Brotherhood

English viewers of this film will be glad of one thing – that there is no fraternity system in UK Universities, and that there's no such thing as hazing on this side of the pond. One pledge to Sigma Zeta Chi is forced to take part in a simulated robbery. The only problem is he is sent into the wrong store and is shot by the storekeeper.

Rather than take him to the hospital and report the incident the fraternity leaders decide to take care of it themselves, calling in a doctor and trying to cover up the incident in the store. And from then, their choices, and the results go from bad to worse.

There's very little in the way of plot here. It's much more a series of intense action scenes one after another, anger upon violence upon confrontation upon screaming argument, with just the occasional quiet moment. It's also a film with next to no characterisation. Basically put a whole host of stereotype high-testosterone college jocks with all the inbuilt prejudices and stupidity that entails.

Brotherhood is also crammed to the gills with aggressive dialogue. This truly isn't a film for anyone who's squeamish for blood or shy of strong language should watch.

It's by no means unwatchable though. Indeed, some of the scenes are so strong they are riveting. There are moments you will not be able to take your eyes off the screen. Well, there are, if you like fast action, high energy films.

Page updated 25 March, 2011