Love's Brother (2004)

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Forgive me for not being one of those cinema buffs who can articulate the many problems that they observe in films but I'm just a viewer who loves sweet films about interesting, human topics rather than the junk shoveled out by the big Hollywood studios. I was enchanted by this film and I love our film industry and the products of that industry.Our films are so believable and human-centred as opposed to the make believe product from across the Pacific. I recently watched "To be and to Have" and was captivated by it's beauty and innocence-a documentary about a rural French teacher and his class of primary kids. I mention this fabulous film because it was a member of a genre of "slice of life" films like "Loves' Brother"-I was as captivated by this beautiful Australian as I had been by the beautiful French film.I loved looking at fifties, rural small town life; I loved watching the difficulties of young foreign born people trying to overcome problems of distance and culture and I, as opposed to others, was completely taken by the huge difficulties of connecting. I know, in the dying years of last century, people who endured not dissimilar marriage situations. I thought the film was exceedingly sensitively worked and I have no complaints about the movie in any way.If you enjoy the genre of human development then this fabulous little film is for you. Take it as it is-don't read your own values into a time and place far removed from today.

There's a first time for everything, including directing a movie, and accomplished Australian scriptwriter (`Shine') Jan Sardi has not disgraced himself here. The plotline is corny (wrong brother's photo sent in marriage broking operation) and the approach stickily sentimental but things are saved by some good casting, quality acting and fine cinematography.As Angelo, the shyer brother who is looking for a bride from Italy, Giovanni Ribisi (last seen as the doltish husband in `Lost in Translation') combines the intensity of B A Santamaria with a remarkable amount of diffidence. Adam Garcia, hitherto mainly a song and dance man, plays the less screwed up younger brother Gino with abundant artless charm, and they combine very well to give us a picture of two very different but very devoted people. Rosetta the mail order bride, (Amelia Warner) is very beautiful and doesn't say a great deal which adds to her charm of course. There are also some strong performances from supporting players. Silvia de Santis, hair dyed blonde, is very effective as Gino's girlfriend Connie, and John Bluthal does an Italian version of his loveable old man persona. Eleanor Bron has a brief role as the marriage broker – no more improbable than an Italian siren from Liverpool (where Amelia Warner hails from). It was also worth the price of admission to see Barry Otto as a Catholic Priest blessing a newly installed espresso machine.Andrew Lesnie, responsible for the cinematography in the Lord of the Rings series, gives us one or two unusual camera angles, but by and large keeps things very pretty. He apparently looked at `Il Postino' to get some pointers on how to shoot an `Italian' movie. (That film was actually directed by an Englishman, Michael Radford.) Daylesford, Victoria, and its surrounds are shown to their advantage, certainly more so than the Italian village used for Rosetta's home town. The Italians shown here who migrated to Australia are a jolly lot; most of them seem to think Australia is heaven compared to Italy. The film is set circa 1958 but even 40 years later it looks like they made the right decision. They certainly did wonders for Australian coffee drinking.

Love's Brother is full of charm, warmth and lots of coffee. Coincidently I was drinking an espresso in the cinema while watching this movie!I really hope that the nationality of this film (Australian) doe not deter people away from it. I love and support our wonderful industry down here but as a video store manager I am seeing an increasing amount of people who read video covers and say "Oh, but it's Australian". This movie works as an international movie. It's location is not of too much significance... it could have been set in Canada somewhere and it would not have mattered. Besides, there are no 'Ocker' Aussie accents in this movie anyway. It's a movie about Brotherly love as well as it's differences. A story about tangled love and mistaken identity. And above all it's a story about Coffee!!.... nah not really... the coffee just provides an excellent means of comic relief, as the locals seem to need it like a car needs petrol.At the risk of sounding cliche, Do Yourself a Favor and see this movie. It's a beautiful film that should proudly sit beside other classics like: Chocolat, Like Water for Chocolate, and Il Postino. It's likely to only have a limited Theatrical Release so rush out and catch it before it's too late... otherwise wait anxiously for the dvd.I give it 8 out of 10.

This is just one of those enchanting movies that stays with you. I will definitely see it again on the big screen, and will certainly add it to my DVD collection when it is released. The stunning cinematography, charming storyline and excellent cast make this a must-see. Giovanni Ribisi is in a movie that truly suits him. Adam Garcia just leaps out from the screen, he's such a natural. Amelia Warner is just gorgeous and is so totally right for her role. There isn't one actor who doesn't do his/her role justice. A totally uncynical story, told with warmth and a great fondness for the characters. How wonderful to see a movie that all generations can enjoy together. I sincerely hope there are more of the same from these superb filmmakers. Congratulations.