Brother
Performance & Direction: Brother Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Brother (2000) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Brother features a noteworthy lineup led by Takeshi Kitano . Supported by the likes of Omar Epps and Claude Maki , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Brother
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2000, Brother is a Crime, Drama, Thriller film directed by Takeshi Kitano. The narrative dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Takeshi Kitano.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. A Japanese Yakuza gangster's deadly existence in his homeland gets him exiled to Los Angeles, where he is taken in by his little brother and his brother's gang. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Takeshi Kitano's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Brother
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Takeshi Kitano, Brother resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to crime resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Takeshi Kitano, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Brother reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Brother Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Brother incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime, drama, thriller film directed by Takeshi Kitano, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement for Takeshi Kitano's character.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Brother adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Brother?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Takeshi Kitano or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Brother
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $15.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Brother Budget
The estimated production budget for Brother is $12.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Brother
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Brother Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeBrother Parents Guide & Age Rating
2000 AdvisoryWondering about Brother age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Brother is 113 minutes (1h 53m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, Brother is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2000 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brother worth watching?
Brother is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Brother parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Brother identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Brother?
The total duration of Brother is 113 minutes, which is approximately 1h 53m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Brother
How Brother Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Brother
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
