7.4
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The Half Brother
2013·Show
·8Episodes in1Season·
The Half Brother fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Violence4
- Fast Pace3
Heart
Moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics10
- Pathos8
- Melancholy8
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
Family, history, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Standout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
- Acting8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Half Brother is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumMoving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving, melancholic, and cathartic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics10Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Hopefulness5Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder0Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumFamily, history, and society
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around family, history, and society. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity5Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Politics6Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
Craft
HighStandout characters, direction, and performances
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The characters, direction, and performances stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure8Story architecture and form.
- Complexity8Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchBinge-FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
Revolving around the life of un-produced screenwriter Barnum Nilsen, The Half Brother is a dramatic family saga that offers an historical parable of 20th century Europe. On V Day, May 1945, as a continent emerges from war, Barnum’s mother Vera is raped in her attic in Oslo by an unknown man, leading to the birth of Barnum’s half brother, Fred. When Barnum is born five years later, to the man that Vera has since met and married, the Nilsen family, like Europe, is already splitting in two. Growing up together during the Cold War – Barnum with his father, Fred searching for his – the half brothers become estranged and Fred eventually disappears. At the film festival in Berlin in 1990, as the Wall is still coming down, Barnum learns that Fred has returned. Finally, as the true identity of Fred’s father comes to light, the two half brothers may once again be reunited.
Intergenerational SagaPost-War DramaCold War BackdropFamily SecretsIdentity SearchMelancholy & PoignantEuropean HistoryComplex Character StudyDramatic Mystery
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
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Questions about The Half Brother
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Half Brother worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 7.4). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Half Brother rated?
ViolenceSexual contentDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence, sexual content, and disturbing imagery.
How many seasons does The Half Brother have?
1 season
It has 1 season with 8 episodes.
Is The Half Brother based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
When did The Half Brother air?
S1
It ran from 2013 to 2013 and has ended.
What language is The Half Brother in?
Norwegian
It was made in Norwegian. Produced in Norway.
In how many countries can I watch The Half Brother?
4
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Half Brother in 4 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.