Patrice Chéreau, who directed the controversial
Intimacy, returns with another story of a human relationship under difficult circumstances. Thomas (Bruno Todeschini) has been estranged from his brother Luc (Eric Caravaca) for several years, due in part to Thomas' difficulties in dealing with Luc's homosexuality. But when Thomas is diagnosed with a rare blood disease, which is difficult to treat and impossible to cure, he decides he wants to bring Luc back into his life. The brothers soon become inseparable, with Luc constantly at Thomas' side as he vainly struggles against the disease and confronts the indignity of treatment. As Thomas and Luc become closer, their new relationship begins to alienate their significant others, and Thomas' father (Fred Ulysse) cannot understand why his son doesn't fight against his illness with great vehemence. Director Chéreau's work on Son Frère earned him the Silver Bear at the 2003 Berlin International Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide