Looking for recommendations with intense sibling dynamics (not romantic obviously) with little or no romance plots (mostly because when there is romance, it tends to take the spotlight over literally everything else, like it did in say 4Minutes).

This is largely sparked by A Plague Tale and The Embers. Both feature sibling bonds that are the main focus of the story and are intense and complex. Not really looking for sibling bonds as a side plot because that's fairly common (or sibling bonds that are distant or very much not written by someone who actually have siblings). I want the sibling dynamic to be (one of) the most important parts of the story. Ideally, both/all leads are siblings (any combo is fine, and they don't need to be blood related as long as they were raised together, and it doesn't turn to romance).

Examples of what I mean: The EmbersBlindYume de Mita Ano Ko no Tame niWisher (kinda)

Ideal scenarios I would love to see if there's something like this but not required: 

  • "I'll burn the world to keep you safe" -sibling edition
  • Anything with a protective older sister
  • Taking revenge together as siblings 

Hello Monster is very much centered around the complicated brothers relationship (there is romance but it's not the focus).

thank you @emeraldarrows and @autumn iris! I'll check them all out! 

Pinocchio - This is about 2 brothers that are victims of something that has happened to their family. The get separated where one fears the other has died and thus their paths begin.  It's very very good. 

Thank you, @Lou! Sounds very promising, I'll definitely check it out!

If you're up for watching a classic HK film, A Better Tomorrow (1986) has a very intense relationship between two brothers.  Lotta white suits and blood packs. Has been remade several times - always a good sign.

In Chinese film Dongji Island (2025), two brothers are faced the choice of how to respond to a war crime, and there's protectiveness and revenge. The film is brutal and tragic. I wrote one of the MDL reviews here.  Based on the true story of the sinking of the Lisbon Maru.

 kabocha:
Has been remade several times - always a good sign.

I actually had the Chinese remake on my PTW list for forever!! 

 kabocha:
there's protectiveness and revenge.

Sounds like exactly my scene!! To think I saw your review for this movie just today, haha! 

Thanks for both reccs, I'll definitely be checking them out!