Another Jim Sheridan film, like In America, distinguished by his handling of children - here Bailee Madison (by no means her debut, and working hard since) and Taylor Geare (Dream House, also directed by Sheridan, and Inception), who are utterly convincing.
Their father Tobey Maguire goes on his third tour of Afghanistan and is captured, believed dead. There he has to kill his compatriot to live. This leaves a nasty taste in the film. Back home, wayward brother Jake Gyllenhaal acts like a surrogate dad. When inevitably damaged Maguire returns home, to Natalie Portman and the kids, things become difficult.
This is all based on a Susanne Bier film, Brødre, written by her and Anders Thomas Jensen, adapted by David Benioff. In fact it's also reminiscent of her English language Things We Lost in the Fire also.
Classy support from Tom Newman, Frederic Elmes and especially Jay Cassidy who cuts two round-the-table dinner scenes incredibly (he's a great editor of performances).
And with a small but telling appearance from Carey Mulligan. It's a bit of a downer, to be sure, to be sure, but the open, unresolved ending is the right choice.
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