Why do we watch movies ? Of course it's very subjective but yet when films become popular because of audience falling in love and giving a word of mouth, it does reflect a common denominator we all have as a fan. It reflects our taste, mind set or a collective mood.I wonder the same for this documentary. Amidst the various problems in the world from fatal diseases to terrorism to global warming, human have always fought and taken the civilization forward, generation after generation. To me this documentary is a triumph in many ways, it shows beautifully on a screen, by transporting one to the life of Rocky and rejuvenate your belief in humanity when it comes to helping others and showing compassion and love for fellow being that we share this earth with. Blood brother is an apt title if you ask me, as it opens your eyes that the boundaries we create - the walls we raise, the legal lines we draw means nothing at the end, when it comes to standing with a fellow human being in their dire need of suffering, help them stand again. We realize quickly that though we are not related, our hearts bleed when we hear people die in some remote part of the world, we feel and cry with the families when plane disappears, we show empathy when natural disaster hits and victims become our brother or sister. To me, the feeling of oneness is always there, deeply rooted in our genes and we are wired to protect and support each other. That is new law and new world.This film and story of Rocky, discovering his purpose in life is a beautiful reminder of that deeply rooted trait we all have that we are one.I applaud Steve and Rocky to present this as a film and I would highly recommend everyone to watch this.

****WARNING **** SPOILER ALERT ****I was deeply moved by the acts performed by Rocky Bratt, the staff at the orphanage and the children who inhabit it while watching this movie. From what I could see many acts of generosity, selflessness and love contributed positively to the lives of the families within the orphanage.However, there were numerous instances during the viewing of this film when I was struck with unease regarding the portrayal of Bratt as selfless savior as well as the portrayal of the community where he worked. I also found some of Bratt's behavior to be professionally questionable. Below are some instances in the film that contributed to my unease.With regard to professional responsibility, I found the instances when Bratt and Hoover sought comfort from the children in the orphanage during their times of grief troubling. For example, when the young girl dies half way through the film, I found it inappropriate for Bratt to relay the details of her death and seek emotional support from a child living in the orphanage.Also, related to the girl's death mentioned above, both Hoover and Bratt express frustration that she was not taken to the hospital before becoming mortally ill. No discussion regarding the subjects of poverty, access to health care, lack of education or skepticism of institutions were suggested as possible barriers to her family seeking medical care. What was portrayed was that the community's faith and social practices alone prevented a visit to the hospital. Considering that Bratt had decided to marry into the community portrayed in this film, I would have thought some research into the daily circumstances of the inhabitants warranted.Finally, at no point are people from the community interviewed about their lives, beliefs and practices. Bratt mentioned that the community was outraged to find out that the orphanage cared for children and families living with HIV. I also got the impression that Bratt disapproved of the community's response. As a health care worker I am well aware of the stigma, fear and misconceptions often linked to HIV and AIDS in almost all cultural settings. I would have thought someone working within the HIV community would have been aware of these social barriers and would have done some legwork within the community regarding.In conclusion, Blood Brothers is an evocative portrait of one man's struggle to find his place in the world. Unfortunately, it's portrayal of the the international medical relief work performed by this man is lacking in depth and analysis. As such, I did respond emotionally to the powerful acts of kindness performed by the protagonist and others in the film. However, the element of transparency in documentary film making was seriously lacking. This left the viewer and even those in the film to project their own ideas and beliefs on a society left unexplained. I do believe this discrepancy may be a result of the predominantly faith based perspective of the filmmakers. Acts of God (such as Bratt's love / devotional work?) are rarely expected to be proved or explained as effective catalysts of change, only accepted. Acts of God certainly won't address the deep seated problems of poverty and stigma that will continue to subject HIV orphans in India to discrimination. The consequence of which is most often a lack of or withholding of much needed social services.

Blood Brother is a beautiful and compelling story that takes the audience on an emotionally complex journey with Rocky Braat, Steve Hoover, and HIV positive Indian orphans. What I loved most about this movie is that it demonstrates that true love gives a person the strength to do and endure things far beyond what that person could ever imagine that s/he could do and that even the most ordinary person has the capability of doing and being a part of something extraordinary. One of the most poignant and hardest to watch scene was Rocky at the hospital taking care of the orphan near death. Rocky didn't just sit with the child, he acted as father and nurse staying by the child's side the entire time and cleaning up the oozing sores that covered his body including his eyes. Warning, this movie will leave you changed and will make you want to be a part of something outside of yourself.

This is one of the most incredible/emotional films I've ever seen. As the previous reviewer described, it's about an American who gives up everything to go work at an orphanage for children with HIV in Chennai, India. It's hard to comprehend the vast suffering and abandonment that the children face, and the castigation on top of it over the fear (even well intentioned people have) of catching HIV from them. Yet it's ultimately a hopeful film made possible by the love and compassion of Rocky, and his friends who decided to make a documentary about his life/work. This film is so powerful and worth seeing on so many levels. It's certainly about love and compassion in the face of incredible suffering. And the willingness to look it in the eye and embrace it, literally. But it's also about marriage, family, healing, doubts, feeling overwhelmed, sacrifice, joy, beauty and pizza. Yes, pizza. And perhaps, it's also an opportunity to reflect on and re-frame the struggles and challenges we face in our own lives. Many thanks to Rocky and the film-makers for making the journey-- it's a portal into their world, and ultimately our own!