# The Brother from Another Planet (1984)

> A mute, empathic alien finds fragile community in Harlem while evading bounty hunters and exposing the absurdities of American belonging.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/16104

## Facts

- Runtime: 108 min
- Genres: Comedy, Science Fiction, Drama
- Director: John Sayles
- Cast: Joe Morton, Rosanna Carter, Ray Ramirez, Yves Rene, Peter Richardson, Ginny Yang, Daryl Edwards, Steve James
- TMDB rating: 6.7/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087004/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: mild
- Mood: witty, warm, thoughtful, independent film night, socially conscious viewing

## Synopsis

An alien crash-lands in New York City, navigating the complexities of human life with empathy and humor.

## Movies like The Brother from Another Planet

- [Liquid Sky (1982)](https://ember.film/movie/12645)
- [My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988)](https://ember.film/movie/6919)
- [Kin-dza-dza! (1986)](https://ember.film/movie/12579)
- [The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)](https://ember.film/movie/822)
- [Enemy Mine (1985)](https://ember.film/movie/6770)
- [The Wild Blue Yonder (2005)](https://ember.film/movie/4084)
- [Moscow on the Hudson (1984)](https://ember.film/movie/13740)
- [Problemista (2024)](https://ember.film/movie/607012)
- [*batteries not included (1987)](https://ember.film/movie/6516)
- [Shadows (1960)](https://ember.film/movie/9252)

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