The Blood of My Brother: A Story of Death in Iraq (2005)

User Rating:

7.7/10   

Director:

Andrew Berends

Genre:

Documentary | War

Plot:

While volunteering to guard the ancient mosque in Kadhimiya, Ra'ad, an Iraqi portrait photographer, is shot and killed by an American patrol. His brother Ibrahim dreams of revenge.

Plot Keywords:

Baghdad | Iraq | Kadhimiya | Death | Iraq War

Awards:

1 win

Also Known As:

The Blood of My Brother (USA) (new title)

Runtime:

USA:90 min (original version)

Country:

USA | Iraq

Language:

English | Arabic

Color:

Color (HDCAM)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR (RCA Sound System)

Filming Locations:

Iraq

Company:

Storyteller Productions

Movie Connections:

References "Pokémon" (1998)

impressive film

While I agree that aspects of this film seem lacking in overall development, this is a major piece of film making. Yes, the younger brother might not be a sympathetic character but the events that took over his life reveal much about human nature. We rarely get a chance to see films like this which are both documentary in nature, but theatrical in the sense of plot or character development. This film puts us right in the middle of a tragic horrible mistake and it is stunning to be this close to the horror of this conflict. The cinematic portraits of many of the participants are sensational. Not to be overlooked is the personal risk that was taken by the film-maker and his team. When was the last time you put your life on the line for something? I loved the opening menu sequence, with it's man on the street p.o.v. and a very contemporary sound track (I played it over at least 5 times before I started the movie) See this film you won't forget it.