Brotherly Love

I loved this movie, the story line, the actors and actresses and most definitely the music! I love emotional movies and this one did not fail to deliver. The depth of emotions were adequately displayed by a brilliant cast. I hope and pray the director (Jamal Hill) continues to provide and create more fabulous movies for the world to enjoy. It's a wonderful watch and I highly recommend it! You have real empathy for the actors and the situations that they find themselves in. What I took away from the movie was you never really, really know people. Treachery, lies, deceit, dishonesty, are traits we all possess at one time or another. But this film builds on the dreams and experiences of the characters and eloquently displays what can, does and will happen if you work hard and focus. Fabulous film. Definitely looking forward to Jamal Hill's next endeavor!

I attended the press junket for "Brotherly Love" and writer/director Jamal Hill couldn't have said it better, it's as if he read my mind, in that it's been a while since movies like this have graced our screen. Lately, we only rely on Tyler Perry to deliver us movies about black culture, not just his Madea movies obviously, the ones he produces as well, but for stories about struggling teenagers, it's been a long, long, while. Of course, John Singleton's "Boyz N The Hood" set the bar really high, but I think what Jamal Hill has accomplished with BROTHERLY LOVE is worth noticing. The quality may be very indie but the story and the characters are all too familiar.

Set in West Philadelphia, which I've visited a few times in the past. With the backdrop of the famed Overbrook high school, BROTHERLY LOVE focuses on a family. Older brother June (Cory Hardrict) who had to give up his B-ball dream and become 'the father' when their father died resulting in their mother losing all hopes and responsibility. June has to provide for his family, so he hustles and rolls in gangster life. His brother, Sergio (Eric D. Hill Jr) is the school's basketball star and June is determined to live vicariously through him, to make sure that Sergio doesn't end up like he does, that Sergio gets to be what he used to dream of becoming. Their younger sister, Keke Palmer, is an aspiring musician who finds herself distracted by her crush, Chris Collins, who comes from a wealthy family, his dad manages famous artists and musicians. The lower class don't mingle with he upper class, there's suspicion and animosity, but let's face it, who can really get in between blossoming young young romance.

We either have one in our family or extended family or we know of one or two folks in our circle of friends who had to throw in the towel on their dreams and future ambitions because something came up and they're forced to wear a different 'hat' in their family, too early on in the game. BROTHERLY LOVE may be an African American-centered film with African American cast and filmmakers but the story is universal. And what's entertaining about this drama is that there's a bit of "On The Waterfront," there's a bit of "West Side Story" feel to it too. It's clear that this comes from a filmmaker who loves movies, and Jamal also injects a surprise twist ending that you wouldn't see coming a mile away, even M. Night Shyamalan probably couldn't figure it out. BROTHERLY LOVE is about the choices we make, we often argue that there's no choice, we have to do this, we have to do this, it's the only way, but the fact is there is always a choice, and what we ultimately decide would bring consequences that could be either rewarding or deadly.

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Brotherly Love, is a Hollywood drama film, was written and directed by Jamal Hill in 2015. This movie takes place in Philadelphia. This city struggles with everyday conflicts between The Hill Top and The Bottom Top. The movie is based on a high-school basketball player, Sergio, who is trying to balance his dreams, home and community challenges. His sister, Jackie, wants to go to a music school and has to deal to hide her forbidden relationship with her boyfriend Chris. After their dad died, their older brother, June, had to step up to provide for the family by being part of the gang life. The mom was hugely impacted by her husband's death. She is unemployed, an abuser of drugs and alcohol. They each are hoping they can overcome their goals. The movie Creed, was directed by Ryan Coogler, is about a former boxer's son, Adonis Johnson. He is trained and mentored by his father's friend, Rocky Balboa. He is determined to face the deadliest opponent. Creed and Brotherly love are very similar. In both movies they do not give up until they are on the spot they want to be in. Sergio and Adonis are dedicated to their sports. They put in extra work while trying to deal with obstacles along the way. I watched both films multiple times and never ends up disappointing me. The second and third time I watch them I paid more closely attention to details and enjoyed the movies even more. Anyone that's involved with drugs, gangs, and violence can clearly relate to this film. I can relate to Brotherly Love; I have an uncle and cousin they are involved in crimes. The plot is so real. A lot of people can somehow relate to it. The director captured the reality of what happens in Brotherly Love, Philadelphia. Jamal Hill recreates a drug dealing shooting story by adding mystery, twists and turns throughout the whole film. The ending is unexpected and very shocking. The rap music and the sound effects made a huge impact on the story; it brings the story together and adds more emphasis. The acting was like no other movie which makes it more realistic and believable.

Brotherly Love brings deep emotions such as happiness, anger, laughter, and even sadness. Jamal Hill brings the viewer in by feeling sympathy for the characters. This movie gets deep down inside the viewer and makes one think about one's circumstances and surroundings. It also makes the viewer rethink about whom he or she should actually trust and who will betray you.

Anyone who's been involved with crimes can learn from this film, but mostly teens. Teenagers can learn about the reality in certain cities. They can also think about the choices they make and the consequences that follows along. A choice makes a difference in someone's live which can either become rewarding or become a mistake that can even cause one's life. The consequence is what will stay with you forever. Violence is not the answer for anything; it will not get anyone nowhere. Trouble will always be around, but it just depends if you chose to pass or be stuck in the same circle of violence. There are other options besides violence. There is no going back, just going forward. Sometimes you are given a second chance so one should make it count.

Jamal Hill has done an exceptional job with this story of forbidden love. The cinematography is superb and Keke Palmer and Cory Hardrict do an outstanding job. The narrative is very compelling. A great cast and production. Starting with a twist on the "typical" tale of a school girl crush, Brotherly Love takes us to the great streets of Philly with a new but still classic tale. The soundtrack is another great asset to the film and overall I very much enjoyed this film. This film made me think of a classic films Aaron Loves Angela, Cooley High and believe it or not, even Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Macy Gray per usual is always a delight to see as she plays the mother of Jackie (Palmer), Sergio (Eric D. Jill, Jr.) and June. Quincy Brown (also in DOPE) is a great male, love interest. I am looking forward to more films from Jamal Hill and also from Flavor Unit films.

Are you serious?! I was SO not expecting that!

Going through Netflix the other night looking for a background distraction while cleaning, I came across this movie, Brotherly Love. I'm from Philly, so why not check it out?

Usually, I read about a movie before watching it. But, I read no synopsis, no reviews, and didn't care to know who was cast in this. Because the movie was just a distraction, I just hit the play and continued to clean.

And then it happened.

I stopped cleaning.

An unpredictable story line with an all-star cast kept me glued to the screen.

Great movies are simple in theory and challenging in execution. I imagine, to make a movie great, it requires two things: a good story and exceptional actors to tell it. This movie delivered on both.

----Who is this writer/director Jamal Hill? What else is he creating? How are there so many freakin' awesome actors in this ONE movie?!----

So, if you were wondering… no, I didn't finish my cleaning the other night. (I know you were wondering… yes, you were). Instead, I watched this movie, which had me thinking about it the next day, and the next, and the next.

We need more Mr. Hill. I'm just saying… we need more movies that command attention and that leave an impression. Very. Well. Done.