Captain Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire), a U.S. Marine, is preparing for another tour of duty in Afghanistan. His wife, Grace (Natalie Portman) and two young daughters, Isabelle (Bailee Madison) and Maggie (Taylor Geare), plead with him not to go, but this is his life. Before he departs, he picks up his brother, Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal) from prison on the day he's released. A farewell dinner with Sam and his family, including his father, Hank (San Shepard), stepmother Elsie (Mare Winningham) and Tommy doesn't go well when troubles between Tommy and Hank surface. Hank, an ex-Marine himself, has no use for his younger son, whom he feels doesn't measure up to Sam in any way.

Once Sam has been deployed, Tommy begins to spend more time around Grace, who doesn't like him, and the girls. Eventually, they put their differences aside to keep the girls busy and to keep them from worrying about their father.

Meanwhile, Sam's helicopter is shot down and he's presumed dead. When Grace gets the news, she understandably falls to pieces and Tommy is there to pick them up. Their bond grows stronger until Grace learns that Sam is really still alive. He returns home, but in a totally different state of mind than when he left, due to his experiences in Afghanistan.

Every single performance in this film is superb. Portman, Gyllenhaal and Maguire are riveting in every scene. There are no false steps and no unnecessary word is spoken, thanks to screenwriter David Benioff. We know that Sam and Grace have a loving family, but we also can see how things change in death, and again with a reappearance. These are troubling issues made even more so by Sam's horrific time spent as a prisoner of the Taliban. None of us can know what that is like, but director Jim Sheridan takes us on this harrowing journey along with Sam, Grace and Tommy.

One of the most astounding aspects of this film is the extraordinary acting on the part of Madison and Geare as the two little girls. Their portrayals are exceptional in a movie chock full of outstanding performances. The scene of Maggie's birthday celebration is one of the finest ever filmed. The tension at the table is so palpable that it is chilling.

Even though "Brothers" may not be your favorite subject for a movie, that should not keep you from seeing this remarkable film. It's a shining example of a combination of near-perfect acting, writing and directing.

Opinion: Strong See It Now!

But the imagined infidelity is really a small part of the story. When the ex-convict brother, Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal) becomes an everyday fixture at the home of Sam and Grace, he ingratiates himself with Grace and the girls, and yes, there is some flirtatious activity. Of course, Sam, upon his return home, suspects much more than a peck on the cheek, but his unraveling is actually due to a life-changing event that occurs in Afghanistan while he is a captive of the brutal Taliban.

While "Brothers" is hardly uplifting material, it is a marvelous display of ensemble acting. Sam Shepard is dead on as the father for whom Sam can do no wrong and Tommy can do nothing right. Mare Winningham frees herself from a variety of TV roles to play the wife, although her role is non-pivotal, and Patrick Flueger is excellent as Private Joe Willis, Sam's underling in the Afghanistan hole in which they are captives. The two daughters, however, almost steal the show, particularly Ms. Madison, who is given some critical lines in a difficult role for any actress, let alone a 10-year-old. She is amazing.

But the film belongs to the trio of Maguire, Gyllenhaal and Portman. This is a Tobey Maguire you haven't seen before. Forget Spiderman and all the rest -- here he comes of age and should be considered for an Oscar nomination. Gyllenhaal has become a most reliable entity when it comes to acting, and he makes it look effortless. However, it is Portman who blew me away with her portrayal of the conflicted wife. When Sam goes berserk in the family kitchen, Grace can only look on in stunned disbelief, eyes full of tears. Portman's reaction to this horrific scene is heartbreaking and haunting, one of those performances that can define a career.

This is the type of movie that will play well on your home TV, but watching it on the big screen is a powerful experience. A memorable movie that shouldn't be missed.

Opinion: Strong See It Now!