Brothers on Three
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Feature Film (Documentary)
Film Production Companies: Five By Eight Productions, Center Mass
and Rowdy House
Rating: NR / Run Time: 102 minutes
Language: English
Director: Sean Mullin
Writer(s): Brian Anthony and Sean Mullin
Starring: Coaches and Members of the West Point Rugby Team across time

“Being a good leader isn’t about how you win, but how you handle a loss.”

     According to the opening of Brothers on Three, “Less than 1% of Army officers ever reach the rank of General Officer. West Point Rugby players are over 300% more likely to make the rank of General Officer than the typical West Point cadet.” From there, we are thrown onto the pitch with the team during the 2022 National Championship games. One of the greatest honors—beyond being accepted to West Point—is becoming a member of the institution’s rugby team. As unusual as it may seem, even when players describe how counterintuitive it is to play a sport built on constant collisions, there is a deep sense of pride in being part of a team that becomes a surrogate family—almost a fraternity—within the ranks.

In this documentary, director Sean Mullin sets out to explore the history of the program, the impact it has had on its players, and not just the success of a dominant team, but their historic victory—when, for the first time in the program’s history, they captured the Men’s Division 1A Rugby National Championship. There is no denying the love of the game at West Point. We are treated to many talking-head interviews, including those with the late Lt. Col. Michael Mahan, the so-called “Godfather” of the program, who coached the team for 27 years. Through these perspectives, we gain insight into just how vital the sport is to the development of the young men passing through the academy.

However, it isn’t all victories and grueling workouts. As we meet more players, we begin to understand just how demanding the sport can be—and what happens when that sense of honor is compromised. Through candid interviews, team members speak honestly about the toll the sport takes and what it ultimately means to them.

Additionally, we learn the stories of several team members who, through their service, are no longer with us. The film shows how the team continues to support their families, reinforcing just how deeply this program functions as a family. As former players transition into coaching roles or rise to high-ranking positions, there is a sense of pride that may be difficult for outsiders to fully grasp. The need to constantly prove oneself to maintain a place on the team is evident, and the honor associated with that commitment comes through clearly.

For me, the most fascinating aspects of the film are the exploration of the rules of the game, the friendly rivalries, and the history behind its traditions. When the film leans into these elements, it truly soars—even if it occasionally feels repetitive. Where it slightly falters is in trying to cover too much additional ground, causing the narrative to lose some focus. While we remain connected to the team, the broader themes don’t always carry the same weight, leaving you to question their inclusion. At times, it feels as though the story might have been better suited to a mini-series format rather than a single feature.

That said, the editing team of Devin Dulany and Mel Mel Sukekawa-Mooring effectively weaves together archival footage, varied talking-head interviews, and helpful explanatory subtitles to keep the story moving. For example, we hear from Martin Pengelly, author of Brotherhood: When West Point Rugby Went to War, which hints at a deeper historical thread—particularly around the impact of 9/11—but that thread feels somewhat at odds with the film’s primary focus on the 2022 championship team. All in all, this documentary proves both inspirational and educational for those interested in learning more about this historic sport—one where, quite literally, we crash into one another.