Hermano (film)

Last updated
Hermano
Hermano.jpg
Directed by Marcel Rasquin
Written byRohan Jones
Marcel Rasquin
Produced byEnrique Aular
Liz Mago
Juan Antonio Díaz /> Alejandro Batista
StarringFernando Moreno
Eliú Armas
Gonzalo Cubero
CinematographyEnrique Aular
Edited byCarolina Aular
Juan Carlos Melian
Music byRigel Michelena
Distributed byCines Unidos
Release dates
  • June 19, 2010 (2010-06-19)(Moscow)
  • July 2, 2010 (2010-07-02)(Venezuela)
Running time
97 minutes
CountryVenezuela
LanguageSpanish

Hermano (English: Brother) is a 2010 Venezuelan drama film produced by Enrique Aular scripted by Rohan Jones and Marcel Rasquin, directed by Marcel Rasquin. Its premiere was on June 19, 2010, at the 2010 Moscow International Film Festival: its theatrical release was in Caracas on July 2, 2010.

Contents

Synopsis

In Caracas, Julio and his mother are walking through a gateway near La Planta prison. He thinks he's heard a cat but when he runs closer, he notices an abandoned baby crying in the middle of a street dump. The mother hesitates to take the child with them, but does.

Sixteen years later, Julio and his little brother Daniel have grown to become the best footballers of La Ceniza, their barrio. While Daniel, nicknamed "El Gato" (the cat) is an innocent boy who dreams of playing in Caracas FC, Julio has become part of a gang. He becomes even more involved in gang life after he beats up a friend who bullies a minor drug dealer. During a game against the team from La Vega, another slum, both boys impress a scout from Caracas FC, who encourages them to participate in the tryouts of their youth team. Daniel is hugely motivated; Julio instead is gradually more involved with his barrio's underworld. That night their mother is accidentally killed by the goalie of the team and Daniel is the witness. He decides not to tell his brother because he fears his Julio might seek revenge rather than staying focused on the tryouts.

In their last chance to impress the scout, the brothers win a game and Daniel runs to the goalie and beats him so badly he is killed. Chaos ensues, and the scene goes dark as the goalie's gang begins to shoot. The film moves without clear direction to the last scene, which shows Julio standing without his brother before a professional soccer game. He has tears in his eyes. He crosses himself and looks up to the sky.

Reception

On Rotten Tomatoes the film has an approval rating of 54% based on reviews from 13 critics. [1] Though reviewers generally criticize the sports story within the film, its slum insights, young actors, and cinematography have been commended, leading to mixed reviews.

Referring to the sports metaphor used in the film, Scott Tobias of The A.V. Club criticizes the use of football games as an expression of drama because of "predictable last-second goals and miraculous comebacks", [2] Ron Wilkinson of Monsters and Critics agrees that it has "a thin script and sport drama predictability"; [1] Jeannette Catsoulis of The New York Times acknowledges that "[t]he sports-as-savior theme is an old one," but adds that the film "coats its clichés in winningly natural performances", which redeems it. [3] Las Vegas CityLife reviewer Matt Kelemen is quick to point out that the film, which he writes is successful, is "part sports film, part neorealist drama", with it also having focus on social issues that aren't expressed through sport; from the same city, Josh Bell of Las Vegas Weekly says the same, but cites this as a negative, saying that the film only "piles on both sports-drama and up-from-poverty clichés" to tell its story. [1] Though Eye for Film's Amber Wilkinson uses her own metaphor to celebrate the film's social message that "hits home as hard as an unexpected football to the solar plexus", [4] The Arizona Republic 's Kerry Lengel finds its "gritty realism [...] just camouflage for another clichéd sports flick". [1]

Juan Bernardo Rodríguez compares the film to similar social-issue sibling films from Latin America, including City of God and Amores perros , saying that Hermano takes the same issues but handles them superficially, and probably in an attempt to achieve the same international acclaim. Rodríguez questions why football is the choice sport; he notes that Rasquin claims it is an ironic statement because of Venezuela's national sport being baseball, but then argues that it is more likely another aim for internationalization, as football is more common around Latin America and the world than baseball is. [5] Scott Tobias wrote in his review that the film aims to be universal, but misses this and becomes too general, instead. [2]

Alejandro Contreras instead chooses to look at the film as a product of its nation, saying that it is "a good example of the opposite" after handling many Latin American films that have taken "bad influence from telenovelas", and that one of its greatest successes is discovering the two young actors Armas and Moreno. Contreras writes that it is "one of the best films of the season" in preparation for its Spain cinematic release. [6]

Some note that Daniel begins as a Moses figure, but that this seems to be forgotten for much of the film. [1] [5]

Producer Liz Mago presenting the film at IFFI (2010) The Producer, Ms. Lizmargo addressing at the presentation of the film, Brother (Hermano), in the INOX Cinema Hall, during the IFFI-2010, in Panjim, Goa on November 26, 2010.jpg
Producer Liz Mago presenting the film at IFFI (2010)

Awards

YearEventAwardResultRef.
2010 Moscow International Film Festival Golden GeorgeWon [7]
Critics' Choice AwardWon [8]
People's Choice AwardWon [9]
Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival Audience AwardWon [10]
Havana Film Festival Best First FeatureWon [11]
Festival de Cine Iberoamericano de Huelva Colón de Oro Won [12]

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>Guys and Balls</i> 2004 German film directed by Sherry Hormann

Guys and Balls is a 2004 sports comedy/romance film by German American director Sherry Hormann about a gay goalkeeper who assembles a gay-only soccer team to play against his ex-team, which fired him due to homophobia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moscow International Film Festival</span> Annual film festival

The Moscow International Film Festival is the film festival first held in Moscow in 1935 and became regular since 1959. From its inception to 1959 it was held every second year in July, alternating with the Karlovy Vary festival. The festival has been held annually since 1999. In reaction to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the FIAPF paused the accreditation of the festival until further notice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Caracas F.C.</span> Venezuelan football club

Caracas Fútbol Club is a Venezuelan football team based in Caracas. The club has won twelve First Division titles making it the most successful in Venezuelan football history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aldemaro Romero</span> Musical artist

Aldemaro Romero was a Venezuelan pianist, composer, arranger and orchestral conductor. He was born in Valencia, Carabobo State.

The Dragonfly Is Not an Insect is a 1963 Argentine drama film directed by Daniel Tinayre. It was entered into the 3rd Moscow International Film Festival.

Hermano or Hermana (sister) or Hermanos may refer to:

<i>La León</i> 2007 Argentine film

La León is a 2007 Argentine drama written and directed by Santiago Otheguy. Set in Northern Argentina, the film tells the story of a homosexual fieldworker, Álvaro, and his relationship with a local bully, El Turu. On its release the film received average reviews and won a Teddy Award.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Dhers</span> Venezuelan bicycle motocross rider

Daniel Dhers is a Venezuelan professional BMX rider. He is currently sponsored by Red Bull, POC, DC Shoes, Specialized, Albe's Mailorder, and Verizon. Dhers lived in Greenville, North Carolina, known as Protown USA because of the concentration of BMX riders that live there, including Dave Mirra. Dhers in 2013 opened in Holly Springs, North Carolina a public mountain biking, BMX, and skateboarding park, the Daniel Dhers Action Sports Complex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tomer Sisley</span> Israeli-French actor and comedian

Tomer Sisley is an Israeli and French actor and comedian.

<i>Cyrano Fernández</i> 2007 Venezuelan film

Cyrano Fernández is a 2007 Venezuelan drama film based on the 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac by Edmond Rostand, but set in contemporary times.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Centro Financiero Confinanzas</span> Unfinished skyscraper in Caracas, Venezuela

Centro Financiero Confinanzas, also known as Torre de David, is an unfinished abandoned skyscraper in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. It is the third highest skyscraper in the country after the twin towers of Parque Central Complex. The construction of the tower began in 1990 but was halted in 1994 due to the Venezuelan banking crisis. As of 2018, the building remains incomplete and unused. It was damaged due to two earthquakes on 21 and 22 August 2018.

Marcel Rasquin is a Venezuelan film director. He directed the 2010 film Hermano. The film won the Golden George at the Moscow International Film Festival and was selected as the Venezuelan entry for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 83rd Academy Awards, but didn't make the final shortlist. Rasquin is in a relationship with actress Prakriti Maduro

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinema of Venezuela</span>

The cinema of Venezuela is the production and industry of filmmaking in Venezuela. Venezuelan cinema has been characterised from its outset as propaganda, partially state-controlled and state-funded, commercial cinema. The nation has seen a variety of successful films, which have reaped several international awards. Still, in terms of quality, it is said that though "we can point to specific people who have made great films in Venezuela [and] a couple of great moments in the history of Venezuelan cinema, [...] those have been exceptions". In the 21st century, Venezuelan cinema has seen more independence from the government, but has still been described as recently as 2017 to be at least "influenced" by the state.

The major sports in Venezuela are baseball, basketball and football. Baseball in Venezuela originates with the early 20th century cultural influence of the United States oil companies. The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League was established in 1945. Football in Venezuela lags behind baseball, but its popularity in recent years has grown. Basketball and volleyball are also popular sports; there has been a national basketball league since 1974. The Vuelta a Venezuela is one of six cycling events in the UCI America Tour. The polo club Lechuza Caracas has had some success in North American polo competitions.

<i>Soy un delincuente</i> 1976 Venezuelan film

Soy un delincuente is a 1976 Venezuelan film by director Clemente de la Cerda, based on the autobiography of Ramón Antonio Brizuela. The film was a blockbuster hit in Venezuela, surpassing even big American productions such as Jaws, and is considered one of the most important films in the movement called "Nuevo Cine Venezolano". Some critics suggest that this film is clearly influenced by Italian neorealism, introducing common elements such as the presence of non-professional actors and use of real streets as settings for scenes. The film won the Special Jury Prize at the Locarno International Film Festival in 1977.

Luis Armando Roche was a Venezuelan film director, screenwriter, producer and director of theatre and opera. Roche born in Caracas, Venezuela. In 1999, he won the most important prize of cinema in his country. He lives in Caracas.

Travelling Companion is a 1979 Venezuelan drama film directed by Clemente de la Cerda. It was entered into the 11th Moscow International Film Festival.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">32nd Moscow International Film Festival</span>

The 32nd Moscow International Film Festival was held from 17 to 26 June 2010. The Golden George was awarded to the Venezuelan drama film Hermano directed by Marcel Rasquin.

Christian Malheiros is a Brazilian actor. He is known for his award-winning performance in the 2018 drama film Sócrates, which was praised by critics and earned him a nomination for Best Male Lead at the 34th Independent Spirit Awards.

The Bolivarian Revolution, and related Crisis in Venezuela, have been depicted in several films, both fiction and documentary.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Brother (Hermano) (2012)", Rotten Tomatoes, retrieved 2020-10-10
  2. 1 2 Tobias, Scott. "Hermano". The AV Club. Retrieved 2019-09-01.
  3. ↑ Catsoulis, Jeannette (23 August 2012). "From the Slums to the Soccer Field, 2 Boys Grasp at Hope (Published 2012)" . The New York Times.
  4. ↑ "Brother (2010) Movie Review from Eye for Film". www.eyeforfilm.co.uk. Retrieved 2019-09-01.
  5. 1 2 "Hermano (Hermano, 2010)". www.encadenados.org. Retrieved 2019-09-01.
  6. ↑ "Hermano (2010)". Culturamas, la revista de información cultural. 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2019-09-01.
  7. ↑ The 32 Moscow International Film Festival awards Archived 2010-08-31 at the Wayback Machine . Moscow International Film Festival
  8. ↑ Saez, Sergio. "Hermano". El Espectador Imaginario (in Spanish). Retrieved 2019-09-01.
  9. ↑ 32 MIFF: First awards Archived 2010-09-05 at the Wayback Machine . Moscow International Film Festival
  10. ↑ LALIFF AWARD WINNERS Archived 2010-09-10 at the Wayback Machine . Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival
  11. ↑ 32nd Havana Film Festival Coral Prize Winners. Habanafilmfestival.com. Retrieved on 2012-04-12.
  12. ↑ Ocio, Guia del. "Hermano". Guía del Ocio: Cine, Teatro, Conciertos, Arte, Restaurantes y locales (in European Spanish). Retrieved 2019-09-01.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.