Am I My Brother's Keeper Movie Quote
The phrase "Am I my brother's keeper?" is a rhetorical question that has been used in various movies, books, and religious texts. One of the most well-known references to this phrase is from the 1990 crime drama film, "The Godfather: Part III."
The Godfather: Part III
In "The Godfather: Part III," the main character Michael Corleone, played by Al Pacino, utters the famous line when discussing his family's criminal activities with his advisor, Tom Hagen. Michael says, "I've always taken care of you, Tom. When we needed you the most. You're out, you're not in danger anymore. I want you to arrange a meeting with the heads of the five families. This war stops now. We have to stop it. I want you to get our informants to find out where the meetings will be held. In the meantime, I'll go to California. I'm going to see my father. I want you to come with me. We're going to talk to him alone... without any interference. I want you to help the Corleone family. And I want you to help me. Did you do that? Did you help me?" Tom responds, "Sure, Mike. I always help you. You know that." Michael then asks, "Then why don't you tell me what's going on?" To which Tom replies, "I can't. It's not personal, Sonny. It's strictly business." Michael then delivers the iconic line, "Am I my brother's keeper?"
The phrase is used by Michael to convey his disappointment and frustration with Tom for not being completely transparent with him. It also highlights the theme of the movie, which is the tension between family loyalty and the obligations of the criminal underworld.
Origins of the Phrase
The phrase "Am I my brother's keeper?" is derived from the story of Cain and Abel in the Bible. In the story, Cain kills his brother Abel and when God asks him where Abel is, Cain responds with the question, "Am I my brother's keeper?" The phrase has since become a proverbial expression, used to question one's responsibility for the well-being of others.
Use in Popular Culture
Aside from "The Godfather: Part III," the phrase "Am I my brother's keeper?" has been used in various other movies, TV shows, and books. In the movie "Menace II Society," the character O-Dog asks the question when his friend is killed. In the TV show "Lost," the character Mr. Eko recites the story of Cain and Abel and uses the phrase when questioning his own actions. The phrase has also been used in books such as "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" by Mark Twain and "The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Conclusion
The phrase "Am I my brother's keeper?" has become a timeless expression that questions our responsibility for the well-being of others. Its use in popular culture has helped to keep it relevant and meaningful to this day.
