With images of the blithe, happy-go-lucky lifestyles of the typical American family so cleverly juxtaposed against the gritty, rough-hewn images on the battlefield of Afghanistan, Jim Sheridan's Brothers is not just another war film, but a tender introspective piece about two worlds with an immeasurable influence on one another.

Adapted from the Danish screenplay Brødre, Brothers tells the story of Captain Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire) who has built a very successful career as a Marine. His younger brother, Tommy, (Jake Gyllenhaal) is the black sheep of the family who is constantly in trouble with the law. Despite the suspicions of their father and Sam's wife, Grace (Natalie Portman), Sam still demonstrates an unconditional love for his brother.

However, when Sam ships out for a tour in Afghanistan, the balance between the two brothers - unbeknownst to them - will change forever. When two highly decorated Marines darken the doorstep of the Cahill home one afternoon, the family's worst fear is realized. Sam turns up missing in action - presumed dead - and Grace must be comforted by Tommy, who against all odds shows himself capable of taking responsibility for both himself and the family.

It soon becomes clear that their mutual vulnerability cause their feelings to develop beyond just a common sympathy. When Sam comes home, traumatized by being held prisoner in the mountains of Afghanistan, he is virtually incapable of acclimating to the goings of middle-class American life.

In all truth, with his gangly frame and pubescent grin, Tobey Maguire hardly looks like the older brother, faithful husband and father of two he plays in the film. Jake Gyllenhaal, who reforms from a tatted-up ex-con to a loving, attentive uncle/surrogate father halfway through the film, would have been an easy sell as the eldest sibling by way of physical stature. Yet, Gyllenhaal would have lacked the authentically gloomy nature, analogous to a ticking timebomb, necessary for the role of Captain Sam Cahill. Maguire, who has grown past the comic hero hype to become a somewhat serious dramatic actor, clearly expressed the internal struggles of our emotionally bruised Marine with great ease.

Sam, like many American veterans, is so tormented by the pains of war that neither his wife nor children recognize the stranger that has rejoined their ranks. He suffers from severe post-traumatic stress disorder which manifests itself in paranoia about Tommy and Grace having an affair, an uncharacteristic sternness with his children and an intense desire to be reunited with his troops in Afghanistan.

The entire family is on eggshells as not to appear insensitive or thoughtless concerning their patriarch's fall from the pedestal of perfect father, son, husband and soldier - until Sam's eldest daughter (Bailee Madison) vocalizes her disappointment in a most vehement rant: "Why couldn't you just stay dead? Mommy and Uncle Tommy have sex all the time."

It is here that we see how much war can ravage a soldier in the thick of battle and, conversely, how it may also ravage one who is simply attempting to transition back into civilian life. Should not both be classified a casualty of war? While Sam had no need for a cast or bandage, would he ever be able to live again with the weight of emotional anguish he carried?

Apropos for this time of war, Sam's addendum to Plato's famed quote rings true for many: "Only the dead have seen the end of war…that's not true, cause I've seen the end of war, the question is will I live again."