovan Jennings, and Fredro Starr. My Brother was produced by Gregory Segal, Gingi Rochelle and Leslie Ann Fouche, and executive produced by Michael Malagiero. The director of photography was John Sawyer. My Brother was produced by Liberty Artists in association with Angel Baby Entertainment, and produced out of Liberty Studios, the oldest continually-running movie studio in New York City. Check out the website, and make sure to check out the trailer and behind-the-scenes documentary.
