PodBill Just what I expected

Adeel Hail Unshakable, witty and deeply felt, the film will be paying emotional dividends for a long, long time.

Derry Herrera Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Ariella Broughton It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

robert23-1 I completely disagree with the "negative reviews" but totally agree with the current rating. Although this movie was made 17 years' ago, I came across it on a Gay Movies site and I'm glad I did. If it weren't for the outstanding performance of Ben Whishaw(Tom), this movie would not have succeeded as it portrayed the sexual abuses experienced by young persons which continue to exist, sadly, today! The performance of the female lead was commendable, but it is Whishaw's performance that keeps you focused the entire time. Whishaw, with 8 wins, including Best Actor(MBT) from the 2001 Sochi(Russia) International Film Festival and Most Promising Newcomer (MBT) from the 2001 British Independent Film Award, and 15 nominations is worth watching in any movie he is in. He makes other actors better because of his performance. I have seen Whishaw in other movies and I'm glad I found him in this one. It's no wonder his career has taken off as evidenced by the filmography which includes current pre & post production. Children are so vulnerable to sexual predators and parents & children should watch this movie!! Congrats Ben & Jenna!!

milicentbrovovich This is a beautiful movie, perhaps not in a purely aesthetic sense, it has the hand-held camera and no shiny, polished or pretty cinematography, but if it did, this film would lose so much of what makes it raw, real and ultimately beautiful. Most films are pure escapism, meant for enjoyment, or thoughtful pondering, this film feels like a very personal one. It's not a fast-paced, exciting blockbuster but what it is is a patient, careful, beautifully crafted tale of abuse, and love of nature and spirit. It is a harsh look at how an adult can damage and hurt a child, and the performances from both leads are to be commended; a wonderful, almost fairy tale like story that perfectly captures the innocence of youth, a joyous love of nature and wonder that can be found in it and in other people. I loved this film. It broke my heart and had be sobbing but I loved in nonetheless, maybe I loved it because it made me really feel. Beautiful.

s33a2d17 I was lucky enough to catch My Brother Tom yesterday on the only showing this movie ever got in theaters in The Netherlands. With an audience of only 3, including myself, I wonder what is wrong with movie lovers these days. In general terms, the movie is about how a traumatic event affects the lives of two teenagers. Their view of the world is altered, their 'innocence' lost, as they discover that the outside world is a cruel and indifferent one, and that youthful peace and joy only remains within themselves - and between two people, if at all. 'They never listen' Tom says at one point, voicing an all too familiar (but true) sentiment among teenagers with or without scars.The acting is wonderful and refreshing, although I did think both actors appeared older than their roles which at times interfered with the story. But perhaps that can't be helped with a subject like this. To see that this is Jenna Harrison's first role, amazes me, she's a natural. Whishaw's acting as Tom left me wondering 'what is wrong with that guy' as if he had some kind of mental condition. But at all times I wondered about Tom, not Whishaw - they were one and the same, as far as I was concerned.The film felt almost like a fairytale at times, albeit a dark one. The bond between Tom and Jessica is painfully believable, and wonderfully disarming at the same time. It felt real, and that is a great achievement.

Libretio MY BROTHER TOM Aspect ratio: 1.85:1Sound format: Dolby DigitalFollowing an episode of sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted neighbor, young Jessica (Jenna Harrison) forms a relationship with a strange boy (Ben Whishaw) she meets in the woods. Unfortunately, Whishaw has secrets of his own, no less troubling and far more dangerous...Dour drama, sparked by brave performances by Harrison and Whishaw, in which two kindred spirits immerse themselves in a mutual love of nature after being traumatized by their experiences in the 'real world'. Unfortunately, their friendship unravels as harsh reality begins to intrude, leading to an inevitable tragedy. Directed by Dom Rotheroe and photographed in digital video format, the movie looks ragged in places (too many awkward close-ups and sloppy hand-held camera moves) and takes a while to find its feet, but the dramatic pay-off is quietly rewarding.