No. 105 (2021) MY BROTHERS AND I (Mes freres, et moi). Dec. 24th.

 

Film No. 105 (2021)  December 24th.  8:00 PM SOMERVILLE Outdoor U.W.A.                        

"Oh, so you're calling me "girl"? Fine, I'll just wait here nice and easy!" (Sarah lets Nour's brother,Abel, know how she intends to wait for her pupil).

MES FRERES ET MOI created a buzz at Cannes Fest 2021 (Nominee Un Certain Regard) with it's earthy, coming of age theme set on the coast, in a less fashionable region of the south of France.

In his first feature film Yohan Manca has written a film which gives him the opportunity to use talented opera singer/actor Judith Chemia in a lead role. Chemia also happens to be his real-life partner; she plays Sarah, the opera singer, seconded to the region to conduct classes for young locals who have a dream to perform.

One of those with a dream is Nour, a handsome, dark-skinned Jael Mouin Berrandou, who accidently comes across one of Sarah's classes. He is working for small change in his summer break, so he might contribute to his mother's health-care. Sarah instantly recognises a young man's eagerness to learn. He wants to sing to stimulate his mum from her dormant state. Sarah instantly likes Nour and is keen to offer him every opportunity.

While the Sarah and Nour relationship is heart warming, the real bond on show in MY BROTHERS is the kinship between Nour and his brothers as they work as a unit to care for their critically ill mother, but at the same time enjoy this fateful summer. A warm summer that will meld them as one, through years to come. 

Manca has created a real crowd pleaser and the ending to a good crowd pleaser needs to leave us with hope. We have built a deep affection for the four lads and we leave them knowing they are good, resilient men. Given what they have achieved this summer, they know their place in the world. 10GUMS.