Review of From Beginning to End

.....The Heart Loves Who the Heart MUST Love!

(( A BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY INVOLVING HALF-BROTHERS ))

• AN EXPLANATION ABOUT THIS FILM'S BEGINNING: Concerning The "Eyes Thing" in the film's first 2 minutes, there is a reason for the opening Black+White scene....and it has nothing to do with equipment failure....and everything to do with a newborn baby's failure (actually, unwillingness) to open his eyes. Until 2 weeks later, when he is shown to...and becomes aware of his older brother's presence (that's the eye-opening trigger). Let's just say about this that there is some foreshadowing here of the depth of the "brotherly Relationship" which is to come.

(( NOTE--Now is a good time to advise that you read a marvelous 35 year old novel by Spanish author, Agustin Gomez-Arcos, entitled "The Carnivorous Lamb" (included in some "Gay Must-Read" recommended works). Here, you'll also find a detailing of the deep and physical love which develops between an older and younger brother. It is a beautiful read...and also begins with the "Eyes Thing." Perhaps Writer / Director Aluisio Abranches is, himself, a fan of this book. ))

• TIME PERIODS GIVEN US ARE 2: The brothers' early lives, "growing closer together" as children and young teens....Then, later on, their adult "Relationship", when the younger is, perhaps 20, and the older in his mid-20s or so.

• GENERAL OBSERVATIONS: It was UNexpected (and a problem for me) that so much time is devoted to "family life" in the film's first half.....particularly since it is problem-free (I rated film lower for this). Oh, and for those of you inclined to do the "blame-it-on-the-Mother" thing for the type "Relationship" you'll be seeing...just don't. As well, both the older brother's father (mother's divorced Ex) and the younger brother's father (mother's current) have close relationships with the boys...and with their mother (a woman who is, indeed, a lynchpin in the boys' lives). Moving on, we are given many, many scenes of the children's "innocent" physical closeness and touching---I can recall no shots in which they were not shown together. One scene, particularly, comes to mind: A quiet time with 3 of them relaxed on a sofa, the younger boy asleep against his brother's side and under his arm, the mother holding her eldest's hand while stating to him her love for them both....but then suddenly asking how things are going with the son (he responds as if thinking her meaning involves school). Then she corrects her question, saying she means....how are things going for himself. After receiving his answer of "no problems," she continues to press, and does so by asking "that question" which so many sons would just as soon never came up: "IS THERE SOMETHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO TELL ME?" (For me it is easy to surmise that, at his then age of 14 or so, the real meaning behind her question would likely escape him....for he eventually responds in the negative). Still, the subject of this "Closeness" between the 2 boys comes up again and is discussed between the mother and her Ex...though no course of action to confront it is ever arrived at by any parent.

• NEVERTHELESS: Be that as it may, "Closeness" usually has to lead somewhere....does it not? So....following their mother's unexpected death, when the brothers are likely in their early and later 20s, respectively, IT HAPPENS. We've reached a point where we are made witness to a most unusual and sexually provocative scene. A scene in which....while alone in their home....standing before and facing one another....they begin a slow and sensual disrobing, one item at a time....each one's eyes intently locked on the other, as if caught in a spell.....until, finally, they step into each others arms. (You WON'T forget this shot...probably one of a kind). AND, don't dare push that button and go away(!)....for immediately following, and without giving you time to cool down, you'll be treated to a stunningly beautiful, bedroom lovemaking scene. One in which love, each for the other, is declared. Then, in their afterglow, we are given a mantra for this unusual love of theirs (a love which, in reality, harms no others). The younger brother states to his beloved...and us: "I LOVE YOU BECAUSE, TO UNDERSTAND OUR LOVE, THEY'D NEED TO TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN!" ....There is little else for this viewer to say...other than there has never been a more beautiful painting of 2 men, together, than the camera gives us in this scene. (I won't even tempt you with descriptions of the bathroom scene which follows....other than to say: HOT!!).

• NOTABLE: Both adult leads are beautiful men.....well chosen for their roles. Particularly Joao Gabriel Vasconcellos, as elder brother, Francisco (who makes us "feel" his love and his loss).....but, also, Rafael Cardoso as the adult younger brother, Thomas, who lightens our hearts, as he does Francisco's. (The 2 young actors pictured in earlier childhood do a bang-up job, as well). /// Older stars portraying both the fathers and, especially Julia Lemmertz, as Mom, have well-known careers in their country's TV / Cinema areas. /// Cinematography is also praiseworthy.

• AND NOT SO NOTABLE: An apparent storyline gap of near 15 years presents a potential problem regarding the manner in which the lovemaking scene described above was set up. To me, the brothers' actions appear as if they are beginning their sexual activity for the very first time (tho I admit the possibility it's a "ritual" they enjoy when initiating sex). Certainly, with the closeness shown between these 2 young lads (and where it leads), it is hard to conceive that their mid- and late teen years together were not sexually active.

• FINALLY: I'll conclude here and allow you to find for yourself what the effects of a possible, long distance separation will be upon our lead characters....and what you might see their fate to be at film's conclusion.

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