Sam Cahill is happily married to Grace (played by Natalie Portman), and has two loving daughters with her. He's however a Marine, and leaving for an assignment in Afghanistan. At the same time, his brother Tommy has just been freed from prison, and will come live with Sam's family.

Soon the word word comes that Sam has died, a shock to everyone. Over the weeks and months Grace becomes increasingly close with Tommy, until it turns out that Sam has survived. He returns home, but is mentally severely scarred by his violent experiences, which sets up the rest of the story.

It's a rare treat to find a movie like Brothers, where every scene and expression is worthy of your attention. Grace and the brothers are all interesting and credible characters that you want to learn more of. I'll refer to Ebert's review for an in-depth commentary, and just summarize that this is excellent serious drama.

Of Grace and Sam's children Bailee has a pretty ordinary role as Isabelle. Taylor as the younger daughter Maggie makes a solid impression though. Maybe it was her interesting and expressive face that made me want to view all of her scenes several times. I struggle to define why her performance is so much above the ordinary, but it's safe to say she's a natural actress, lively without over-acting. The character is fairly strong-willed, energetic, and as her sister comments with some envy, loved by all because she's so lovable. The only thing I'd want to change about the role is its smallish screen time.

During the time that Sam is believed to be dead, the girls grow close with Tommy, who turns out to be a natural father figure. When Sam returns, the children find him changed and alien, as well as a threat to their relationship with Tommy. While the brothers' relationship with Grace is the main focus, the reactions of the girls are important in making the men feel welcome or outsiders in the family.

The movie has been directed by Jim Sheridan, who also directed outstanding In America. Both movies have more or less first timer child actresses with superb performances. Then again perhaps it was Natalie who first discovered Taylor and brought her into this movie: Natalie directed a segment in New York, I Love You, released the same year, and Taylor had a major role in it.