network5976 I read a lot of reviews that say that it's a must-see. Let me say that this is not an exaggeration when I say that you must see this documentary. I'm surprised that this movie isn't more well known.This is a true story about a young man living without passion in the Midwest who decides to go to India because he is seeking authenticity in his life. He finds it there in an orphanage for HIV kids.I don't think I've really cried in a long time but this movie did it over and over again. But this movie will bring you joy at the same time.It will make you re-examine your life.

lizkave ****WARNING **** SPOILER ALERT ****I was deeply moved by the acts performed by Rocky Bratt, the staff at the orphanage and the children who inhabit it while watching this movie. From what I could see many acts of generosity, selflessness and love contributed positively to the lives of the families within the orphanage.However, there were numerous instances during the viewing of this film when I was struck with unease regarding the portrayal of Bratt as selfless savior as well as the portrayal of the community where he worked. I also found some of Bratt's behavior to be professionally questionable. Below are some instances in the film that contributed to my unease.With regard to professional responsibility, I found the instances when Bratt and Hoover sought comfort from the children in the orphanage during their times of grief troubling. For example, when the young girl dies half way through the film, I found it inappropriate for Bratt to relay the details of her death and seek emotional support from a child living in the orphanage.Also, related to the girl's death mentioned above, both Hoover and Bratt express frustration that she was not taken to the hospital before becoming mortally ill. No discussion regarding the subjects of poverty, access to health care, lack of education or skepticism of institutions were suggested as possible barriers to her family seeking medical care. What was portrayed was that the community's faith and social practices alone prevented a visit to the hospital. Considering that Bratt had decided to marry into the community portrayed in this film, I would have thought some research into the daily circumstances of the inhabitants warranted.Finally, at no point are people from the community interviewed about their lives, beliefs and practices. Bratt mentioned that the community was outraged to find out that the orphanage cared for children and families living with HIV. I also got the impression that Bratt disapproved of the community's response. As a health care worker I am well aware of the stigma, fear and misconceptions often linked to HIV and AIDS in almost all cultural settings. I would have thought someone working within the HIV community would have been aware of these social barriers and would have done some legwork within the community regarding.In conclusion, Blood Brothers is an evocative portrait of one man's struggle to find his place in the world. Unfortunately, it's portrayal of the the international medical relief work performed by this man is lacking in depth and analysis. As such, I did respond emotionally to the powerful acts of kindness performed by the protagonist and others in the film. However, the element of transparency in documentary film making was seriously lacking. This left the viewer and even those in the film to project their own ideas and beliefs on a society left unexplained. I do believe this discrepancy may be a result of the predominantly faith based perspective of the filmmakers. Acts of God (such as Bratt's love / devotional work?) are rarely expected to be proved or explained as effective catalysts of change, only accepted. Acts of God certainly won't address the deep seated problems of poverty and stigma that will continue to subject HIV orphans in India to discrimination. The consequence of which is most often a lack of or withholding of much needed social services.

Scotty I was totally blown away. No excessive writeup is needed. It's powerful, authentic and raw. It's the best documentary I've seen because you just feel like you are right there with them. Just see it.I must write more because IMDb won't accept my review without 10 lines of review, so you can ignore this part if you want. I wont' put any spoilers in either so you can be blown away by this movie like I was. Films like this go to the theater and are ignored by the ordinary film goers, but they should not be. We should all see movies like this because it brings hope to our spirits. In this hopeless world, I cannot think of a better way to bring hope than to give your life to HIV orphans in a far off place.Again I urge all of you - just see this movie.

wilson trivino They say friends are the family they choose and Rocky Braat went all the way to a little village in India to find his "family". His heart and soul came alive as he saw how he could make a difference in a little orphanage that helped children and their mothers with HIV. This movie follows this remarkable tale of self discovery as filmmaker Steve Hoover chronicles the epiphany his best friend and "blood brother" has as he transitions from the big city of Pittsburg to the annals of India. A very moving movie that shows you that within suffering, there are glimmers of happiness and hope. I saw this film as part of the Atlanta Film Festival and was deeply move by the spiritual message of discovering one's path and being true to yourself.