Cecilia Galatolo
The bond between brothers and sisters has inspired stories and artistic representations as far back as we can remember. Suffice it to say that the tale of Cain and Abel is among the first we find in the Bible – and certainly not the only one.
Innumerable films explore brotherhood and sisterhood, too.
Envy and spats, mistakes and offences, reconciliation and solidarity: the silver screen offers us all this and so much more when it comes to sibling relationships.
Let’s reflect on a few aspects of this unique bond, taking a look at various well-known films.
Little Women and the connection amongst sisters
Little Women, a famous novel by Louisa May Alcott, has come to life on the big screen in a number of films. In fact, the latest – released in 2019, and written and directed by Greta Gerwig – is the seventh film adaptation of the book.
The story is set in 1865, in the middle of the American Civil War.
Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are the protagonists, four teenage sisters in a family with modest economic means. The core of the story focuses on the bond between these girls, who have a deep connection despite their immense differences.
Opportunism gives way to affection: Rain Man
Rain Man is a 1988 film directed by Barry Levinson, starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, which won a number of awards, including four Oscars.
The story explores the delicate topic of disability. Charlie, a debt-ridden career man, learns that his deceased father has left almost all his inheritance – $3 million – to an older brother he never knew he had: Raymond.
The man, who has a form of autism, was taken to a facility by his parents when he was little in order to keep him from hurting his younger brother. Charlie decides to take custody of Raymond just to have access to his money. Yet, slowly, he discovers that he loves him, and his greed eventually gives way to affection. He also realizes that the strange character who used to sing songs to him as a child and whom he innocently called “Rain Man” wasn’t a figment of his imagination, but actually existed and was his own brother…
From shame to gratitude for diversity: My Brother Chases Dinosaurs
This 2019 film directed by Stefano Cipani is based on a true story, inspired by the novel by Giacomo Mazzariol. It’s the story of a boy, Giacomo, who is ashamed of his brother Gio (Giovanni) because he has down syndrome.
To impress his new high school classmates, Giacomo, embarrassed of Gio, completely hides the existence of his special younger brother.
The film masterfully presents all the consequences of dishonesty. The mountain of lies comes crashing down eventually.
Giacomo loses people’s respect and trust since he deceived them, but he also learns a lesson: his brother is unique, inimitable, and deserves his love.
Envy and repentance in Joseph: King of Dreams
Joseph: King of Dreams is a well-known animated film from by DreamWorks made in 2000. It was loosely inspired by the biblical story of Joseph, Jacob and Rachel’s favorite son, who was deceived and sold by his brothers out of envy.
Joseph, who has the gift of dream interpretation, becomes the Pharaoh’s advisor in Egypt and, in times of famine, the brothers who had disowned him years earlier turn up at his court to ask for grain.
They don’t recognize Joseph, now changed and well-dressed – but he recognizes them. He tests them, to see if their hearts have changed. Forgiveness and reconciliation follow.
It’s a film to enjoy with the whole family!
