Brotherhood

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Brotherhood

2019

6m

Drama

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Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

7 Reviews

80%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

The story of 11 teenage boys who lost their lives in a sudden summer storm on Balsam Lake in July 1926.

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Anne T. Donahue

Globe and Mail

Bell succeeds in stripping back the mythos of what it means "to be a man" and how strong one can really be while embracing compassion, vulnerability and love instead.

Rated: 3/4

Dec 9, 2019

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Jim Ross

Vague Visages

A sharply-shot film, Brotherhood effectively uses the short running time to question familial responsibilities/motives, and the central performances make Joobeur’s planned feature adaptation even more intriguing.

Jun 5, 2023

Full Review

Richard Crouse

Richard Crouse

It feels heavy handed and melodramatic by times but there is no denying the power of the film's message of strength by community.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 30, 2021

Full Review

Gary M. Kramer

San Francisco Bay Times

Brotherhood, which recounts a tragedy that is little-known in the United States, is best appreciated by younger viewers who can absorb the messages of heroism, bravery, and sacrifice that are raised

Jul 16, 2020

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Chris Knight

National Post

That said, this modern talkie tells a powerful story, worth putting up with the whirr and buzz of the film projector to experience it.

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 23, 2019

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Norman Wilner

NOW Toronto

There's a nagging sense that Brotherhood is, ultimately, less than the sum of its parts. Maybe it should have been a radio play.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 9, 2019

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Logan D

In the 1920s, several young men, impacted by WWI and the Spanish flu, join two veterans for summer camp. Powerful film given a serious undertone by the fact it's based on a true story. I'm not sure alternating between the tragedy and the camp scenes works but I love the themes addressed. Modernity vs traditionalism. Male bonding. Expectations of masculinity. It's a dark film with beautiful scenery.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/25/25

Full Review

john s

HALF MAST Like a Heritage Minute expanded to ninety, "Brotherhood" just may be the quintessential Canadian film. It is a beautifully shot, carefully paced, charmingly acted, and expertly wardrobed, family fare period piece, right in the wheelhouse of the CBC and NFB. Which also means that it is a little dry, a little too sentimental, and a little too eager to please. But damn it, it is maple leaf red Canadian, and the locals will love it. Capturing the simple but beautiful landscapes and times of a post First War Kawartha Lakes young men camping adventure, "Brotherhood" is a throwback not only as an historic piece, but also a nod to classic movie making. Strengths and flaws and backgrounds are onion peeled as the scrum navigate boys-to-men, life building skills, culminating in an ultimate weather and water survival test. Trouble is brewing, that much is clear, as the film flashes forward and back from sunny beach to ominous dark currents. What could have been a groaning plot spoiler, serves as character development whilst navigating a dire circumstance. Based on fact, "Brotherhood" is good enough to engage in a tragedy for which the ending is no mystery. A little sappy, and a little cliched, it nonetheless entertains, especially to a devout patriotic audience. Perfect for post Hockey Night in Canada, late Saturday viewing on the small screen. - hipCRANK

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Excellent Canadian cast telling an unknown Canadian story. Beautiful cinematography.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

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Synopsis

The story of 11 teenage boys who lost their lives in a sudden summer storm on Balsam Lake in July 1926.

Director: Richard Bell
Producer: Mehernaz Lentin, Anand Ramayya, Andrew Bronfman
Screenwriter: Richard Bell
Production Co: Karma Film Inc., The Rolling Picture Company, Industry Pictures
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 3, 2020
Runtime: 6m

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