Brother John [DVD]

I thought I had seen every Sidney Poitier movie, but I hadn't seen this one. To be honest ... if Poitier weren't the leading man, I probably wouldn't have seen this one through. His acting as always, is so mesmerizing, it's worth it just to watch and admire him as an actor! It's an odd sort of movie that put me in the mind of the movie Joe Black. In both, the leading men are somewhat aloof, charming, and fascinating to watch and listen to. Yet, they represent something ... is it sinister, or ethereal or simply life and death itself & all that's in between? There is a touching love interest between Poitier's character, John Kane, with the character of Louisa, a schoolteacher. And there is one man in town, an old Doctor who delivered John Kane and seems to come to understand who Kane is and what he represents. It was worth a watch for me ... I stopped short of 5 stars because this movie was interesting but not necessarily enjoyable .... even so, definitely worth viewing if you love Sidney Poitier.

Like Fragment of Fear (which was also released in 1970)I happened upon this movie while channel surfing back in the 1980's. From beginning to end, I was taken in by the mystery shrouding the main character John Kane. Who, or what Brother John is, remains a bit of a mystery. There are, however, some pretty strong (yet subtle) implications regarding the nature of the man in question. There is also quite a bit of sociopolitical and racial commentary, which is not unusual for a Vietnam era film. Furthermore, the film touches on philosophical and moral issues that give it a depth beyond the deceptively simple plot. There is, in fact, a thought provoking question about the nature of humanity, and the moral implications of its actions towards members of its own species, as well as those of others throughout its brief history on the planet. The script is superb conceptually, and implies (without actually stating) that other-worldly beings are responsible for the creation, or at least the evolution, of Man as a so-called rational animal. Furthermore, there is also the insinuation that a member of that race (in human form) once checked on our progress, and gave an unfavorable report to say the least. Now almost 2000 years later, another observer (or perhaps the same one in a different human form) has been sent to make a record of current (circa 1970) activity all over the globe. The purpose of this is to decide whether the human experiment was a failure or a success, and whether or not it should be shut down. In short, the question simply put is: Does humanity as a species deserve to survive, or are its sins too great? Deep questions indeed, which might make the viewers of this film question their own moral standing. That aside, however, the acting of Sidney Poitier and company is superb, and I can't help but marvel at the fact that such a hidden gem has practically been forgotten over the decades.

This is the most unusual headline I've ever written for a review.This is a different movie, definitely one that can be interpreted in different ways, though I have read synopses that are more definite in describing it.This was certainly an unusual character and one probably will not know what to make of Poitier's "John Kane." A lesser actor in this role would have been disastrous.If you like to "color outside the lines" and watch films that are thought-provoking and not your typical Hollywood film, you might give this a go. If you prefer something that is simple and more formulaic, you might move on.I love watching Sidney Poitier so I'm curious to see all his work; this was the 11th film I've watched. It will NEVER be a favorite. Maybe some day I'd watch it again to see it from a different angle. Not an easy film to review or to see. Be prepared.

Brother John is surely one of Sidney Poitier's odder characters. It's the same Poitier and his character is played in typical Poitier fashion, same voice, same looks, same gestures. But who, or maybe more to the point, what, is Brother John? He has been away traveling the world for many years and the movie begins with him mysteriously turning up in his hometown upon the death of his sister, just as he did years before at the death of his parents. It is not known how he knew that she had died. He seems to have other strange knowledge as well, about people and life. His calm observing demeanor and always slightly sad expression suggest that he's not telling all the secrets he knows. A police officer and a rival for a local woman try to beat him up and are handled as easily as a black belt handling a beer-bellied bubba. His responses to some of the casual questions put to him by townsfolk and the few elements of his back story that are revealed only add to the deep mystery and almost Christ-like aura that builds around him. In the end he disappears and you're left wondering not only who he was but what his true message and mission were.

I like the calm way that Sidney Poitier performs - always unflustered and goes about his performing in an assured manner. Of course, his roles are very good ones. I have been disappointed with some great actors who have two or three good movies but then too much of the remainder are not worth paying for or wasting ones time viewing - Not with Mr. Poitier - has consistently produced quality movies. I highly recommend Sidney Poitier who deserves accolades for his professionalism and talent that he has shared with us generously. Enjoy! PapaEv

Worthwhile movie

I remember watching this as a child and loved it. It's not a great film, but it was original and had a lot of potential. There are some gems in this film and definitely a story I would love to revisit as a filmmaker.