Despite being picked up by a major Hollywood studio, "Together Brothers" is one of the most obscure entries in the Blaxploitation genre that was so popular in the early 1970s. It may be pretty unknown, because it's not as flashy and flamboyant as most other Blaxploitation movies of the period. In fact, it takes itself pretty seriously throughout. The serious script does provide some interest, though it's not without flaws. The story is kind of rambling and unfocused at times; you can sense some real padding at times. Also, most of the characters are somewhat underwritten and lacking true different personalities from each other. But while the characters may be inadequately written at times, the (mostly) no-name cast does a pretty good job acting out these characters; there isn't a shabby performance in all of the cast. And the movie is often directed in a real way where it almost feels like you are a fly on the wall and seeing real people in real situations. You can really sense the grit and realism. If you are in a patient mood and are prepared for some minor imperfections, you'll probably find this movie a sometimes interesting change of pace from other genre entries of this period.
9 Reviews
Between the intersection of blaxploitation and vanguard cinema
DerrickLyle200419 October 2008
Mr. Green and Mr. Dewitt really crafted a masterpiece with this film. Dismiss anything you've heard about Together Brothers, which boxes it in as a period piece. It is actually an urban crime drama cast in urban decay. The plot surrounds a gang of youths, "the Brothers" of the title, who work to solve the murder of an honorable patrolman. Additionally, they must move quickly to protect a young witness - who is doggedly pursued by the cop-killer.
For most of the movie, the killer is lurking in the shadows. But when he is finally revealed, he remains one of the most indelible head cases of movie land. The late Lincoln Kilpatrick really brings it as Billy Most. All the while, the film covers still timely topics as urban decay, police brutality, class warfare, urban decay, and ethnic strife. Together Brothers truly is ahead of its time, and like too many movies made between the mid 1960s and 1980s, digs up the unpleasant underbelly of Americana.
For most of the movie, the killer is lurking in the shadows. But when he is finally revealed, he remains one of the most indelible head cases of movie land. The late Lincoln Kilpatrick really brings it as Billy Most. All the while, the film covers still timely topics as urban decay, police brutality, class warfare, urban decay, and ethnic strife. Together Brothers truly is ahead of its time, and like too many movies made between the mid 1960s and 1980s, digs up the unpleasant underbelly of Americana.
A Nastalgic Gem
pensivewon19 March 2009
It was back in the mid seventies. I was about six or seven. My parents put my brother and me in the car. I believe I was in my pj's. We headed to a drive in somewhere. "Together Brothers" along with "Bingo Long and the Traveling All Stars" was playing.
I remember telling all my friends about the movie, "Together Brothers" the next day.
A few weeks ago, I noticed that it would be playing on the IFC, so I set the DVR, and watched at the same time it was recording, and once after wards (I was working late that week and had a few hours to myself in the mornings).
The movie is still amazing and must have had a profound effect on me. I recalled a bunch of scenes, as they came up, while others were completely faded from my memory, but still. The movie was, and still is, COOL.
While the movie is obviously dated, in the terms of the setting, clothes, etc., it seemed very modern at the same time: The type of jokes, exploring transexuality, and that sort of thing.
Of course the actors seemed so "grown" to me, when I watched this as a child. After watching it well into adulthood, the actors appear as they are...just young kids. As another poster pointed out, they did remind me of the Cosby Kids on the Fat Albert cartoon. My husband even walked by and made a comment to that effect.
Having non actors play the parts made it all seem more realistic.
A nostalgic gem!
I remember telling all my friends about the movie, "Together Brothers" the next day.
A few weeks ago, I noticed that it would be playing on the IFC, so I set the DVR, and watched at the same time it was recording, and once after wards (I was working late that week and had a few hours to myself in the mornings).
The movie is still amazing and must have had a profound effect on me. I recalled a bunch of scenes, as they came up, while others were completely faded from my memory, but still. The movie was, and still is, COOL.
While the movie is obviously dated, in the terms of the setting, clothes, etc., it seemed very modern at the same time: The type of jokes, exploring transexuality, and that sort of thing.
Of course the actors seemed so "grown" to me, when I watched this as a child. After watching it well into adulthood, the actors appear as they are...just young kids. As another poster pointed out, they did remind me of the Cosby Kids on the Fat Albert cartoon. My husband even walked by and made a comment to that effect.
Having non actors play the parts made it all seem more realistic.
A nostalgic gem!
**
edwagreen5 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Another typical ghetto story with a band of black teenagers searching out one of their own who killed a black police officer who apparently had an effect on the group as a whole. Of course, that effect was a positive one.
The typical ghetto existence is depicted including the traditional black funeral for the slain officer.
A 2 or 3 year old saw the horrific crime and spends much of the film running from the killer. The child's fear in his eyes basically tells the entire story.
The n word is used constantly when the guys talk among themselves.
The ending showed again the positive effect the officer had in preventing further violence.
The typical ghetto existence is depicted including the traditional black funeral for the slain officer.
A 2 or 3 year old saw the horrific crime and spends much of the film running from the killer. The child's fear in his eyes basically tells the entire story.
The n word is used constantly when the guys talk among themselves.
The ending showed again the positive effect the officer had in preventing further violence.
How can I buy a copy of this movie?
Jan40023 March 2008
I was born in 1964 and "Together Brothers" was one of the first movies I saw in The Fox Theater in downtown Detroit after riding the bus at the age of 10 yrs old. This movie has never left my memory. I bring it up in conversation with people who came up in the same era to see if they remember and I've yet to run across anyone who remembers the movie. I was in the movie theater with my oldest brother (only 4 years older than me) and I can remember being a little afraid because the movie was dark and "a bad man" was after a little boy. I also remember feeling a little pride (for a 10 yr old) in the boys for trying to find the man who killed the police officer. I've been trying to find information on the movie in order to purchase it. I've been all over the Internet but run into dead ends. The closest I come to any information is the sound track from Barry White and the Unlimited Orchestra. Is there anyone out there who can help me?
Dated, but underappreciated film
cchase8 March 2003
A gritty, sympathetic but unsentimental portrayal of ghetto life, this film was very much a product of its time, and though some of its attributes would be considered blatantly non-PC today, it's still worth a look if you can find it.
The plot is simple: when the uniformed officer who mentors a group of urban teens is found brutally murdered, the "brothers" band together to find the killer (hence the title.) The plot twist: the younger brother of one of the group saw the murder, and was almost dispatched by the killer himself. Traumatized by the incident, the boy is mute for nearly the entire movie, adding to the suspense as the killer stalks him, and closes in to silence him for good, if possible.
Comprised of a cast of unknown non-actors, TOGETHER BROTHERS has very much a documentary feel to it, highlighted by actor Lincoln Kilpatrick, in one of the bravest performances he had ever given in his career (offsetting the OTT ham-and-cheesiness of his role opposite Anthony Zerbe in THE OMEGA MAN.)
Adding to the atmosphere is the only score ever composed for a film by Barry White, which may seem overwrought and "blaxploitation-ish" out of context, but underscores the movie's dark visuals with stunning effectiveness.
A Seventies gem that I hope will someday be made available on DVD, if it's not too late.
The plot is simple: when the uniformed officer who mentors a group of urban teens is found brutally murdered, the "brothers" band together to find the killer (hence the title.) The plot twist: the younger brother of one of the group saw the murder, and was almost dispatched by the killer himself. Traumatized by the incident, the boy is mute for nearly the entire movie, adding to the suspense as the killer stalks him, and closes in to silence him for good, if possible.
Comprised of a cast of unknown non-actors, TOGETHER BROTHERS has very much a documentary feel to it, highlighted by actor Lincoln Kilpatrick, in one of the bravest performances he had ever given in his career (offsetting the OTT ham-and-cheesiness of his role opposite Anthony Zerbe in THE OMEGA MAN.)
Adding to the atmosphere is the only score ever composed for a film by Barry White, which may seem overwrought and "blaxploitation-ish" out of context, but underscores the movie's dark visuals with stunning effectiveness.
A Seventies gem that I hope will someday be made available on DVD, if it's not too late.
Well written movie for it's time
gacdone19 January 2006
Having been a part of the Blaxploitation movie era, This is one of the few movies produced at that time that was a thriller, mystery and who done it. With a African American cast without portraying the young people as drug-runners, dealers or Junkies. It also portrayed them having have a positive relationship with law enforcement officers. I am starting a movement for an updated/remake of this movie. As a film editor and graphic artist I produced an updated poster as a basis for a remake of this movie topped with the soundtrack from Barry White and the Love Unlimited Orchestra...It is truly one of my favorites. Although the cast was completed with virtually unknown actors at the time. Although very dark. It was still very well acted out
Very watchable, enjoyable
MovieLoverWill28 December 2001
The Real Deal
Falconeer26 April 2018
So many Hollywood movies attempt the gritty realism of THIS film, and almost never come close. "Together Brothers" is an astoundingly realistic and gritty look at urban strife, devastating poverty, and finally, loyalty among friends. Four teenagers decide they are going to find the guy who murdered the town police officer, who was so good and respectful to the kids, that they named him Mr. Cool. The film then takes the viewer on a journey through the dark underbelly of one of the poorest, saddest ghetto wastelands EVER captured on film. And it's not a movie set either; it's all real. Galveston Texas looks sort of like a shanty town here, with people living in gutted buildings and shacks, and instead of polished looking actors, real townspeople were used to create this amazing film. It's a town where everyone knows and looks out for each other. When the kids see one of their own murdered in cold blood, they want to do something. The actors were amazing, especially Ahmad Nurradin in the role of H.J, who gives a performance that is sincere and unforgettable. This film is surely one of the best movies of the 70's, and it amazes me how unknown it is. I hope "Together Brothers" isn't labeled "blaxploitation," because it certainly is not that.
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