Jean Jacque Annaud
Due Fratelli

LA RECENSIONE

A semi-unknown and little-publicized film, "Two Brothers" by Jacques Annaud, director of "The Bear", is considered by many to be a documentary due to various directing techniques and the very detailed shots of the actions of the two animals. To me, it's not so because humans also intervene in the plot, and with their dialogues and presence, they help to weave a very precise story, influencing the narrative and making the film not a documentary but rather a fairy tale for everyone.

The "Two Brothers" are Sanghal and Kumal, two tiger cubs who live freely among the ruins of an ancient temple in India; two completely different characters, the first is brave and enterprising, the other more docile. The two are inseparable and spend their days between play and escapades until some statue hunters separate them. One destined for the circus, the other as a pet for the son of a wealthy man.

Years pass, and the two cubs have become two beautiful tigers: a circus star and a ferocious fighting machine, two different stories that at some point intertwine. By chance, they find themselves facing each other in an arena and battling for survival, or so it seems.

During the combat scene, however, Sanghal pins Kumal down and a beautiful flashback breaks the scene: just a look in each other's eyes was enough for the two brothers to remember their past when they were still free and had not encountered the cruel hand of man. Here the tiger show begins, where instead of fighting, they play cheerfully in front of the amazed crowd, and through a series of circumstances, they manage to escape: from here it is all fun.

It is not an intense film, the story flows quickly and pleasantly, giving ample space to feelings and beautiful shots, thus becoming almost a fairy tale, but this is only realized at the end with a moving scene that signs the film and makes it unforgettable.

I wanted to review "Two Brothers" because sometimes many films are underestimated and discarded a priori, advertising often makes a difference, but just as often it does so negatively, because the simplest things in this world are sometimes the best.

Annaud is a master at capturing the expressions of the two tigers, he manages to hypnotize us with the gestures of the animals, with shots that are often difficult but then appear clean and essential on the big screen. He captures the details and frames in an instant, in the surrounding environment, in a particular light; working with animals is never easy, especially if the computer with all the special effects is not used.

The DVD is rich in special content that allows greater appreciation of the director’s work, a detailed description of filming techniques, and lots of curiosities about the two felines. A merit of Annaud is that he included a child in the plot, making the story more credible and effective, appealing to audiences of all ages.

I decided to talk about this film because I believe that those who love cinema love to explore and dare to venture into new genres, not afraid to try, eager to find strong sensations even from a single scene, "Two Brothers" is one to know, therapeutic for the eyes and heart, it will hardly disappoint you.

Enjoy the viewing, everyone.