The Brother from Another Planet

The Brother from Another Planet

Year: 1984

Runtime: 108 min

Language: English

Director: John Sayles

Sci-FiComedy

A mute extraterrestrial refugee crash-lands in Harlem, seeking refuge from his oppressive past. As "The Brother" navigates the urban jungle, his remarkable mechanical skills earn him a job and tentative friendships. But his peaceful existence is disrupted by two relentless pursuers from his home planet, determined to reclaim their fugitive brother and return him to a life of servitude.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Brother from Another Planet (1984)
Trace every key event in The Brother from Another Planet (1984) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Crash Landing on Earth

A mute space alien crash-lands on Ellis Island due to a malfunction in his ship. His extraterrestrial appearance, highlighted by his three-toed feet, leads many people to mistake him for a homeless individual.

Ellis Island
2

Discovering Abilities

As the alien navigates his new surroundings, he discovers his unique abilities. One of his first moments is when he places his hand on a wall, allowing him to hear the echoes of those who once inhabited the space, showcasing his empathetic nature.

3

Misunderstanding at the Shop

In a local shop, the alien makes humorous attempts to fit in but ends up confusing the shopkeeper. He begins munching on a head of lettuce and a tomato, drawing attention to his vegetarian diet, only to accidentally trigger a police alert.

4

Evading the Police

After the police officer begins to pursue him, the alien uses his impressive jumping ability to leap to a high ledge. This incredible feat helps him evade capture, allowing him to explore more of New York City.

New York City
5

Meeting a Card Trickster

While riding the subway, the alien encounters a friendly card trickster who entertains him with amusing stories about face cards. This interaction demonstrates the generosity and kindness prevalent among some of New York's residents.

Subway
6

Finding a Home

The alien finds acceptance and camaraderie at Odell's bar in Harlem. With Odell's assistance, he secures a place to stay with Randy Sue Carter and her young son, starting a new chapter in his life.

Odell's Bar, Harlem
7

Impressing the Patrons

Using his knack for fixing things, the alien impresses the bar patrons by repairing an arcade cabinet. His modifications not only boost the game speed but also draw the attention of locals, leading to a job offer.

Odell's Bar, Harlem
8

Investigating Drug Use

As he observes the detrimental effects of drug use in Harlem, the alien reveals another extraordinary ability. He temporarily detaches one of his eyes to use it as a camera, helping him identify sources of drug distribution in the area.

Harlem
9

The Threat Emerges

The tension escalates when two mysterious men in black begin to hunt for the alien, questioning his friends. Their relentless search raises alarms in the tight-knit community surrounding the alien.

10

Showdown at Odell's

In a climactic confrontation, the men in black confront the alien's friends at Odell's bar. The local community stands united to protect the alien, showcasing their solidarity and willingness to fight against external threats.

Odell's Bar, Harlem

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 18:21

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