One of the films to screen on opening night at AIFF 2011 was HERMANO (Venezuela, 2011). Marcel Rasquin's film, 'Hermano' (2010) conjures up reminiscence to the Brazilian hit film, 'City of God' (2002), not because it is similar, but because it is THAT GOOD!

We start with a baby boy (Daniel) left to die in a dumpster. A mother picks the baby out of the dumpster and takes him home with her young son, Julio. Then we jump to years later when both boys- Daniel and Julio- are grown up to young men. Life seems good with plenty of love in their house, despite their poverty living life in the Caracas slums. This family of three has all they need with their devoted mother's delicious cakes and their brotherly love. But things change when Julio, the older and legitimate son, involves himself with Caracas gangs making dirty money.

The adopted younger brother Daniel refuses to involve himself with anything dirty or unclean and dreams of an honest living as a professional football player, as he is no doubt the best and most gifted player around. Their brotherly love soon turns to fraternal hate and a competition between conflicting values and personal battles ensues, tearing the brothers apart and later bringing them back together, each of them making the ultimate sacrifice for each other, whatever the price. This film is riveting and never disappoints in its emotional intensity with unforgettable performances by Eliú Armas (Julio) and Fernando Moreno (Daniel).

In its gritty realism and unrelenting verissimilitude of Venezuelan modern street life, it can only be compared to the genius of 'City of God' in its incomparable novelty and stands alone in its unique greatness. But away from the comparison of the former (CITY OF GOD, Brazil's most successful film), this Venezuelan opus is as true to its roots and offers the world a taste of Venezuela the world has not yet experienced and promises to become a canon in the ever growing cinematic genius now burgeoning in the Venezuelan film industry. Another jaw dropper from AIFF film selection and nothing short of Oscar worthy distinction. Thanks Marcel! 

Review written by, Vanessa McMahon June 13, 2011

SUMMARY BY MARCEL RASQUIN: "Daniel's an exceptional footballer, a striker. Julio's the team's captain, a born leader. They were raised as brothers and play football in their slum, La Ceniza. Daniel dreams to play professional football while Julio feeds the family with dirty money; he has no time to dream. The opportunity of their lives arrives when a football scout invites them to tryout with the city's best team: Caracas Football Club. But tragedy strikes them. They must choose, on a dirty football pitch, what is more important: family, revenge or the dream of their lives. On this pitch, life is on the line." 

see trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noDyc2JocB4

director Marcel Rasquin