The Brother from Another Planet is a sci-fi comedy-drama film written, directed and edited by John Sayles. The movie was released in 1984 and stars Joe Morton as the alien slave, referred to as "The Brother," who crash lands in Harlem, New York City. The film also features Rosanna Carter as a neighborhood woman who befriends The Brother, and Darryl Edwards and Steve James as the Men in Black bounty hunters.
The film follows The Brother as he navigates through the unfamiliar territory of Harlem, trying to avoid his pursuers while also trying to figure out how to blend in with the locals. The Brother cannot speak, but he has special powers that allow him to read people's thoughts and fix machines with a touch of his hand. This unique set of abilities helps him to navigate through the challenges of his new environment.
As The Brother tries to find a place for himself on Earth, he witnesses the struggles of the people around him, particularly the African American community. He sees the poverty and discrimination that they face on a daily basis and tries to use his powers to help them. Along the way, he forms a bond with a young boy and his mother, providing a glimpse of hope and possibility for a better future.
The Brother from Another Planet is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that uses science fiction to explore important social issues. It is a humorous and heartfelt portrayal of the immigrant experience, as well as a commentary on race and class in America. The film is widely regarded as a cult classic and remains a relevant and engaging piece of cinema to this day.