The 2011 comedy is a charming film that contemplates the value of kindness
Any film that stars Paul Rudd is a must-watch. “Our Idiot Brother” is no exception. The comedy made in 2011 is a humorous film that allows the audience to see the consequences of utilizing the virtue of kindness, as shown by Rudd’s character.
Rudd plays a dimwitted romantic, Ned, whose kindness and trust towards others is manipulated by societal norms. While the movie is based in reality, Ned, our protagonist, chooses to live in his own world. He’s called an “idiot” but as we’ll come to see, it’s a sad simplification of his kind demeanor.
For those that haven’t had the opportunity to see the film that is now a decade old, the plot is, “A seemingly clueless idealist relies on his exasperated sisters for support after his girlfriend dumps him and his dog is taken away.”
Rudd is accompanied by living comedic legends like; Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Kathryn Hahn, Rashida Jones and Adam Scott. There is no shortage of comedic talent, nor is there a shortage of heartfelt storylines.
As the plotline suggests, Ned is a simple man who is down to earth and down on his luck. After getting tricked into selling pot to a police officer, he seeks post-jail refuge with his sisters.
Each of his sister’s are dealing with the harshness of reality, from one sister in a marital crisis to another cheating on her partner. Each character in the plot, outside of Ned, takes out their problems on those around them, whereas Ned greets each obstacle optimistically.
Rather than Ned taking out his sorrors on those around him, he chooses to react oppositely. Sure, he doesn’t come across smart, but under those layers of idiotic candour is a deep understanding of the way the world could be.
Now that we’ve established who Ned is, let’s progress into understanding the virtue of kindness from a philosophical perspective.
“Kindness is a moral virtue, manifesting itself in situations that require an ethical response, often ones in which the individual feels compassionate or empathetic to another person” per University of Birmingham Department of Social Sciences.
Ned is constantly empathetic and compassionate to his sister’s and even his ex-girlfriend. Although the film is titled after what the fellow characters call idiotic, each action that Ned takes is based out of kindness towards others. Although his downfall is being ignorant of reality, his salvation comes from his deep care and tender treatment of others.
“An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind” said Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was referring to the Old Testament, “regarding the legal penalties for violence. Gandhi rejected violences as a means to change, and only engaged in peaceful ways of protest” according to BBC.
Knowing it or not, Ned lived out this philosophy. Not only was he non-violent, his kindness constantly manifested into turning the other cheek, rather than seeking justice for mistreatment.
Ned’s influence on his sister’s proved to be an agent for good. His kindness spewing out onto those around him, Ned himself turning out to be a good brother whose own moral compass helped guide his sisters.
The profound truth that “Our Idiot Brother” conveys past the humorous lines is the effect kindness can have. Ned was constantly being put down, faced with adversity, and going through trials. Nevertheless, he remained warm-hearted. The biggest takeaway being: practicing the virtue of kindness is worth the risk.
Stream “Our Idiot Brother” on Netflix now.
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