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From Beginning to End
No Rating Great Film
JOD wrote:
Well acted! Sexy without being raunchy!
No Rating A Beautiful Love Story
RFH wrote:
A beautiful film. A love story not just between the brothers but also between the mother and the boys’ fathers. Everyone, the swim coach, parents & relatives all accept the situation. A perfect movie with a happy ending.
Watch this Film! It's brilliant.
Ron in Maine wrote:
From what I heard, this film opened to huge audiences. I don't have any information on whether or not those audiences were predominantly gay or not. While I don't think you have to be gay to enjoy this film, I believe you would have to be quite open-minded to feel the incredible impact of this story. The idea of incest between brothers is a topic that has interested me for quite a while. Not because I ever lusted after any of my three brothers, in fact, the thought of that is repulsive to me. But I always wished I had a brother with whom I could experience the kind of closeness portrayed in this movie. I'm not necessarily referring to the sexual aspect that comes later in the story; I'm referring to the intimacy. To have a brother who is not intimidated or ashamed to put his arm around you, or kiss you on the forehead because he loves you, is a beautiful thing. And I believe this intimacy is something that American audiences wouldn’t understand, or accept, because in America, intimacy is dirty. In the movie, the intimacy between the brothers starts out so innocently. Francisco and his younger brother were not sexually attracted to each other. Francisco was Thomas' hero, his defender, his white night. Francisco loved to play the role of the white knight, and Thomas walked through life with a carefree attitude because he knew Francisco would always protect him. The both had a sense of “belonging” to each other. The casual way in which Francisco marries Thomas in a simple exchange of rings in their family home, lounging on the couch alone, together, paints the broadest picture possible of the simplicity, and honesty of the love they have for each other. Of course they would exchange rings and be partnered, if in no other way than in their own hearts. The boy’s extended family is portrayed honestly as a stable loving family. The mother is devoted to her children and her second husband, with whom she has Thomas, loves Francisco like a son. Francisco's real father is also a loving, kind man who cares deeply for Thomas as well. There were no "signs of trouble", or abuse, or neglect. The mother, and two fathers, all thought the boys were "too close" (whatever that really means). But I applauded the parents for coming to the conclusion that you can't tell two brothers they are "too close". What is the alternative and what damage will you do if you turn their intimacy into something dirty and shameful. This movie could never be made in the U.S. because here, the moral majority would have labeled this film pornography. I am glad that Francisco and Thomas were surrounded by well-developed, insightful, caring people. And I’m glad the screenwriter didn’t take the predictable path of parents who disown these children when they find out what is really going on between them. The theme of this movie is not one dimensional; it’s not just about incest. Defining intimacy is difficult, but Abranches has done it in "From Beginning to End". This movie does not judge the relationship of the brothers and does not condone it. The movie simply tells one story about two people in love. Anyone lucky enough to find love should hold on to it. It is a rare thing in the world to find true love that is backed by true intimacy. The fact that Francisco and Thomas are half-brothers has almost nothing to do with the real story. They treat each other with respect, humor, honesty, emotion, lust, jealousy, but mostly just plain intimate love. While watching this film, and seeing the incredible chemistry and interaction between the two main actors, I forgot, many times, that they were related. That piece of the puzzle wasn't something I thought a lot about, even though the director/screenwriter probably wanted me to. There are deeper questions that rise to the surface if one cares to look. What does it mean to be gay? Could either of these men really love any other man, or is it limited to just each other. Is sexual intimacy between two consenting brothers who truly love each other, really incest? There’s no danger of having messed-up, DNA-mutated babies. If I was lucky enough to find my soul mate, no matter who he turned out to be, then I, too, would do whatever is necessary to hold on to it. I enjoyed this film. It was provocative in dealing with the layers and different possibilities of intimacy. Nothing was offensive, or difficult to watch. The movie is a love story between two men, whose intimacy was forged at a young age when they lived life as brothers. The only part of “From Beginning to End” that I had trouble fathoming was that an older brother wanted to play the role of “protector” and made the younger brother feel safe – always. I wish I knew what that felt like.
We're Taken From Eden to Paradise Regained.....
just a reviewer wrote:
.....The Heart Loves Who the Heart MUST Love! (( A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY INVOLVING HALF-BROTHERS )) - AN EXPLANATION ABOUT THIS FILM'S BEGINNING: Concerning The "Eyes Thing," there is a reason for the opening Black+White scene in this movie....and it has nothing to do with equipment failure....and everything to do with a newborn baby's failure (actually, unwillingness) to open his eyes. That is, until 2 weeks later when he is presented to, and becomes aware of his older brother's presence (that's the eye-opening trigger). Let's just say about this occurrence that there is some foreshadowing here of the depth of the "brotherly Relationship" which is to come. (( NOTE--Now is a good time to advise, at your earliest chance, to please read a marvelous 35 year old novel by Spanish author, Agustin Gomez-Arcos, entitled "The Carnivorous Lamb" (included in some "Gay Must-Read" anthologies of recommended works). In this book, too, you'll find a work detailing the deep and physical love which develops between an older and younger brother. It is a beautiful read (and also begins with the "Eyes Thing" )) - TIME PERIODS GIVEN US ARE 2: The brothers (while "growing closer together") as children and young teens.....then, later on, their adult "Relationship" when the younger is, perhaps 20, and the older in his mid-20s or so. - GENERAL OBSERVATIONS: For this viewer, the Writer / Director devotes a little too much running time displaying parental and other family interactions during the boy's pre-teen and teenage years. And for those of you who might be inclined to jump in and wrongly assign responsibility for the type "Relationship" you will be seeing, please note that theirs is not the proverbial mother-dominated home....both the older brother's father (mother's divorced Ex) and the younger's father (mother's current) have close relationships with the boys, as well as with their mother (a woman who is, indeed, a lynchpin in the boy's lives). Moving on, we are given many, many scenes of the children's "innocent" physical closeness and touching----I can recall no shots in which they were not shown together. One scene, particularly, comes to mind: A quiet time with 3 of them relaxed on a sofa, the younger boy asleep against his brother's side and under his arm, the mother holding her eldest's hand while stating to him her love for them.....but then suddenly asking how things are going with the son (he responds as if thinking her meaning involves school). Then she corrects her question, saying she means how are things going for himself. After receiving his answer of "no problems," she continues to press, and does so by asking "that question" which so many sons would just as soon never came up: "IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL ME?" (For me it is easy to surmise that, at his then age of 14 or so, the real meaning behind her question would likely escape him....for he eventually responds in the negative). Still, the subject of this "Closeness" between the 2 boys comes up again and is discussed between the mother and her Ex.....though no course of action to confront it is ever arrived at by them. - NEVERTHELESS: And be that as it may, "Closeness" usually has to lead somewhere....does it not? So.....following their mother's unexpected death, when the brothers are likely in their early and later 20s, respectively, IT HAPPENS. We've reached a point where we are made witness to a most unusual and sexually provocative scene. A scene in which....while alone in their home....standing before and facing one another....they begin a slow and sensual disrobing, one item at a time....each one's eyes intently focused on the other, as if caught in a spell.....until, finally, they step into each others arms. (You WON'T forget this shot---probably one of a kind). And, don't push that button(!)....for immediately following, and without giving you time to cool down, you'll be treated to a stunningly beautiful, bedroom lovemaking scene. One in which love, each for the other, is declared. Then, in their afterglow, we are given a mantra for this unusual love of theirs (a love harming no others), as the younger brother states to his beloved....and us: "I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, TO UNDERSTAND OUR LOVE, THEY'D NEED TO TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN!" There is little else to be said here....other than there has never been a more beautiful painting of 2 men, together, than the camera gives us in this scene. (I won't even tempt you with descriptions of the bathroom scene which follows.....other than to say HOT!!). - NOTABLES: Both adult leads are beautiful men.....well chosen for their roles. Particularly Joao Gabriel Vasconcellos, as elder brother, Francisco (who makes us "feel" his love and his loss).....but, also, Rafael Cardoso as the adult younger brother, Thomas, who lightens our hearts, as he does Francisco's. /// Cinematography is also praiseworthy. - AND NOT SO NOTABLE: An apparent storyline gap of near 15 years presents a definite problem, as it "seems" to appear to us that the sexual activity described just above is (likely?....perhaps?....who knows?) the first---at least of such intensity---to have been engaged in by the brothers. BUT....it is hard to conceive that their mid- and late teen years would not have seen such activity. - FINALLY: I think you've been provided more than enough background at this point to stir your interests. So, I'll conclude here and allow you to find out for yourself what the effects of a possible, long distance separation will have upon our lead characters.....and what you will find their fate to be at film's conclusion. WAIT....WAIT! This needs to be added: The lovemaking scenes of these brothers....even shots of just their "Closeness"....rank with the best ever captured on film. Even approaching the level achieved in 2009's "Undertow".....which I consider near ultimate. ("Undertow" now available on a Region 2 DVD from Amazon.com/United Kingdom, and others-----Wolfe Video/United States says available June 1). PS--If you're thinking South America.....Brazil (where this was shot).....and the beauty of the Latin romance language heard in most of that continent (as also in Spain, Italy), Think Again. The Portuguese you'll be hearing INSTEAD in this film is often sharply accented and sometimes harsh (to our ears). But, Oh Boy, that doesn't take away from what you'll be seeing! PPS--Oh, and please don't catch that I have given you a Hint.
From Beginning to..When Will This Dreadful Film End?!!
oilgun wrote:
-This review contains spoilers- From Beginning to End, the famed 'incest' love story from Brazil (and Argentina) was just painful to watch, and my expectations were pretty low because of the trailer and stuff I had read about it that kind of red-flagged the film as superficial & sentimental. I basically bought the ticket (I saw it at a film fest) for the eye candy factor and unfortunately, eye candy is all this film is and eye candy can get pretty boring after a while. The brothers-in-love are gorgeous, successful and oh so deliriously happy.* All the time*. Well except for a couple of brief funeral scenes where they get to 'emote' unconvincingly. (Actors would have come in handy) In the first half the brothers are 12 and 6 or whatever, and we get to see, over and over, how close they are, *perhaps too close*. The mother and fathers, (the brothers are half-brothers. Cop-out!) express concern but being the sophisticates that they are decide not to interfere with their sons' growing intimacy. The mother and one of the dads die and it's fifteen years later and the brothers are living a life of bliss in the family home (which has the exact same furniture from fifteen years before and everything still looks brand-spanking new like it was just delivered from Roche-Bobois that morning. They even have the same damn Volkswagen Beetle in the driveway). Anyway, what's a love story without conflict, adversity and drama, right?. Well, get ready for this: younger brother gets an opportunity to train for the Olympics in Russia (he's a swimmer, natch) which would mean the brothers' *first ever separation!*. Oh well, woe is, f*cking, me! Rich beautiful people suffer too, I guess. The older brother (the doctor, natch.) is "so consumed by younger bro's absence that he goes to a dance club and drinks a bit more than he should and flirts with a woman!!! He even gets into a heavy petting session with said woman until his guilt and a suddenly noticed engagement ring - I forgot to mention that the brothers got engaged to each other before the big separation - puts a halt to the only potentially interesting development in the film. Anyway, the big problem is solved with a plane ticket to Russia and a surprise reunion. The End. ;-)
Two Brothers In Love (with each other)
Amos Lassen wrote:
“From Beginning to End” (“Do Comeco ao Fin”) Two Brothers in Love Amos Lassen The Brazilian film “From Beginning to End” is the story of two brothers that develop a very close relationship when they are kids and this relationship becomes an incestuous love affair when they grow up. The film dives with candor into the lives of the two and it is quite intense viewing as it deals with one of the biggest taboos of Western culture. Thomas and Francis share the same mother but they have different fathers. They were raised together and they developed a great intimacy that is not rare among siblings. As can be expected from the very start of the film, an incestuous relationship will ensue. If the film was quite simply about a homosexual relationship, this would have been a wonderful film but with the subject of incest, there is conflict which aligns itself with reality. This conflict is not in the film itself but comes from the viewers. There is virtually no conflict in the film so we tend to think that incest is fine. The two men share their lives with no trouble and there is a lot of obvious love between them. Aluizio Abranches directed this film and it is a shocker at first. As it progresses we are pulled into the lives of the brothers and we seem to forget that they are practicing incest. We see the brothers being close in their youth and before we know they have grown and are in love with each other. The fact that they are not at terms with society does not bother them and they live in a society where taboos are prevalent. Because their live is so perfect, it is also totally unbelievable to the viewer even with the gorgeous cinematography. I, unlike other reviewers, loved the film. I see what happened here and that love blossomed and even though it is a bit hard to understand, neither man looked anything but completely happy.