Hermano (film)

Plot

In Caracas, one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Julio and his mother are walking through a gateway near La Planta prison. He thinks hes heard a cat but when he runs closer, he notices an abandoned baby crying in the middle of a street dump. The mother hesitates to take the child with them but takes the baby. Sixteen years later, Julio and his little brother Daniel have grown to become the best footballers of La Ceniza, their barrio (slum). While Daniel, nicknamed "El Gato" (the cat) is an innocent boy who dreams of playing in Caracas FC, one of the major teams in the Venezuelan Primera Division Julio on the other hand, has become part of a gang. He becomes even more involved in gang life after he beats up his comrade after he bullies a minor drug dealer. During a game against the team from La Vega -another slum- they both impress a scout from Caracas FC, who encourages them to participate in the tryouts of their youth team. Daniel is hugely motivated; Julio instead is gradually more involved with his barrios underworld. That night their mother is accidentally murdered by the goalie of the team and Daniel is the witness. He decides not to tell his brother because he fears his Julio might seek revenge rather than staying focused on the tryouts. In their last chance to impress the scout, the brothers win a game and Daniel runs to the goalie and beats him so badly he is killed. Chaos ensues, and the scene goes dark as the goalies gang begins to shoot. The film moves without clear direction to the last scene, which shows Julio standing without his brother after a professional soccer game. He has tears in his eyes. He crosses himself and looks up to the sky.

Awards