The Brothers Bloom

“I have at different times in my life, sold sand to an Arab and ice to an Eskimo.”

The Con mans steal our hearts in this explosive dramedy.

Another trip to the Naro Expanded cinema in Norfolk to watch a film in the uncomfortable seats. But, once again, it was worth it, and I am pleased to find the first bit of gold for the 2009 movie season, and I hope the Oscar people are listening. The Brothers Bloom had it all – comedy, romance, an exciting plot, explosions, Rachel Weisz, and, once again, a silent Rinko Kikuchi.

The film followed two brothers who have made their living since children as con men. And they are in for one last big job – Penelope (played by Rachel Weisz). The Brothers Bloom (Adrian Brody and Mark Ruffallo), along with their silent bomb-crafting sidekick Bang Bang (Rinko Kikuchi), set out to make their final fortune. But, of course, it isn’t that simple!

I really appreciated that this film had a plot that kept me interested and laughing from beginning to end, and all the main characters, despite their great character flaws, were all very loveable. I also liked that there was a very important emphasis on the importance of family bonds; it strikes a home run with me. The main point – all of us suck, essentially, but that doesn’t mean we can’t love, live, and laugh.

Although the entire ensemble probably deserves recognition to some degree, there is no doubt that the ladies carried this film. Rachel Weisz, in the lead as Penelope, gave us a quirky, sympathetic, and loveable character. Rinko Kikuchi, as Bang Bang, although silent, seemed to come in the shots at exactly the right time, with the most perfect facial expressions, and the most outrageous costume changes, making herself the comedic master of the film. I appeal to the Academy to consider Rachel Weisz for Best Actress and Rinko Kikuchi for Best Supporting Actress, and will do all I can with the Rysh Guild to have them recognized.

I want to write so much more about this film, but I would hate to ruin the surprises. This is, as of the near end of summer, the best film so far of 2009, and would recommend it to anyone. I give it an A.