The Brother From Another Planet
1984, 108 minutes, Rated M
The Brother From Another Planet perfectly encapsulates Sayle's political awareness in a light-hearted, comedic film that is also a highly-intelligent social critique. The film is an allegory for Western racism, and utilises popular culture elements to metaphorically depict the immigrant experience. Joe Morton plays 'The Brother', a mute extraterrestrial seeking refuge from the atrocities of his home planet in the streets of Harlem.
After crashing in to the Hudson River, The Brother sets out to explore his new surroundings. His useful powers and endearing demeanour assist him greatly in forming an affinity with the city's inhabitants, but his visit is not entirely unproblematic. Drugs, financial inadequacy, alienation, racism and loneliness plague his existence. With the intergalactic authorities (played by John Sayles and David Strathairn) hot on his trail, can a mute brother find his feet in a city that rarely stops to listen?
- Director:
- John Sayles [12],
- Starring:
- Ray Ramirez [1], Ginny Yang [1], Rosanna Carter [1], Peter Richardson [11], Joe Morton [24], Yves Rene [2],
- Screen Formats:
- Full Frame 1.33:1
- Language and Sound:
- English Dolby Digital Stereo
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