Love's Brother (2004) Reviews

• A wonderful movie, worth it's "wait" in gold!

  finnmcool2009-02-20

  My husband saw this movie several years ago while on a plane bound for Germany. He has been talking about it ever since and finally tracked it down (Amazon.com), so that he could share it with me. Here in the U.S., the DVD format for this particular movie doesn't work on our DVD players, but we were able to change the DVD region setting in Device Manager on our computer and watch the DVD via laptop (you can only change this setting 4 or 5 times). I am so glad he finally found this movie! It is a real gem - sweet, innocent, and truly entertaining. It is a feast for the eyes as well as the soul. Another reviewer mentioned that Australian movies seem to get a bad rap, often being overlooked. How unfortunate! We would be thrilled if Hollywood would increase production of this type of film. I know other movies written by Jan Sardi have been available here in the States. I don't know why this one is not. That is truly a shame; so many people here are missing a great movie. If you're addicted to big-action crash 'em up, shoot 'em up, sexually explicit, adolescent toilet humor type movies, then this one probably won't appeal to you. However, if, like us, you enjoy gentle, heartwarming upbeat story lines with beautiful cinematography, acting, scenery and music, then be sure to watch this movie. It may even be "il destino"!

• What a unique, wonderful movie!

  mani_ratnam2004-06-13

  I saw this movie at Cinema Paris at Fox Studios when I was in Sydney, Australia. Although the story has been done several times before, it is set amid a community of Italian immigrants in 1950's Australia, which makes it really unique. Giovanni Ribisi (Angelo) is the only actor I was familiar with before this movie, but I have to say Adam Garcia (Gino) and Amelia Warner (Rosetta) steal the show. And they are both DROP DEAD gorgeous! Performance wise, I liked Sylvia de Santis (Connie) the best! I loved how the characters evolve during the movie. Angelo seems to be weak and troubled emotionally, but turns out to be surprisingly robust. On the other hand, Gino, the more self-assured brother turns out to be quite vulnerable emotionally. The music from Stephen Warbeck is wonderful. I especially liked the background music when Rosetta first sees the mural of Italy in the cafe. Andrew Lesnie's cinematography captures the beauty of both Italy and the Australian wilderness. And if these are the types of movies Jan Sardi continues to make, I want to see more. You have to be a curmudgeon not to like this movie - it is so gentle and warm-hearted.

• A Warm, Fuzzy Valentine

  smoneypenny2004-04-23

  Saw this film twice at Worldfest, Houston's film festival celebrating 37 years of independent film. It was magical! Had the distinct pleasure of meeting the director, Jan Sardi, and hearing "the inside scoop" of trials to get the film made. It was well worth the wait and effort! Sardi prefaced the screening with something like "there's no sex, drugs, violence, car chases, or profanity in the film...but I hope you'll like it." It's near perfect in my book and I hope it finds a U.S. distributor soon! Sardi's writing and direction is superb, and the casting couldn't be better (Adam Garcia and Amelia Warner are stunning, and Giovanni Ribisi is at his quirky best). Stephen Warbeck's (Oscar winner for Shakespeare in Love) score transports the viewer to Northern Italy and Andrew Lesnie (LOTR Oscar winner) showcases the sun-drenched golden hills of Italy and Oz's lush scenery as only he can. BTW, the film won Best Feature, Best Director, and Best Cinematography at the festival. A must-see...a gentle film for the entire family with enough magic to make you want to see it again and again!

• One of the most beautiful movies I've ever seen.

  carriek2004-03-27

  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.

• A great achievement Giovanni and Adam deserve an oscar nom

  dikha2004-04-22

  A beautiful new storyline light film like "Serendipity",but in it's Producing,Directing,Acting,Music,Color it's similar to "The Pianist",the color of this film is so crisp. This film is wonderful, heart warming, for all ages, a new story that transfer the audience into the second moment with mystery,you keep asking yourself while you are watching, will they fall in love? or will they not?. The scenery of the Australian country viewes are magnificent,gorgous outback,farms,houses,also this film introduced the first espresso machine in Australia many years ago. Geovanni Ribisi, he looks good and handsome,he played the more reserved brother,Giovanni put on his best performance to date,his acting is haunting I never ever seen him like this before,he manipulated every inch of movement in his face, and introduced it on the camera,he killed me I just wanted to grab him and say were on earth were you hiding this talent all those years. as we all know he acted in many films. see his work in IMDB. Adam Garcia, he puts every gorgous hollywood star for dead, with his looks in this film, Yes I know he is a hollywood star himself, as he acted in many hollywood films,specially with the superstar Drew Barrymore, Adam Garcia shiny blue black hair,navy blue eyes, magnificent figure all show very well under the sun and among the beautiful trees. (Girls he's a hunk in this film you must see this film to believe me), about his performance as the playful brother in "Love's Brother" he is superb, calculated and enchanting acting. I really believe every Director should see those two performances for future casting of the two stars Giovanni Ribisi and Adam Garcia. Both stars Giovanni Ribisi and Adam Garcia deserve an Oscar nomination for this film. I also loved the two girls Amelia & De santis This movie and the performances are a medicine for the heart.