From Beginning to End

2010, 93 mins, Brazil


A non-judgemental film about two brothers, Francisco and Thomas, who develop an incestuous relationship from moment Thomas is born. Their love is tested when Thomas is selected to train for the Olympic swimming team in Russia.


The film is certainly different from most gay themed movies and challenges the audience not to be put off by the taboo subject. You do feel the love between the characters at points and the longing for each other when they are apart. Towards the latter half of the film, Francisco experiences a sense of lost control through clubs and alcohol, something we can all relate to.


The relationship is less about them being gay and is more focused on their love. There are no clear signs that either would identify as being gay and never clearly demonstrate that they find other men attractive. It did not surprise me that it developed into a sexual relationship as the family were perhaps too loving for each other, if this is possible. There was only one scene where the second father told off Thomas and and the reaction of the mother and children that this was alien concept to the family. Even the mother's first divorce is remarked as non stereotypical because there is no tension with her ex husband. Perhaps this signified that without clear boundaries, the boys were unable to draw the line of their brotherly love. Neither brother questions whether what they are doing is wrong.

The film tackles a very taboo subject with grace and you do end up forgetting at points that what they are doing is wrong, but films are not meant to have a strict moral code because this is the beauty of cinema. 


However, the film loses pace by diverting to scenes demonstrating their love, such as the naked tango or a long kiss in the rain. This device does not work well at points as it intrudes on the story. What makes these diversions worse, is the choice of music was not used well. Most of these interludes were bad piano pieces that sounded like a sixth form student recital. The film could have done with expanding parts of the story and greater character development.


Despite this, the film was interesting and did slightly move me, but it will not be something I would watch again

3/5 - Challenging but slightly let down with the direction