From Beginning to End (Movie)

Review September 19, 2011 57 Tj

Title: From Beginning to End
Director: Aluizio Abranches
Starring: Julia Lemmertz, Fabio Assuncao, Jean Pierre Noher, Louise Cardoso, Lucas Cotrim, Gabriel Kauffman, Rafael Cardoso, Joao Gabriel Vasconcellos
Distributers: TLA Releasing
Buy Link Amazon Buy/Watch Link
Genre: M/M Drama/Romance
Country of Origin/Language: Brazil/Portuguese with English Subtitles
Rating: R/Unrated
Released: 2009
Length: 96 minutes
Rating: 5 stars out of 5

A guest review by Tj

Summary Review: Despite the controversial subject matter of the intimate relationship between half brothers, I fell in love with them as young boys and then again as adults.

The Blurb: One of the most controversial gay-themed films since Cruising, this Brazilian romantic drama centers on the intimate bond between two men – made problematic with them being brothers. As children, Francisco and his younger half-brother Thomás, were best friends and unusually close to each other- so much so that their intimacy brings vocal concerns from relatives that maybe they are too close. But the parents reluctantly brush away the gossip. Fast-forward several years with the now strikingly handsome, bronzed young men taking their childhood intensity into a torrid sexual relationship. But can their love survive society’s discerning gaze? Spectacularly shot amidst the mountains, beaches and grand estates of Brazil, this sweeping erotic drama does not just live on the controversial subject matter but rather is a strikingly evocative romance of two men fighting against societal conventions.

The Review: To be perfectly honest I had read about the film From Beginning to End several months ago, but because of the subject matter, put off seeing it. I don’t have any particular affinity for twin-cest, so the thought of a romance between half brothers made me a little uncomfortable. But reading how well this Brazilian import had been received made me put aside my initial hesitation and I’m very glad that I did.

From Beginning to End is the story of half brothers Thomas & Francisco initially as preteen boys played by Lucas Cotrim and Gabriel Kauffmann. They live a seemingly carefree life where they are constantly together playing and fighting, but always fiercely loyal and protective of each other. Young Thomas idolizes his older brother and wants to grow up and be just like him.

And it is plainly obvious how Francisco cares for is younger brother, even when Thomas tries to irritate him as younger brothers are wont to do. In one scene Thomas is caught playing with his father Alexandre’s paints, which he has been told not to do. When Francisco walks in on Alexandre yelling at Thomas for misbehaving, he pulls Thomas into the protection of his arms and tells Alexandre that he will take care of Thomas from now on – forever.

I was very impressed with the talent of the two young actors portraying Thomas and Francisco as children. They made the strong connection of brothers seem very real, and although there was nothing sexual about their youthful relationship, the foundation of their lifelong bond was forged in the innocence of youth. 41Lef6+KCuL

As young adults Thomas and Francisco (played by Rafael Cardoso & Joao Gabriel Vasconcellos) still maintain a very close bond. It is at this point that their relationship intensifies and evolves into a sexual one. Here’s where I expected to have to turn off the movie, but their first encounter is handled so beautifully that I was absolutely transfixed and couldn’t stop watching.

It certainly didn’t hurt that actors Rafael Cardoso and Joao Gabriel Vasconcellos are very beautiful men, and we get to see quite a bit of them. :flirt: But more importantly, these guys really know how to act. Their scenes together are so well done, so beautiful, so freaking sexy that I fell in love with them all over again. Their chemistry is the perfect combination of youthful playfulness and adult attraction.

71vR0YtWvAL Now, there is no graphic sex – the love scenes are very artistic, but man do these boys make the most of it. Their kisses alone made me feel the longing in each of them for the other. They aren’t just getting their kicks, these young men need each other like the air that they breathe.

This was so masterfully illustrated when at one point in the movie, there is a chance that the adult Thomas and Francisco may have to be separated. The way that the actors portrayed their fear and hurt and need for each other with a simple look, a clutching hug and fierce kisses was breath taking.

Understandably, this won’t be everybody’s cup of tea, so I suggest you read a few other reviews and certainly do as I did and rent before buying. BTW, for those of you who love a HEA, yes you get one. I quite frankly can’t even imagine a world where Thomas and Francisco aren’t together. I highly recommend From Beginning to End.

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Tj

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57 comments

Wave September 19, 2011 at 2:13 pm

Tj
Great job on the review. One of the reasons I hate movie reviews on the site is because of their impact on my wallet because if I like the review I go out right away and buy the damn movie. 😀 I think you captured more than the essence of the film – the way you felt about it was obvious.
- Lasha September 19, 2011 at 4:11 pm
  
  Rent it at Amazon. $3.99. That’s what I did. 🙂
  - Wave September 19, 2011 at 4:16 pm
    
    Living outside the US I can’t rent from Amazon, unfortunately. No streaming videos for me from Amazon either.
    
    I have to buy every movie.
    - Tam September 19, 2011 at 4:19 pm
      
      Yep, what she said. Sucks to be us sometimes.
      - Tj September 19, 2011 at 4:28 pm
        
        That’s not fair. There has to be another place to rent it. Did you look on the TLA website? I’m at work now so I can’t check, but I’ll try searching tonight.
  - Tj September 19, 2011 at 4:17 pm
    
    That’s what I did too. After watching it twice I ended up buying it.
Tj September 19, 2011 at 2:26 pm

Thanks Wave. I was worried that I might have lost my writing skills after such a long break. 😯 Sorry about the temptation. I’ve spent countless extra from movie and book reviews on your site so I know just how you feel.
This movie really surprised me in a very good way. Not a lot happens plot-wise, but it carried a big emotional impact for me. Even after 3 or 4 viewings already, I can’t wait to watch it again.
Tam September 19, 2011 at 2:32 pm

You’ve made me want to see this, I think I’ve seen clips of the two guys on various videos. However the odds of me finding a place to rent it here within a 300 mile radius is slim to none. Sigh. I don’t buy movies either.
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 2:42 pm
  
  Hey Tam – I think online is your best bet for rental. I rented it on Amazon first but after watching it a few times during the rental period I ended up buying it a few weeks later.
- Wave September 19, 2011 at 3:41 pm
  
  Tam
  Is it possible that it might be on Out TV or even Netflix?
  
  I’m buying a copy on Amazon because I love to watch movies over and over again so I never rent. 😀
  - Tam September 19, 2011 at 4:04 pm
    
    To be honest, Out TV sucks for movies. All it is, is Chris and Steven redecorating your house, and the same 4 movies over and over and over. LOL
    
    I checked on-line and neither netflix nor zip carry that movie unless they have it under the Brazilian name. (Is there a Brazilian name?) Doing a search of “watch it on-line” I found a place you can download it, no clue if it’s legal, I didn’t look to closely. That’s the biggest problem, most of us aren’t going to spring $20 for a movie we aren’t sure of and you can’t rent the damn things even on-line up here. Grrrr.
    - Tj September 19, 2011 at 4:30 pm
      
      Yeah Tam, it is also called “Do Comeco ao Fim”. Please forgive me if I misspelled.
Raine September 19, 2011 at 3:20 pm

It’s very good to read your work again Tj, but I hope I can find this on LoveFilm or I will be cursing you! :grumble:

Thanks for the reassurance about the ending which of cos sells it even more………
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 3:35 pm
  
  Thanks Raine! It’s good to be back. I hope you can find the movie and like it. I know how important it is, so I had to include the HEA note. I can tell you I wasn’t sure it was going to happen the first time that I watched.
Lasha September 19, 2011 at 4:13 pm

I agree with your review. At first I was highly doubtful about a movie with incest in it. However, the acting and storyline won me over that this is a compelling film with a difficult subject matter.
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 4:22 pm
  
  Hi Lasha – I was very leery of this one too, but I kept reading about how good it was and took a chance on renting it first. I figured if nothing else there was pretty scenery.
Gaycrow September 19, 2011 at 4:17 pm

I’ve read a lot about this movie and was very interested in buying it, but I understood it didn’t have a HEA ending. In fact, I thought it was quite the opposite. So I was surprised and pleased to read your review, Tj. I’ll have to try and get hold of it now. 🙂

(Is it pirate week? Ho ho me hearties!)
- Wave September 19, 2011 at 4:34 pm
  
  It’s Christian’s version of Talk Like a Pirate day. He’s been planning this for about a month. 😀 😮
  
  Tomorrow we’ll be back to normal, thank the heavens.
  - Tj September 19, 2011 at 4:43 pm
    
    And anyone reading all this pirate talk will think we’re all nuts.
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 4:36 pm
  
  Hi Gaycrow – it does have an HEA. I can’t imagine how someone could say otherwise. I hope you enjoy it.
  - Gaycrow September 19, 2011 at 5:08 pm
    
    I’m wondering now if I was reading about a different movie for the “not happy ending”. Is there a swimming pool scene in this one? I had the impression one of the main characters drowned. 😮
    - Tj September 19, 2011 at 10:12 pm
      
      There are a few brief pool scenes, but no one drowns, so you’re safe. 😀
      - Gaycrow September 21, 2011 at 3:26 am
        
        Aha! I realise now I was mistaking this film with another movie. I found a review for “From Beginning to End” on Afterelton.com and the discussion there veered off on to another tangent. The film I was confusing this one with is called “Starcrossed”.
        
        Here’s a link to the discussion at Afterelton.com if you’re interested:
        
        http://www.afterelton.com/movies/2010/06/beginning-to-end
      - Tj September 21, 2011 at 8:18 am
        
        Ah, now that makes sense. Thanks for the link too. It’ll give everyone another opinion on the movie, which is always good.
- Lasha September 19, 2011 at 4:59 pm
  
  I took it as a HEA too. The brothers were too entwined with each other for it to be anything else.
  - Tj September 19, 2011 at 5:01 pm
    
    Absolutely. There was no way they weren’t going to stay together. Thanks Lasha!
Feliz September 19, 2011 at 4:18 pm

Oh, TJ…I looked up trailers on youtube and now I know I have to watch this movie. What’s a poor European netflix deprived girl to do but buy it? You’re bad for my wallet… Thank you for this review, it sounds really really appealing!
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 4:39 pm
  
  Hey Feliz! Maybe you’ll have to take a little Brazilian vacation to get it. LOL I hope you can find it. And sorry about the wallet.
- Ingrid September 19, 2011 at 5:09 pm
  
  A while ago I saw the whole movie on youtube. Took a bit of digging though.
  
  Great movie btw! Loved it to pieces. No second guessing or open ends at the end if there will be a HEA. Which was a relieve for a change
  - Tj September 19, 2011 at 10:15 pm
    
    Hi Ingrid. I wholeheartedly agree. I really loved this movie (obviously). 😀
    
    I read somewhere that there was so much controversy over the subject matter that it took some time for it to be released. That may be why it”s not so readily available. I hadn’t realized this originally because it was on Amazon where I rented and later purchased it.
Aunt Lynn September 19, 2011 at 4:54 pm

I’ve been eying this film for a few months over at Amazon and reading reviews here and there. Sounds like I’ll be taking the plunge later this week as yours pushed me over the edge. Thanks Tj.
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 5:00 pm
  
  You’re welcome Lynn. That’s exactly what I did – eyed it for months. I hope you enjoy it as well.
Ben M September 19, 2011 at 6:31 pm

Wow, between this review and the giveaway of The Painting of Porcupine City, the site is sporting a nice Brazilian theme today! 🙂
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 10:16 pm
  
  All part of Wave’s plan of course Ben! Pirates and Brazilian boys. :flirt:
Indigene September 19, 2011 at 6:44 pm

Hi Tj. Good review!

I watched this film a few months ago and quite agree with your review. It is beautifully and tastefully done, given the subject matter. And yes, both actors did an amazing job in portraying the depth of their relationship and their closeness. I quite agree with your 5 star rating.

For those in Canada looking to rent the film you can do so online via tlaGAY.com. I’m in Ontario and I rented it as a streaming video for $3.99 for 3 days and watched it on my computer.

Here’s the link:
http://www.tlavideo.com/gay-from-beginning-to-end/p-310272-2
- Wave September 19, 2011 at 7:14 pm
  
  Thanks for the information Indigene. I hope Tam is still checking the comments. I might still buy the movie because it seems like a story that I will watch more than a few times but I’m very happy that you provided the website.
  - Indigene September 19, 2011 at 7:31 pm
    
    No worries. Glad to provide the information. I do hope Tam checks the comments.
    
    If you’re interested in buying the DVD it’s available at Amazon.ca at a good price. Not sure what tlaGAY.com charges for shipping to Canada. It’s definitely a keeper film that you’ll watch again.
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 10:22 pm
  
  Thanks for the compliment and the info on finding this elusive little flick Indigene. I thought that not only did the 2 boys and 2 men that portrayed the brothers do a great job, but all of the actors gave stellar performances.
Buda September 19, 2011 at 7:22 pm

Beautiful review, Teej. I’ve seen several clips of this movie on You Tube and have felt the emotional impact just through those. Unless it’s hockey, I don’t watch television anymore. I’m definitely going to make an exception for this film. Knowing you loved it enough to buy it is just extra motivation.

Triumphant return, snookums. 😉
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 10:32 pm
  
  Well thank you birthday boy! I know it probably sounds crazy given the subject matter, but this is one of my new favorite movies.
Dianne T. September 19, 2011 at 10:45 pm

Thanks for the great review TJ – this film sure sounds wonderful. I know what I’ll be watching tomorrow evening. 😀
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 10:52 pm
  
  Thank you Dianne! Please do come back and let me know what you think afterwards – good or bad. I hope that you enjoy the film, but I want to know either way.
Fae Sutherland September 19, 2011 at 11:03 pm

I adore this movie. I first discovered it existed through a fan video on youtube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2LhDqF98yM and hunted it down through a friend in south america. Absolutely beautiful. I think it was a brilliant portrayal of a consensual and *not* disturbing incestuous relationship. Quite the contrary, their relationship is breathtaking. I cried lots during this one! Great review!
- Tj September 19, 2011 at 11:16 pm
  
  Thanks Fae! It’s just the best movie. I was so unsure of what to expect and couldn’t believe how engaged I was in their story and how much I wanted it to all work out for Thomas and Francisco. And it was so not disturbing, which was the opposite of what I expected. The scene that I have a shot of at the end of the review was so moving. Just seeing the picture makes me ache inside for them.
B.G. Thomas September 19, 2011 at 11:55 pm

Coincidentally I JUST saw this movie about a week ago, and I love it. Thought it ended awfully abruptly. But it was powerful and as you say, I fell in love with them both as boys and men. I wish the change from boy to men could have been smoother and I found it hard to believe they waited that long, but it has to be about the sexiest, most romantic, erotic love-making I’ve seen in quite awhile. It is almost impossible to believe the two actors were not really in love. Powerful stuff. I liked this movie in the neighborhood of “Shelter,” my favorite gay movie…except for maybe “Love! Valor! Compassion!” Thanks for the review!
- Tj September 20, 2011 at 8:47 am
  
  Hey Ben – I know what you mean about the ending seeming a little abrupt, but I imagine there wasn’t anywhere to really go after that. It is amazing how the viewer comes to love the boys and then again the men they become.
  As far as their waiting until they were adults to be together, I took it as they couldn’t do it when they were living with their mother. They do talk about how things changed for them with what happens right before they are first together, so I think that event was supposed to be the catalyst that changes their brotherly relationship into something else. that’s how I rationalized it.
  The acting was so good that I agree – it was hard to think they were not in love in real life too. Very talented guys.
Larissa September 20, 2011 at 2:34 am

Now this movie was made of awesome. When it was first recommended I had the same hesitations as you, but as I watched, I was amazed by how much I liked this movie. it has become one of my favorite comfort movies!

I loved your review. When i read through it you voiced exactly what I thought!
- Tj September 20, 2011 at 8:53 am
  
  Thanks Larissa! You nailed it exactly. It was all kinds of awesome, which surprised the heck out of me. It’s now one of my comfort movies too! Who’d a thunk?
Helena September 20, 2011 at 7:54 am

Welcome back Tj, we have missed you 😀
I agree with you, it´s a great movie!!
Thank you for your review 😎
- Tj September 20, 2011 at 8:59 am
  
  Aww, thanks Helena. That’s so nice of you to say. I’m glad to be back. And I’m so happy to hear so many others have loved this movie too.
  - Helena September 21, 2011 at 1:18 pm
    
    Tj, although in Portuguese, I don´t know if people still looking for info would be interesed in checking the official movie site
    http://www.docomecoaofim.com.br/
    (links also to its official youtube channel that includes extras & trailer)
    - Tj September 21, 2011 at 2:12 pm
      
      Thanks Helena! I’ll have to check this out myself in case there’s extras that I haven’t seen.
Josephine Myles September 20, 2011 at 8:11 am

Thanks for the rec, Tj – this sounds like the kind of film I’d adore! And subtitled too, so I get to hear all that beautiful Brazilian *sighs*
- Tj September 20, 2011 at 9:04 am
  
  You’re welcome Jo. I think you’ll really enjoy this one.
Sirius September 20, 2011 at 11:18 pm

Welcome back TJ, such an awesome review, bad for my pocket, but really awesome. I can rent it, but I will buy it, because I highly suspect I will watch it again. Especially if you say there is a happy ending 🙂
- Tj September 21, 2011 at 8:24 am
  
  Thanks Sirius! I really thought the movie would be disturbing, given the subject matter, but it was just beautiful. The performances are so good, that as Ben said, you really can’t believe that the actors aren’t in love too. And no worries Sirius, you’ll be smiling like a romantic fool at the end. 😀
Shaneyrain February 6, 2012 at 2:16 am

Thanks for the review,
i just watched the film and found it sadly disappointing. The first half excels in building a strong, potentially powerful story, The second half becomes a Fairy Tale….beautiful and enchanting, but so completely divorced from reality that the story ceases to have any credibility or power. By completely eliminating any conflict such a relationship would incur, it becomes “J]just another love story”. The fact that it’s between Brothers is lost in a luscious HAE dreamscape………. A sadly wasted opportunity of a film.