The Brother from Another Planet (1984)

My Review

“The Brother from Another Planet” is a science fiction comedy-drama film about a mute black alien who escapes slavery on another planet and lands in Harlem. He is pursued by two white agents from home, as he tries to assimilate into Manhattan’s diverse population. The drama and some dry comedy proceeds from there, fairly well managed by director-screenwriter John Sayles (“Return of the Secaucus 7” 1980). This average low-budget movie has remained popular as a cult classic since it’s release in 1984.

The cast is headed by Joe Morton as the alien who becomes known simply as Brother. This part was early in Morton’s career, as he later went on to numerous motion picture and television roles. Other cast includes David Strathairn and John Sayles as the men in black, Fisher Stevens as a card shark, Bill Hobbs, Rosanna Carter, Steve James, and Giancarlo Esposito. The watchable “The Brother from Another Planet” was popular in theatrical release for Cinecon Pictures.