The Brotherhood

The Brotherhood is a 1968 American crime-drama film directed by the renowned Martin Ritt, featuring powerhouse performances by Kirk Douglas, Alex Cord, and Irene Papas. The story focuses on the inner workings of organized crime, familial bonds and the tension between the older generation of mobsters and the young upstarts who hope to take their place.

Kirk Douglas, one of Hollywood’s true screen legends, delivers a compelling performance as Frank Ginetta, an aging mob boss with traditional values trying to adapt to the ever-changing dynamics of the underworld. The dynamic actor exhales confidence and menace, showcasing the multiple strands of his character’s personality in a natural and effective way.

Alex Cord co-stars as Vince Ginetta, Frank's younger, university-educated brother. Cord handles this character with finesse, portraying a man caught up in the moral dilemma of his familial ties and ambition. Irene Papas, a well-known Greek actress, portrays Ida Ginetta, Frank's wife who must reconcile her husband’s dangerous lifestyle with her family's safety.

The Brotherhood opens in Boston, where Frank Ginetta, after a lifetime of fighting his way to the top of the mafia hierarchy, now sits as the head of the family. From this enviable position, he manages the complicated and dangerous business of organized crime, enjoying the benefits and confronting the risks that this life brings. Enter Vince, the loyal but ambitious younger brother, fresh out of University and eager to take his place in the family business.

The unyielding and brutal Frank prefers to keep to the old ways, pledging loyalty to the lifelong traditions that stand as the foundation of his power. However, Vince, the new generation, eyes the future and sees different opportunities. He believes in the potential of the Mafia to become a more sophisticated and business-minded organization, driven by calculated risk and profit margins rather than brute force.

The tension rises as Frank becomes wary of the sweeping changes Vince tries to push through the organization, putting the safety of the family and the legacy of the brotherhood in jeopardy. Vince's modern methods and ambitions start to threaten the core principles that Frank has lived by, leading to a series of dramatic and gripping confrontations.

But at the heart of it all, these men are still brothers. The undeniable bond of family is projected onto their relationship, testing its limits against their individual ambitions and loyalties to the other members of the brotherhood. It questions just how far they are willing to go to protect their own interests, ultimately asking if the decimation of their relationship is worth the realization of their individual aims.

This saga is not just about the power dynamics within the mob but is also an exploration of the fundamental issues of loyalty, integrity, and familial bonds, presented through the lives of these complex and flawed characters. It delves into the contradiction between the notions of brotherhood both in terms of blood relatives and ‘the brotherhood’ of organized crime.

The Brotherhood's screenplay, penned by Lewis John Carlino, contains the very essence of suspense, drama, and conflict, equipped with several powerful dialogues capable of rendering emotional weight to the roles. The authenticity of the story is further enhanced by the cinematography of Boris Kaufman, who paints a vivid picture of the raw and grungy world in which these characters exists.

The Brotherhood ultimately constructs a deep and contemplative narrative around the crime genre, touching upon the shifts in society and individuals amid the changing times. It is where the tensions of modernity and tradition converge, where the story takes shape, providing a haunting examination of the consequences of ambition and the power of loyalty.

This film offers an insider's glimpse into the inner workings of the underworld, seen through the lens of familial ties, where personal and professional lives merge, challenging their loyalties and morals. The Brotherhood, with its star-studded cast and nuanced storyline, makes for a riveting watch, captivating its audience from start to finish.