Hermano

97 minutes

Venezuela

Raised as brothers, intense teammates and competitors on the soccer field -- the gregarious, swaggering Julio (Eliu Armas) and the more wiry and focused Daniel "Gato" (Fernando Moreno) have remained virtually inseparable ever since the newborn Daniel was found abandoned in a trash heap in their La Ceniza slum. The opportunity of their lives arrives when a football scout invites them to tryout for the city's top professional team, just as a tragic act of violence threatens to tear them apart and prevent them from achieving their dreams.

86% on the CINEMETER

89% - Apr 22, 2012

Brutal and heartbreaking. The squashed soccer ball in the opening abandoned-babay scene forshadowed the tragic ending.
Washington, DC Member

Awesome film and I am not a sports fan. Didn't expect that ending but it was the only ending, really, wasn't it?
Washington, DC Member

Reminds me how lucky we are and the courage and strength it takes to overcome terrible obstacles.
Washington, DC Member

STL

84% - Sep 30, 2012

Excellent on all points‚Äîgripping, poignant, exciting. Puts viewer into ‚Äúmachismo‚Äù culture of Venezuela. Tests limits of brotherly love, ‚Äúfamily,‚Äù and loyalty. Directing, acting, sound and musical score are terrific. makes soccer an exciting ‚Äúvisual‚Äù and visceral sport!
St. Louis Member

Talk about a coming of age story. Terrific. Interesting that a soccer ball and fast moving feet provide more excitement and tension than fake explosions. Story was tremendously interesting with unexpected (and some expected) twists and turns.
St. Louis Member

I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between thebrothers. The soccer was tremendous and fun to watch. Thought it seemed very true to life and heart wrenching. Wish Daniel could have lived his dream! Great story about brothers and family. A little much with the side story about the girlfriend being pregnant and the coach sleeping with the mother.
St. Louis Member

91% - Apr 1, 2012

Not for the faint of heart. It broke mine!
Greater New Haven Member

Great movie - you don't have to be a soccer fan to relish this film. Great acting, suspense, thrills and emotion.
Greater New Haven Member

Raw energy. . . Tragic combination of stupid violence, machismo, and truly deep love.
Greater New Haven Member

MIL

81% - Sep 23, 2012

Very moving; if you are not touched by this film, you do not have blood in your body.
Milwaukee Member

Wonderful! The ending was unique.
Milwaukee Member

Powerful. I especially like the brothers' relationship. Barrio life = well worth seeing the movie for this alone.
Milwaukee Member

BOS

83% - Sep 23, 2012

Good story with no clear right or wrong within a very tough socio-economic context.
Boston Member

Incredible movie! Surprising psychological sophistication. Touching and Riveting.
Boston Member

Compelling story, gritty and realistic sets and locations, great soundtrack and deliberate, purposeful cinematography. Really impressive, skillfully executed film.
Boston Member

ATL

89% - Apr 29, 2012

The integrity of all the parts make a resonant, intelligent work that keeps unfolding even after the credits roll. Wow.
Atlanta Member

Fascinating, intricate film about family and the meaning of brotherhood.
Atlanta Member

Not into violence--even in sports--but really well done. Great unknown actors. High praise from a pacifist.
Atlanta Member

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