Nice Movies to watch with your Brother

For over ten years, the author has attended the Chicago International Film Festival. In fall, they attended a screening of Michel Franco's Memory (2023) with their older brother, which included a talk-back with Peter Sarsgaard. The author describes the film as "a devastatingly beautiful, an entirely obscure love story." Sarsgaard requested that viewers not discuss the film's romantic dynamics, asking instead that they experience it personally. The author encourages renting the film to support independent cinema.

The second section discusses 300 (2006) directed by Zack Snyder. The author reflects on watching this film repeatedly with their brother throughout childhood. They recall him creating imaginative games and adventures for them, and describe watching 300 together as entering his world. The author notes they quoted the film in their Princeton application and reflects on how "I'm not sure if I love the movie or if I just love what it meant to me and my brother." They conclude by expressing pride in their family's fierce loyalty and willingness to face conflict together.