Brotherhood

First the good: Good production values, photography, etc. The actors did a fine job.

The bad: The story is cut up into a series of flash forward and flashbacks that destroy continuity. If only the whole thing had been told chronologically it would have been much better. And why don't we see the actual cause of the overturned canoe? Cost?

Unfortunately, this is one of those movies that will have you staring at the clock, amazed that 96 minutes can seem so long. I say 'unfortunately' because there is so much material in this true story that should have resulted in a movie that is exciting, inspiring and extremely moving. In fact, the producers seem to think this movie is all of those things, but it is none of them.

There are a number of problems. Firstly, we never get to know any of the characters before they are thrown together into adversity. Consequently, it's very hard to care about what's happening to them. Secondly, the actual incident depicted here is shot so darkly (understandably since it happens at night) that it's hard to know who is who and what is happening. Thirdly, a lot of the movie is told in flashback and these back stories just aren't interesting. Fourthly, the age group of the boys who endured this tragedy was between 6 and 16. I don't think many of these actors are under 20. It would have been much more powerful if the cast were the correct age. Finally, the script really, really tries to wring as much emotion and pathos out of every moment it can and it shows. It's amazing then that this movie does not elicit any emotion at all, other than joy when it is finally over.

I really wanted to like this. I didn't. It's not going to say a bad movie, just incredibly dull.

I don't know why they were really going to this camp in the first place. Then I don't know why they decided to go out on a boat. I have no idea what it was like for them when the storm came because it didn't show when the storm started. In fact, I didn't see much of a storm at all. It jumps in the middle of things and back out again, repeatedly. I didn't see a fight for life at all because there was too much bouncing around in the timeline. I saw young men clinging to an overturned boat for a few minutes and then back to the beach before they went out on the boat, and back again. I think at one point I started to literally doze off, but I didn't miss much as nothing was happening when I started to doze off and nothing was happening when I came alert. It was sort of like the entirety of this movie going in and out of a poorly shown event. A lot of nothing happening.

That movie proves that a wonderful movie can be made with a very small budget. All the actors are brilliant. Great rendition of a true story. I just LOVED it! ♥

Like a Heritage Minute expanded to ninety, "Brotherhood" just may be the quintessential Canadian film. It is a beautifully shot, carefully paced, charmingly acted, and expertly wardrobed, family fare period piece, right in the wheelhouse of the CBC and NFB. Which also means that it is a little dry, a little too sentimental, and a little too eager to please. But damn it, it is maple leaf red Canadian, and the locals will love it.

Capturing the simple but beautiful landscapes and times of a post First War Kawartha Lakes young men camping adventure, "Brotherhood" is a throwback not only as an historic piece, but also a nod to classic movie making. Strengths and flaws and backgrounds are onion peeled as the scrum navigate boys-to-men, life building skills, culminating in an ultimate weather and water survival test.

Trouble is brewing, that much is clear, as the film flashes forward and back from sunny beach to ominous dark currents. What could have been a groaning plot spoiler, serves as character development whilst navigating a dire circumstance.

Based on fact, "Brotherhood" is good enough to engage in a tragedy for which the ending is no mystery. A little sappy, and a little cliched, it nonetheless entertains, especially to a devout patriotic audience. Perfect for the post Hockey Night in Canada, late Saturday viewing on the small screen.

• hipCRANK