MY BROTHER'S BAND

While this is all very dramatic and in itself would make for a solid movie storyline, this portion of the script is actually over and done with in a matter of minutes. What's left is the tentative relationship between Thibaut and Jimmy - first as men, then as friends, then as brothers. They come from different worlds; Thibaut is from a well-off family that was able to provide him with endless resources as he grew up, while Jimmy's family was poor yet filled with love. Even from these vastly different positions in life, there is no doubt the brothers have much in common - at the forefront, music. Thibaut is a conductor whose work is celebrated globally, while Jimmy is the trombone player in his town's marching band. Through their shared passion, the two grow closer, while also taking small steps inside each others' lives.

From start to finish, music is the lifeblood of this film. It's bookended by orchestral performances, but the genres vary throughout, from jazz classics to big band numbers and French popular music. We navigate each high and low with carefully chosen tunes, blended thoughtfully into the narrative to allow a single cohesive entity that sweeps you up. It's done so masterfully that, when the final performance plays, I dare you not to shed a tear.

Just as much as the music, what we've come here to see is the relationship develop between Thibaut and Jimmy. Both Lavernhe and Lottin play their parts deliberately, offering not clichés but precisely what is needed of each, without frills. That works here, because there's so much going on outside of their brotherly storyline (sometimes too much) that any added complexity would have weighed the film down. It's easy enough to fake an existing familial relationship on screen. It's challenging to develop one during a film's run time.

Given we're taken out of the atypical French film fare of well-to-do Paris and are thrown in amongst the working class (albeit with a few too many 'Les Mis' vibes at times), we get to experience relatable - and extremely likeable characters. There were moments that reminded me of a similar joyful underdog quality that made 'Pride' so heartwarming. Taking Thibaut out of his usual surroundings and spending so much time in Walincourt allows us to experience his generosity of spirit and gives him a grounding that makes him likeable too.

Director and co-writer Emmanuel Courcol ('The Big Hit') doesn't offer anything overly glamorous, but presents a smart, snappy film within the 103-minute run time. Visually, there's notable difference between time spent in Paris and Walincourt; a neat, functional, almost sterile presentation of Thibaut's life versus a more rough and raw rendition of Jimmy's.

Whether you're in the mood for a satisfying emotional drama or a moving musical journey, 'My Brother's Band' will be sure to satisfy. Full of heart and sentiment, it teaches the importance of family bonds, even those that aren't through blood. Enjoy all of the sweetness and the sorrow this accomplished music-filled endeavour has to offer.