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The Brotherhood

The Brotherhood

Honor. Loyalty. Betrayal.

196896 minPG-13Midcredits score: 40th percentile of all films
Director
Martin Ritt
Starring
Kirk Douglas, Alex Cord, Irene Papas, Luther Adler

The son of a powerful Mafia don comes home from his army service in Vietnam and wants to lead his own life, but family tradition, intrigues and powerplays involving his older brother dictate otherwise, and he finds himself being slowly drawn back into that world.

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Brotherhood?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Brotherhood to rent or buy on Apple TV, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about The Brotherhood?

The Brotherhood earns 4 badges, led by Bittersweet and Broadly Agreed.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is The Brotherhood worth watching?

The Brotherhood's Midcredits score is the 40th percentile of all films, from 2.1K ratings across 4 sources. 36% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

40th percentile

Better received than 40% of films

40th percentile among Crime37th percentile among 1960s
Acclaim (how much people like it)48th
Approval (how many liked it)32nd

61 /100

48th percentile of all films

49th percentile among Crime43rd percentile among 1960s

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.0 — solid but not unanimous.

36% liked it

32nd percentile of all films

32nd percentile among Crime31st percentile among 1960s
36% rated it 7–1064% rated it 1–6

Critics 60% · Audience 22%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

60th percentile

2.1K ratings across platforms

52nd percentile among Crime60th percentile among 1960s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Down 21% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both fans and detractors agree the film is a lesser, talky precursor to The Godfather with a derivative brother-vs.-brother plot.

Fans praised

  • Kirk Douglas's committed, old-school performance as a traditionalist mob boss
  • foreshadows The Godfather with similar themes and set pieces
  • brutal, non-romanticized violence in key murder scenes

Detractors panned

  • miscast actors who lack Italian authenticity and chemistry
  • sluggish pacing and clunky, talky script full of clichés
  • generic, TV-movie look and flat direction from Martin Ritt

What stands out

ActingDivisive55

Kirk Douglas gives a hammy but committed performance; Alex Cord and supporting cast called weak or wasted

AtmosphereDivisive50

tries for ethnic enclave feel but lacks authenticity; some NYC location work

Plot and storyDivisive40

derivative brother-vs.-brother conflict with predictable gangster beats

CharactersDivisive40

underwritten wives and clichéd traditionalist vs. modernizer brother dynamic

OriginalityDivisive35

seen as a less ambitious template later perfected by The Godfather

DialogueDivisive35

full of mob clichés and stilted exposition

Emotional impactDivisive35

brotherly conflict and vendetta themes fail to generate real tension

PacingDivisive30

slow and talky with long stretches between effective scenes

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 10 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • US vs non-US 7 points apart

Watch experience

What is The Brotherhood like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

No single mood: browse every movie of this kindNo one kind of watch fits it, so it is described by how heavy it is.

Watch this when you want something dark and affecting.

It leaves you bittersweet.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Nothing out of the ordinary.

What it feels like

Moods
TenseMelancholicDread
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.Frame story · 5% of films: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.In medias res · 1% of films: Opens mid-action, then fills in how we got there.
ToneThe film plays its material straight, with a somber, serious tone that treats the Mafia's code of honor and tragedy with gravity, though it occasionally leans into melodrama.
The rideThe film maintains a sustained tension throughout, deepening into dread and melancholic resignation as Frank's fate becomes inevitable in the final act.
StructureThe film opens with Frank in Sicily, then uses extensive flashbacks to tell the story of his conflict with the board and his brother, creating a frame structure within a mostly linear narrative.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

BittersweetDevastating · 3% of films
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a lingering sense of tragic inevitability, as brotherly love is subsumed by duty and sacrifice, leaving both sorrow and a poignant respect for Frank's choice.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Tragedy
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9% (this title): Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% (this title) · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Tragedy: A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin. · Corruption arc: Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).

9% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows a Mafia don whose adherence to old traditions and refusal to adapt leads to his downfall and eventual sacrifice, a classic tragic arc driven by internal and external conflicts.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFamilybonds
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% (this title) · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% (this title) · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% (this title) · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Family bondsTradition vs change · 2% of filmsBetrayal · 5% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Community stakes: Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Dual lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the bond between brothers Frank and Vinnie, strained by their differing allegiances to tradition versus modernization in the Mafia, and the betrayals that follow.
StanceThe film mourns the erosion of old Mafia codes and family bonds as tradition gives way to modernization, viewing the loss with bleak fatalism.

The world

ContemporaryUrbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Lalo Schifrin
SettingNew York City and Palermo, Sicily in the late 1960s
MusicLalo Schifrin's score underscores the tension and Sicilian atmosphere.

Content guide

Is The Brotherhood okay for kids?

PG-13

The Brotherhood is rated PG-13: “Rated PG-13 for some violence” (MPAA). As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at intense (67/100), sexual content at mild (33/100), language at mild (33/100), drug and alcohol content at intense (67/100) and frightening material at intense (67/100). None has enough votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 1 other country
  • IrelandPG
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Alcohol & Drugs
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)
Frightening / Intense
Intense
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Too few votes to rank this title overall (5 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does The Brotherhood have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Brotherhood?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Kirk Douglas
as Frank Ginetta
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Alex Cord
as Vince Ginetta
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Irene Papas
as Ida Ginetta
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Luther Adler
as Dominick Bertolo
Susan Strasberg
as Emma Ginetta
Murray Hamilton
as Jim Egan
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Eduardo Ciannelli
as Don Peppino
Joe De Santis
as Pietro Rizzi
Connie Scott
as Carmela Ginetta
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Val Avery
as Jake Rotherman

Crew

Directed by

Martin Ritt

Written by

Lewis John Carlino

Cinematography

Frank BrachtBoris Kaufman

Edited by

Frank Bracht

Music by

Lalo Schifrin

Produced by

Kirk Douglas

More like this

What are movies like The Brotherhood?

Movies like The Brotherhood include The Godfather Part II (1974), The Many Saints of Newark (2021) and The Mechanic (1972). Of the 12 closest matches, half are corruption arc stories, and several are sibling-rivalry stories.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

9 of these 12 share its story type: gangster. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with The Brotherhood?

485 other films share the rarest tag below, relationship: sibling rivalry. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.