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Brother Enemy

Brother Enemy (1981)

Sep 01, 1981 1h 16m Drama

When a gang of angry teenagers is caught breaking into his workshop, David stuggles against his own hostility to teach then a lesson. But can he overcome evil with good?

Directed by Russ Doughten

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Russ Doughten
Writer
  • Joanne Talarico

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Brother Enemy examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Russ Doughten brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1981, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Brother Enemy took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 76 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 96 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 5 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.

Historical Context

  • In 1981, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Personal computers were beginning to transform homes and workplaces.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

While Brother Enemy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Junebug, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Brother Enemy subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like The Bible: In the Beginning... and The Nativity Story explore similar territory, Brother Enemy stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 1, 1981
  • Runtime: 1h 16m

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