The film 'Brother' stays firmly grounded in its gritty realism and does not sacrifice its storyline at the altar of modern identity politics. Characters are developed based on their backgrounds and motivations, not as vehicles for diversity checklists. Representation is organic and tied to the Russian setting, focusing on narrative authenticity rather than ideological boxes.

Core themes like family loyalty, patriotism, and masculinity are central, if anything, the film venerates traditional values. Masculinity is not undermined but shown in all its toughness and complexity, while religion and tradition serve as authentic context, not targets for deconstruction. No modern ideological revisionism here.

While dissenting worldviews aren't the focus, the film doesn't go out of its way to villainize tradition or present only progressive assumptions. Some might consider it a product of its time, but it does offer a sincere, pluralistic take within its setting, and doesn't caricature alternatives to traditional values.