Brotherly Love (III) (2015) User Reviews

A universal story

[Ramascreen · 8/10 · 24 April 2015]

I attended the press junket for "Brotherly Love" and writer/director Jamal Hill couldn't have said it better, it's as if he read my mind, in that it's been a while since movies like this have graced our screen. Lately, we only rely on Tyler Perry to deliver us movies about black culture, not just his Madea movies obviously, the ones he produces as well, but for stories about struggling teenagers, it's been a long, long, while. Of course, John Singleton's "Boyz N The Hood" set the bar really high, but I think what Jamal Hill has accomplished with BROTHERLY LOVE is worth noticing. The quality may be very indie but the story and the characters are all too familiar.

Set in West Philadelphia, which I've visited a few times in the past. With the backdrop of the famed Overbrook high school, BROTHERLY LOVE focuses on a family. Older brother June (Cory Hardrict) who had to give up his B-ball dream and become 'the father' when their father died resulting in their mother losing all hopes and responsibility. June has to provide for his family, so he hustles and rolls in gangster life. His brother, Sergio (Eric D. Hill Jr) is the school's basketball star and June is determined to live vicariously through him, to make sure that Sergio doesn't end up like he does, that Sergio gets to be what he used to dream of becoming. Their younger sister, Keke Palmer, is an aspiring musician who finds herself distracted by her crush, Chris Collins, who comes from a wealthy family, his dad manages famous artists and musicians. The lower class don't mingle with he upper class, there's suspicion and animosity, but let's face it, who can really get in between blossoming young young romance.

We either have one in our family or extended family or we know of one or two folks in our circle of friends who had to throw in the towel on their dreams and future ambitions because something came up and they're forced to wear a different 'hat' in their family, too early on in the game. BROTHERLY LOVE may be an African American-centered film with African American cast and filmmakers but the story is universal. And what's entertaining about this drama is that there's a bit of "On The Waterfront," there's a bit of "West Side Story" feel to it too. It's clear that this comes from a filmmaker who loves movies, and Jamal also injects a surprise twist ending that you wouldn't see coming a mile away, even M. Night Shyamalan probably couldn't figure it out. BROTHERLY LOVE is about the choices we make, we often argue that there's no choice, we have to do this, we have to do this, it's the only way, but the fact is there is always a choice, and what we ultimately decide would bring consequences that could be either rewarding or deadly.

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Excellent movie for Urban Youth.....See is believing

[gaylord-lawrence · 8/10 · 29 April 2015]

Need to see this flick, drama, comedy, and action with a surprise ending!!!!! You won't be disappointed. This is an excellent movie to take a teen for a learning lesson about the choices they make and the consequences that come along with them. I have seen this movie twice and plan to see it again with family and friends. And haven't seen a urban movie like this with substance and a positive message in years. Superb writing and directing by Jamal Hill. Fantastic acting by the cast Keke Palmer, Cory Hardrict, Quincy Brown, Eric Hill Jr., Romeo Miller and Macy Gray. Produced by Queen Latifah. Two thumbs up on this one!

Hit to Heart

[SaritaLW · 8/10 · 12 February 2016]

I came across Brotherly Love on Netflix. It had almost five stars, so I thought why not. I don't know why I readied myself to be disappointed, but to my surprise this movie hit to heart. Here you have a family, one brother who is a basketball genius, a sister who wants to go to music school, and a reckless brother in the gang life. Let's not forget the drugged mother, missing father, and forbidden romance between Jackie( Keke Palmer) and Chris (Quincy Brown). Stir all of these characters in a pot and you create a great big mess of issues. I felt this movie was cleverly created and left you hoping that in the end, somehow they would all overcome their triumphs. I flock to movies that keep me rooting for characters, even the bad ones. I give kudos to Director Jamal Hill for creating this movie that will surely reside on my DVD shelf.

Pretty decent overall

[brandon-16783 · 6/10 · 29 August 2023]

I think the acting and the dialogue was pretty good. The only problem I'm had was the twist was blatantly obvious. The way Chris all of the sudden took interest in Simone was a little suspicious. Confirming who her brothers were right off the start was even more suspicious. All of this was right after Chris's cousin was shot. I knew what his intentions were from the start. He really did fall in love with Simone, but he knew what he was going to have to do from the start. He did a good job winning their trust. Just from a spectators point of view he was definitely suspicious from the beginning. I just wish there was a better twist, that was my only real issue. Overall a decent movie though. I'm a real sucker for a good twist, it just wasn't there for me.

Excellent Film!

[carolyn-20952 · 10/10 · 12 February 2016]

I loved this movie, the story line, the actors and actresses and most definitely the music! I love emotional movies and this one did not fail to deliver. The depth of emotions were adequately displayed by a brilliant cast. I hope and pray the director (Jamal Hill) continues to provide and create more fabulous movies for the world to enjoy. It's a wonderful watch and I highly recommend it! You have real empathy for the actors and the situations that they find themselves in. What I took away from the movie was you never really, really know people. Treachery, lies, deceit, dishonesty, are traits we all possess at one time or another. But this film builds on the dreams and experiences of the characters and eloquently displays what can, does and will happen if you work hard and focus. Fabulous film. Definitely looking forward to Jamal Hill's next endeavor!

The Time I Didn't Read A Review Before Watching The Movie

[traonah · 9/10 · 12 October 2016]

Are you serious?! I was SO not expecting that!

Going through Netflix the other night looking for a background distraction while cleaning, I came across this movie, Brotherly Love. I'm from Philly, so why not check it out?

Usually, I read about a movie before watching it. But, I read no synopsis, no reviews, and didn't care to know who was cast in this. Because the movie was just a distraction, I just hit the play and continued to clean.

And then it happened.

I stopped cleaning.

An unpredictable story line with an all-star cast kept me glued to the screen.

Great movies are simple in theory and challenging in execution. I imagine, to make a movie great, it requires two things: a good story and exceptional actors to tell it. This movie delivered on both.

----Who is this writer/director Jamal Hill? What else is he creating? How are there so many freakin' awesome actors in this ONE movie?!----

So, if you were wondering… no, I didn't finish my cleaning the other night. (I know you were wondering… yes, you were). Instead, I watched this movie, which had me thinking about it the next day, and the next, and the next.

We need more Mr. Hill. I'm just saying… we need more movies that command attention and that leave an impression. Very. Well. Done.

why so many fake reviews?

[saskpareki · 5/10 · 22 March 2021]

In a movie that wasnt even popular, what is the reason to put reviews saying 'exceptional' things, you wont earn anything from this. most 10* reviewers have only reviewed this film that nobody knows about haha its so funny...

Just a regular usa gangsters war of neighbourhoods. Nothing really to see here, an average movie. it was barely ok i really cant find anything to write about the movie

A must see movie; for sure. Wished it had been marketed better.

[ajbirchett · 10/10 · 27 April 2015]

Went to see movie in Detroit because my daughters wrote the lead song "No Love", written by Anesha and Antea Birchett. Even though the last name was spelled wrong for Antea (spelled it Birches :-(( I must say the movie is a must see for younger people (and older adults) growing up today facing the inner city struggles of peer pressure, and things that can "knock you off your square". In fact Parents if you want to score big see it with your kids. I am a job developer in the inner city of Detroit working with young adults referred by the Michigan Dept. of Human Services. I'm hoping to be able to show this movie (as required viewing) to our participants in a workshop. I give it a 10 just because of the unexpected twist that I totally didn't see coming.

NO LOVE FOR THE SCRIPT...!

[masonfisk · 4/10 · 5 July 2018]

An epic lite tale of making it out of the hood is the focus of Brotherly Love. Overbrimming w/plot & incident, this film begs to have been a series to work all the characters & plotlines. As it is, this movie which stars KeKe Palmer suffers from so much that we can't focus on what transpires in front of us. A shame since it is well shot & the actors do give it their all.

Superior

[hmhmortgage · 10/10 · 29 April 2015]

Loved this movie and I will definitely be going back again a 2nd time. This movie hits home to a lot of us Philadelphians. Me personally born and raised not having these actual situations happen in my life however I know a lot of individuals I grew up with that have experienced a lot of the actions that happened in the movie. I was taken by surprise at the end because I thought I had it all figured out.. Great Job Jamal Hill..

I am looking forward to your next project... Will there be a Brotherly Love 2?

We want more

Filmmakers positive message for our youth, The choices made in life and their consequences.

[mlkhil · 10/10 · 28 April 2015]

The movie "Brotherly Love" reminds me of such classic INDIE movies like "Cooley High" "Boyz in the Hood" and "West Side Story" which I have not seen in a long time. The casting is phenomenal! And the writing and directing was genius! The city of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia and other urban community adults and youth can relate to this movie personally by taking you inside the Taylor home with their struggles of single parenting, unemployment, drugs, violence, hopelessness and dreams. Which Kept me on a roller coaster ride from beginning to end! This movie has an awesome twist; no one I discussed it with expected the ending, surprise, surprise! This new generation filmmaker has a positive message for our youth and so much needed, (The choices made in life and their consequences). This movie deserves attention from Hollywood. LOVED IT!

A Must See... Great Storyline and Great Film!

[philosopherst · 10/10 · 5 February 2016]

This is such an amazing film and I seriously can't understand how it only brought in $1.9 million dollars. The story and acting are so real and too close to real everyday life in the streets of Philly. This film captures the reality of the streets, not some phony Hollywood story written by some clueless writer who is just recreating the classic shoot em up drug dealing story we see portrayed over and over. This film has a realness that feels like life a lot of us have seen in the streets of the city, with characters that we all knew and grew up with. And the story's twist and turns, even its mystery's, will keep you on your toes from beginning to ending. This is definitely Corey Hardrict's best portrayal thus far. Jamal Hill did an excellent job on this film, and this just goes to show you how much talent is left undiscovered in Hollywood.

Brotherly Love Real & Relevant!

[tyojacqueline · 10/10 · 29 April 2015]

Brotherly Love is the movie that speaks to ALL generations. This Dynamic Drama will touch your heart as it reflects moments of our youth that we all face-- those life events where your decisions can either make or break your dreams. Brotherly Love is relevant and real!

The main characters each played their roles in a way that clearly expressed a connection which complimented each and every scene. Cory Hardrict (American Sniper, 2014) is PHENOMENAL!

I appreciated the unpredictable plot twist which is lacking in many dramatic films. Quincy Brown, being a new comer to the film industry will surprise viewers as he skillfully plays a co-starring role that keeps up with the talent and versatility of KeKe Palmer.

It's a must see with the whole family to remind humanity that ALL LIVES matter!

There MUST be a SEQUEL in the making somewhere!!

[pa0401-1 · 10/10 · 31 May 2018]

Caution: This review contain spoilers!!! Brotherly Love depicts a strong portrayal of an urban Black family struggling despite adversaries. I believe that Jamal Hill did an awesome job with real life struggles in the film. Here are some analysis that indicates a sequel is needed for more professional critics to take the movie more seriously. *In the opening scene, it is important to understand how Jamal Hill left the perpetrator of the killing of Omar (Chris' cousin) and other kids from the kill open to be ANYONE. Chris was in the bathroom and may have thought he saw June... HE was the only one who saw June. Here, I felt the plot should have been deepened a bit because there is no indication in the movie that June did this. He may have been upset about the card game, but not enough to kill. Plus, at the beginning of the movie, June asked his friends if they had any updates about the homicide from the previous night... unaware. *Keke's (Jackie's) friend Trina seems to encourage her relationship with Chris. In the opening scene, she mentions his name in the bathroom AND then encourages Jackie to call him. Why would she do this knowing that there were conflicts with kids from the Bottom? Was Jackie's friend Trina in on this?-to set her and Chris up. It may have been a gesture on her part-being a friend or simply the way the plot was built. *Chris made SURE Jackie was nowhere near all the drama and violence that occurred. Initially, he asked her if she was allowed to keep company and she told him that was not a good idea. (Hindsight-My thought is that Chris had plans to ambush the entire family, but his plans were thwarted) Every time Jackie was with him, there was violence... the break in and shooting at the Taylor's house and violence at the party with Cram. *Sergio's friend may have been set up to break into the House on the Hill. When Sergio went upstairs and opened the drawer, he closed it quickly after it revealed that it was the house of Chris Collins as Jackie's necklace and remnants of June's money taken during the robbery was in the drawer. NOTE: Jackie was wearing the necklace at the end of the movie. How did she get the necklace back if this was the night that everything went down? *Also, Chris gave June the information to get back at the goons who robbed him so that they would not eventually talk and expose him. He was covering his tracks. He didn't want anything to lead back to him and I think at this point he was considering not going through with his plan. After Jackie told him that June is a straight up gangster and should not be crossed, Chris knew that he had to go through with his plan or June would kill him if he found out that he was at the center of all the drama. CHRIS WAS A STRAIGHT UP GANGSTA. *Chris bodied people throughout the movie. He killed June's friend, Bunch AND arranged the home invasion at the Taylors the night he took Jackie to the studio. Remember the money that Sergio saw in the drawer of the house they broke into? (back to that again) *At the end of the movie, it was revealed that Jackie had a child, but viewers assumed that she was not forwarding her life. She could be attending music school or engaged in something else to further herself. Any thoughts? These are just mine. I do believe that there is a need for a sequel to this movie. Jamal Hill has definitely stepped up his game EVEN MORE over the last three years. He will BLOW theatres out of the water with a sequel.

We need a sequel

[cthomas-07553 · 9/10 · 16 November 2018]

This movie was so good and Quincy played such a good role I hated him in real life. Love this movie. Just shows how you can never trust anyone! We need a sequel and would love to see how their lives played out

We need a sequel!

[francoischristana · 10/10 · 30 August 2021]

OMG I was not prepared for how this movie ended. You never know someone's true motive be careful who you associate yourself with. I'm sure Jackie was not aware that she was betraying her brother, but that will weigh on her for the rest of her life especially considering she got pregnant by the enemy.

watch. watch. watch

[marseanrice · 8/10 · 30 November 2016]

This movie is truly enjoyable. Being as though I have a Netflix account, I have been fortunate enough to watch this film multiple times. most likely, I've watched this movie about 7 or 8 times. if you are one who does not have access to the movie, in my opinion, it would be worth the $10 you'll spend to rent it. With great actresses like Keke Palmer and actors Quincy Brown and Cory Hardwick Jr., this film was destine to be a hit with the younger audience.

This movie is basically about the community in Philadelphia, which is divided between the upper class and the middle/ lower class. Although they don't get along, all the students attend Overbrook High. The story follows a group of siblings who pay the price for their oldest brother June's decision to kill a few upper class dealers. A cousin of one of the boys ( Quincy Brown), who was murdered and witnessed the shooting, plans revenge by sweeping the sister off her feet, just to get close to the brother that committed the murders. it all comes back to haunt the family.

Some cinematography included in this film are Slow Motion and Zoom and short like blinking clips. One example of the Slowed Motion scenes is when June has the big basketball game against a rival school. When he scores throughout the game, it is slowed down to emphasize his impact on the game and how well he is playing. Also when he scores the winning basket.

If I had to change one thing abut this film, it would most likely be the ending. The brother is murdered by the cousin and leaves the sister heartbroken with the loss of her brother and the actions of her first real love and significant other. I would have let June live and the cousin gets past what happen to his cousin.

Lesson in choices and consequences

[mlkhilmh · 10/10 · 12 February 2016]

This movie was spot on! I watched it with my children and grandchildren on Netflix. The movie started right from the beginning with a BIG bang! It took me right to the neighborhood I know so well "THE HOOD!" Reminding me that even though we have so little of material things, family is the most important. The Taylor Family is like so many other homes, single mother with children trying to survive. Even though the majority of the cast are young, I felt a connection to my teenage years and it gave me a good feeling inside. I am glad my youngsters had the opportunity to see this awesome movie because it was a excellent lesson in choices and consequences. This story reminds me of such classic movies as, "Boyz in the Hood", "Cooley High" and "West Side Story." The ending is a definite jaw dropper, never seen it coming! Thumbs up to the writer, director Jamal Hill and a great young cast and Cory Hardrict's most phenomenal performance yet, Keke Palmer and Quincy were superb! This is definitely "The New Hollywood!"

Best Movie Ever

[myagalloway · 10/10 · 19 December 2016]

I have watched this movie about a million times, Its so good. Sequel Needed. Please make a sequel I love this movie so much and I need more. This movie makes me so emotionally and is what real life is about. And what goes on in real life. But it is such a good movie. I recommended this movie for any one every one. I mean please please please make a sequel. I feel like I got left hanging. Or can you you do a sequel with a different end where he doesn't give in and shoot him. I mean you do know how much it would mean to have another one like this is the best movie I have ever watched to be honest. Nothing can catch up to this. Not even Love and Basketball.

Please make another one!!!!!

[jessicagregory-69656 · 10/10 · 18 September 2016]

This movie was just so touching and had a story to it. I really would like if a second one was made. I loved the movie, I loved the actors in it, and I loved the message that was persuade. I appreciated everything that the movie stands for because there needs to be attention brought to issues like this and how to overcome it all. I truly believe that a second brotherly love should be made with another message of how everybody is doing now and what's going on In their lives and how they overcome other challenges when it comes to violence please make a second brotherly love! I know that the younger audience will definitely understand what you all are saying and the message that you guys are portraying. It gets to us and we can understand. I am just filled with joy because the audience that have reached can relate to a lot of things that happened in the movie. So they will feel what is supposed to be felt and I believe that they will make a change in the society today, in our generation today. Thank you for putting it out there and letting it be known that we need to make a difference we need to step up and be the bigger person and take a stand to violence.

Modern Day Classic!

[epolidore · 10/10 · 28 April 2015]

It just felt right! Awesome movie, awesome cast, awesome production. As a 21 year old it's nice to see what our generation can contribute to film and this will be one of those classics that kids will watch 20 years from now. Young Black Hollywood was so well represented in this - Keke Palmer, Logan Browning, Jay Lewis, Justin Martin, and more. The promo was dope for this because some of the cast members visited my school and we appreciated that. I'm glad Cory hardrict could shine bright in this because he's truly talented and Hollywood needs to see him more! Brotherly Love was well written and surprisingly did not end how I thought! Jamal Hill is an inspiration because I've seen his other films and the growth from those to this gives young filmmakers and dreamers hope. Go see it now!

Very Good Flick

[amalasmagic · 8/10 · 27 April 2015]

I thought this movie was predictable until it got near the end ... then everything flipped. Interesting surprises. All the good guys aren't good and all the bad aren't that bad. Lots of actors I haven't seen before, so in that regard it was very fresh. I hope to see some of these young actors in the near future. See if you can find one of the young actors from The Wire in this. Tell the director to keep on directing ... This film reminded me of Spike Lee's earlier films, such as She's Got to Have It; a little rough around the edges but valuable nonetheless. It's not too violent, not too much sex, and not too much profanity. Okay for teens; lessons can be learned without the overkill of other "in the hood" movies. It's short in length and worth $10.00 or so. I'm middle aged, wasn't bored with the teen stuff and was completely taken off guard and was refreshed by the ending.

This was surprisingly really good!

[ljwilder · 10/10 · 5 May 2015]

I really didn't expect much for this movie, I guess because there wasn't much hype behind it. I only went to go see it because my friend had seen it and said he wanted to see it again because it was good. I thought nothing of it and just went along since he was paying :-) I started out yawning while watching the previews because we'd gotten there early and had to wait a while before the movie started. But once it started, I was up and stayed up the entire time because the action started from beginning to end. I thought this movie was underrated but excellent! It was interesting literally from beginning to end and has some great morals in the story. The writer did an excellent job!

Amazing!

[dennys_reynoso · 10/10 · 1 March 2016]

This movies was amazing! This movie took the viewer through the journey of the characters who were well played by the cast. This movie made you feel every moment and emotion the characters went through such as happiness, fear, love and tears. It's a great coming of age movie that shared a strong message throughout the movie. Not only was this shocking but it was unexpected. This movie just wants you asking for more, it would be great if there was a second part to this. Plus I would also acknowledge the crew that was behind this movie and who made this possible it couldn't have been any better! Please consider making a second movie this was great!

The Ultimate Urban Love Story!

[jhillcecec · 10/10 · 20 February 2016]

This is a movie I've been waiting for for quite sometime! I'll say since Love Jones. Very much impressed with the performance of Cory Hardrict and believe his acting skills are par excellent. The social and urban issues addressed brought me back to SW Philly and the dialogue was on point. Keke Palmer acting and singing talents are a force to be reckoned with but Quincy Brown played his role and strong! The song "No Love" is a smooth groove that should have at least made the Top 40 list but there's hope that there will be a soundtrack? Several scenes to my surprise were filled with the twists that I still can't wrap my mind around. Unpredictable and genius move! Kudos to Director, Jamal Hill. Looking forward to the next production!