Sons of Philadelphia

Brothers by Blood certainly has a impressive ambitions and a lot of thematic weight with its attempts to explore the cycle of violence and the inability to process grief and loss. Unfortunately they are let down by the films overly restrained approach which drains the film of any pace, nuance or emotional heft.

However, it's not without a few positives. Matthias Schoenaerts quiet and understated presence is always a pleasure to watch even if he's played this role one too many times and it contrasts Joel Kinnaman's loud and threatening persona rather well. The music by Séverin Favriau is really beautiful and threatens to give the film some actual life.

This movie fell short when it could of been great. It was armed with a good story, actors and setting all lined up. Unfortunately, it just didn't formulate. The film started well then about half way in becomes dull. I just expected more, especially when it came to the ending. When all said and done this movie is was just ok.

It captured the essence of the city better than other movies and I enjoy that. Most movies set in Philly spend time at City Hall etc - where we bring tourists. I can't imagine Matthias Schoenaerts in a car chase - he is more Michael Corleone than Pacino.

Sure its was a slow burn but it was more realistic than most crime movies.

The story isn't original but the resolution at the end is more true to life.

I've wasted 2 hours on worse films

I've no idea why this has received such poor reviews, I thought it was very good. The acting was great all round and the photography is excellent.. if you like the films of James Gray then you'll probably like this.. worth a watch

I saw the negative user reviews and thought, "They could be wrong. I like the actors; I like the genre. This must be better than they're saying" Nope. They were right. So much wasted potential. It's watchable but the way they tell the story isn't that great and neither is the ending.