Love's Brother movie review

aelst's review

We saw this movie at the Palace Norton Cinema, quite appropriate since it is a movie about Italian culture.

It is a about two close brothers, one is painfully socially inept but sweet, and the other is the opposite. This is set in Victoria, Australia, in the olden days, so there are plenty of good old costumes. Its a humourous plot, the brothers are involved with two girls, one fresh of the boat (literally because thats how they travel back then) from Italy, and another who has been Aussiefied. Throughout the movie we see relationships between them break and build.

In the movie is the first time I've heard of the rule of having the eldest sibling married before the younger ones, so I'm not sure if thats Italian culture. This movie also reinforced my view that mail-order brides or arranged marriages will never work. There is an expresso machine and lots of people drinking coffee in the movie, so make sure you bring a nice cup of coffee into the movie so you don't feel left out.

A thoughtful movie, exploring love and cultural identity. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

ratbag's review

Set in Australia in the 50's, the tale of "Love's Brother" revolves around two Italian brothers who have moved to Australia for a better life. One is introverted, low in self-esteem and thoughtful, the other brother is good looking, extroverted but well-meaning.

Giovanni's Angelo is painfully shy, neurotic and sensitive; however he becomes less painful to watch towards the end of the movie, as he gains more awareness of those around him. After having his marriage proposals rejected time and time again, Angelo, in his despair, decides to send a picture of his brother instead of himself with his next letter of marriage proposal.

Unlike the stereotype of the good-looking, but ruthless brother, Adam Garcia's Gino is thoughtful, loyal and caring, prepared to sacrifice his own happiness for his brother. Only when he meets his brother's intended wife, Rosetta, is he cured of his roving eye.

Amelia Warner's Rosetta is unlike other mail order brides -- she is brave, caring, imaginative, and hopelessly romantic.

"Love's Brother" is a real crowd pleaser. The characters have real depth, and one will find it difficult not to be moved by its sincerity and warmth. Aah. That's amore...