My Brother Tom

I found this film very disturbing. I had to watch it until the end.

The acting was such that I had to remind myself that it was acting sometimes. I feel that some actors are very brave to take on certain parts.

I think that in some darker places in the world (e.g. USA), elements of the population would confuse the actor with the part and abuse him. Congratulations to all involved for an excellent performance. The tension is never "Watch out behind you" but "Please, please, not that".

If this film causes just one adult to reflect on how his actions may damage a child then it is very worthwhile.

My Brother Tom is about a subject that is, sadly enough, quite well known in my country. As you may know, we had a case of child abuse that was so gruesome that it has probably been covered by the news all over the world. Since Dutroux has been put in jail for the rest of his life, people gradually seem to be able to cope with the subject again. I guess that the fact that this movie was actually shown on television is a good example of that.

If you read the title of this movie, you might think that it is about a kid who's brother Tom is the victim of child abuse. That's not entirely true. In fact it is about two victims, a girl and a boy, who have found each other in their misery and try to deal with it together. Even though they aren't relatives, they call themselves twins. That's where the title comes from.

My Brother Tom is probably not the best movie for parents of young children who are easily worried. I guess they might get frightened by the idea that this could happen to their own children. However, you could also see it as a very good educational movie. Anyway, I must say that I liked it. The acting and the story are very convincing and are brought to you in a very good way. It shows very well how devastating this abuse is and what it can lead to in the end. I reward it with a 7.5/10

An incredibly compelling film which had me glued from start to finish. As someone personally affected by the abuse issues raised I felt so much empathy for the characters who were portrayed fantastically by the young actors. Uncomfortable viewing at times, particularly for those with such experiences in there past, but essential non the less. The harsh reality of adults, especially those in powerful positions, reluctance to see what is going on around them is shown brilliantly. Yes it shows a dank view of the world, but talk to 10 young people in your life and its almost guaranteed that at least 5 of them would have experienced similar acts, with no one to turn to.

A film were you need to look beyond such aesthetics as SFX or high budget locations and accept that this stuff really does happen everyday!!!!!!

Rarely do first time directors have the confidence to abandon superfluous dialogue and concentrate on the raw emotion of their story. Rotheroe is an exception. Not a frame is wasted as he explores the sexual trauma of two teenagers groping towards understanding in the magical woods.

A fascinating and disturbing study of two damaged teenagers who find solace in each other's company.

This is what film is all about. The use of hand-held DV - the unselfconscious performances of the two leads - the harsh portrayal of the selfish acts of cruelty perpetrated by unthinking adults on vulnerable, impressionable children. I love this film, but I could barely watch it at times.

The two leads reminded me of a young Joanne Whalley (Jenna Harrison should go far if there's any justice in the film industry) and a seriously unhinged Lee Evans without any of the comedy - just his style of manic lashing out.

Spoiled on its UK TV airing by the booming Channel 4 Big Brother voice ruining the mood over the credits. Channel 4 seems happy to destroy the end of its own movies. Sad.

8 out of 10. At least. Should be shown in schools.