The standout performances, especially Maguire's portrayal of a man burdened by PTSD, are a highlight, which is in sharp contrast to Gyllenhaal's portrayal of a man who finds himself again as Tommy. Natalie Portman does get added as such a emotional character as Grace, is also lost between grief and confusion.
Even though the plot can appear to be fairly predictable, the emotional impact and outstanding acting are the reasons why Brothers is a powerful exploration of the psychological damages of war and the complexities of familial love. The movie does not really aim at the lighter sides of these motifs. On the contrary, it provides a raw and disturbing portrayal of the traumas, guilt, and redemption.
