Die schwarzen Brüder (2014): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2014, Die schwarzen Brüder is a drama and family film directed by Xavier Koller, running about 100 minutes.

What it’s about. Up until the middle of the 19Th century, poverty stricken mountain farmers from the Ticino area of Switzerland frequently sold their children to Milan as chimney sweeps or spazzacamini. That is also young Giorgios fate. He is forced to climb through pitch black chimneys, flinging down the soot with his bare hands. But he does not lose heart. Together with his buddies sharing in the same misery, he establishes the association of Black Brothers. They stick together, struggling against their penury and getting involved in fights with the street gangs of Milan. The film tells of the gripping adventures of the chimney sweep boys and their spectacular escape back to their native land.

Who’s in it. Die schwarzen Brüder stars Moritz Bleibtreu as Antonio Luini, Waldemar Kobus as Battista Rossi, Richy Müller as Pater Roberto and Fynn Henkel as Giorgio, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, Die schwarzen Brüder has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $37.3K at the box office.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Die schwarzen Brüder page.

If you liked it. Fans of Die schwarzen Brüder tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.