The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 27, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Film›Brothers
Entertainment • Film

Brothers

Brothers is a 2009 American psychological thriller war film directed by Jim Sheridan and written by David Benioff.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Brothers is a 2009 American psychological thriller war film directed by Jim Sheridan and written by David Benioff. It stars Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman, and is a remake of the 2004 Danish film Brødre. The film screened in Canada under the English title Brothers and its Quebec French title is Frères.

Plot

The film follows Sam Cahill, a Marine who is presumed dead after his helicopter is shot down in Afghanistan. Back home, his brother Tommy grows close to Sam’s wife Grace and children before Sam unexpectedly returns.

Production

Brothers was directed by Jim Sheridan and written by David Benioff. It is a remake of Susanne Bier’s 2004 Danish film Brødre.

Cast

The principal cast features Tobey Maguire as Sam Cahill, Jake Gyllenhaal as Tommy Cahill, and Natalie Portman as Grace Cahill.

Themes

The film explores family strain, trauma, grief, loyalty, and the effects of war on returning soldiers and their relationships.

Key facts

  • The film was released in 2009 and is an American remake of the Danish film Brothers (Brødre).
  • Jim Sheridan directed the film; David Benioff wrote the screenplay.
  • The main cast includes Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman.
  • The plot centres on a Marine presumed dead in Afghanistan, his brother, and the effects of his return on the family.
  • The film draws inspiration from Homer’s Odyssey, as did the 2004 Danish original.
🍁
Canadian context

The film screened and circulated in Canada under the English title Brothers, and its Quebec French title is Frères.

Frequently asked questions

What is Brothers about?
It follows a Marine presumed dead in Afghanistan, his brother who supports the family, and the conflict that develops when he returns home.
Who directed Brothers?
Jim Sheridan directed the film.
Is Brothers a remake?
Yes. It is an American remake of the 2004 Danish film Brothers (Brødre).
Who stars in Brothers?
The film stars Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Natalie Portman.
What genre is Brothers?
It is generally classified as a psychological thriller and war film.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brothers_(2009_film)
    Supports: Year, director, writer, genre, remake status, and plot overview.
  2. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1213999-brothers
    Supports: Synopsis, cast, genre, runtime, and release details.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0765010/
    Supports: Plot summary, cast, and remake relationship to the Danish film.
  4. Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brothers_(film,_2009)
    Supports: Quebec French title and release information.
  5. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/70114495
    Supports: Short synopsis and cast listing.