The Brothers Bloom (2008)

The Brothers Bloom are the best con men in the world, swindling millionaires with complex scenarios of lust and intrigue. Now they've decided to take on one last job - showing a beautiful and eccentric heiress the time of her life with a romantic adventure that takes them around the world.

Director:

Rian Johnson

Writer:

Rian Johnson

Stars:

Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo

3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rachel Weisz	...	Penelope
Adrien Brody	...	Bloom
Mark Ruffalo	...	Stephen
Rinko Kikuchi	...	Bang Bang
Robbie Coltrane	...	Curator
Maximilian Schell	...	Diamond Dog
Ricky Jay	...	Narrator (voice)
Zachary Gordon	...	Young Bloom
Max Records	...	Young Stephen
Andy Nyman	...	Charleston
Noah Segan	...	The Duke
Nora Zehetner	...	Rose
Ram Bergman	...	Self
Craig Johnson	...	Apple Cart Vendor
Dubravko Jovanovic	...	Albino

Storyline

A pair of brothers - the Blooms, are probably the best con men in the world, Before they get out, they've decided to so one last hustle; as wine and dine an eccentric heiress the time of her life, with a romantic adventure, around the world.

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Plot Keywords:

con man | neo screwball comedy | nitroglycerin | saint petersburg russia | stealing food | 

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Taglines:

They'd never let the truth come between them

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Crime | Drama | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for violence, some sensuality and brief strong language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Ricky Jay, the narrator, is an actor who has appeared in films for such filmmakers as Paul Thomas Anderson and David Mamet, but he is perhaps better known as an expert on the histories of magic, "spirit" photography, and con artistry, and as such is a logical choice to narrate a film about con artists. Rian Johnson had originally asked Jay to play The Curator, but Jay's schedule didn't allow for that, so Johnson hired Robbie Coltrane for that role instead.

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Goofs

When Stephen rings the doorbell outside Max's apartment in Prague, Max blasts his front door with a shotgun; the circle of wood in the door that will be blasted out is visible before the gunshot.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Narrator: As far as con man stories go, I think I've heard them all. Of grifters, ropers, faro-fixers; tails drawn long and tall. But if one bears a bookmark in the confidence man's tome, it would be that of Penelope, and of the brothers Bloom.

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Connections

References Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

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Soundtracks

Haikarahakuchi
Written by Takashi Matsumoto and Eiichi Ohtaki (as Eiichi Ohtaki)
Performed by Happy End
Licensed by Art Music Pulbishing Co, Ltd.

User Reviews

You must see this movie.

Rachel's role, Penelope, in The Brothers Bloom is far from her Oscar-winning effort in The Constant Gardener, but she elevates her role putting herself on par with Tessa Quale. Weisz steals the show here in a fun, energetic, elaborate tale, The Brothers Bloom.

You'll be bouncing out of you seats watching this film. The script is absolutely hilarious, the director moves fast keeping the material alive, and the performances are classy and strong, but what guides The Brothers Bloom (besides Weisz, of course) is the explosive editing. It's hyperactive, but not obnoxious. It's cool , fun and hip.

Like I've stated before, Weisz steals the show. Her character Penelope is one of the most memorable and well-written characters in recent memory and Weisz is up to the challenge of taking on that role. She's the most interesting character so you immediately take a liking to her. She's so adorable as the bright, lovely character, but the great thing about her performance is underneath all that lies great sorrow.

The rest of the performances aren't too shabby either. Adrien Brody is very good and convincing but it over-towered, by the other more colorful characters. Mark Ruffalo is charming and a ridiculous ball of fun. Rinko Kikuchi has almost no lines, but still gets big laughs.

There are dazzling visuals including some gorgeous costumes and set designs. This is a very funny film. Top that with the amount of energy and entertainment throughout, you're in a for a fantastic thrill ride. Not to mention the glorious performances, especially form the magnificent Rachel Weisz. A delightful thrill ride and the best comedy of 2009; 9

Details

Official Sites:

Official site [France]

Country:

USA

Language:

English French Czech Japanese

Release Date:

19 June 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Los estafadores

Filming Locations:

Romania

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$90,400, 17 May 2009

Gross USA:

$3,531,756

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,530,764

Company Credits

Production Co:

Endgame Entertainment, Ram Bergman Productions, The Weinstein Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1