Genre: Adventure/ Drama/Family
Release Date: June 19, 2018* for National American Eagle Day
Distributor: Epic Family/Epic Pictures Group
Cast: Jean Reno, Manuel Camacho, and Tobias Moretti
Director: Gerardo Olivares, Otmar Penker
Written by: Joanne Reay
Running time: 1hr 38 minutes
Rating: This film is not yet rated
Reviewer Rating: 4 stars
Admittedly, I’m a sucker for a good nature film, but if you had asked my younger self to watch this, I probably would have wanted to poke my eyes out rather than watch anything to do with wildlife. When approached to review Brothers of the Wind, I immediately jumped at the chance after watching the trailer. The story follows young Lukas (Manuel Camacho), whose strained relationship with Keller (Tobias Moretti), his slightly overbearing father, leads him to find solace in nature. At peace in the wilderness among the woodland creatures, Lukas finds his own way in the world and in life.
(L-R) Lukas listens as Danzer reads a story of two brothers
Brothers of the Wind is narrated by the amazing Jean Reno who plays Danzer, a man of the wild who also loves nature. Danzer takes Lukas under his belt for the summer as they try to help a baby eagle that has been forced from his nest by his older sibling. The film explores the many sides of both human nature and wildlife as Lukas and the eagle fight to survive in a sometimes harsh environment. There is an undertone of a religious connection between the two eagle brothers, aptly named Cain and Abel. It is Abel that is forced out, young and weak, falling from the nest. When Lukas stumbles upon the abandoned baby bird, he takes Abel to his secret hideout to care for the bug-bitten and frightened creature.
Lukas with a young Abel bonding
Brothers of the Wind tells a coming of age tale about a young boy who finds himself as he grows to care and love his new feathered friend Abel. But if Abel is to survive in the wild, Lukas must accept that he must set the eagle free. Coping with the death of his mother and handling his complicated relationship with his embittered father, Lukas finds parting ways with Abel more difficult than he imagined. With Danzer’s help, Lukas finds strength but there are many bumps and perils along the way. Both Lukas’ and Abel’s journeys parallel each other as each tries to make it in the world alone. “To let go is to be free…free from the past; free to believe that destinies can change.” Danzer’s words resonate with Lukas.
Lukas and his father have a complicated relationship as do many parents with their children.
Camacho does a brilliant job of portraying a conflicted yet spirited young boy at odds with his father. He gives a tremendous performance while interacting with the wildlife and his relationship with the baby eagle is truly heartwarming. Moretti also gives a fantastic performance. Although his character may be perceived as the main antagonist, Keller is also the catalyst for Lukas to find his own way in the world, eventually returning to his father. And Reno is as commanding as ever. As Danzer, he narrates the story for the audience while also providing Lukas with a friend who is a kindred spirit. It seems Lukas could be the younger version of Danzer.
Danzer helps Lukas set Abel free into the wild so that the young eagle will have a chance to survive
Brothers of the Wind is visually stunning. It’s also very thoughtful and enlightening. It’s the tried and true tale of man and beast, so to speak, but in this instance, it is a boy and an eagle, each growing and learning how to survive. The cinematography and the beautifully shot wildlife from the Austrian/Italian borders took my breath away. If you love watching nature shows like Blue Planet or Earth, then you will enjoy Brothers of the Wind.
While there are some harrowing scenes in Brothers of the Wind, including some fearsome wolves and animals hunting, the entire film is family friendly. I highly recommend this film for anyone looking for a wholesome, endearing, and enlightening adventure.
Abel soaring high above
*Brothers of the Wind will also be available on DVD June 19, 2018. Brothers of the Wind will be on demand everywhere (Dish, DirecTV, Charter, Spectrum, Comcast/Xfinity, Verizon Fios, Cox, SlingTV, iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, FandangoNOW, Google Play, Microsoft/Xbox) with a limited theatrical engagement in Los Angeles and Santa Ana, California, including special screenings with nature, bird, and family organizations across the nation.
For more on the film, go to https://epic-pictures.com/film/brothers-of-the-wind#details
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Photos ©2018 Epic Pictures Group. All Rights Reserved.
Judy Manning
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