In the Family

A completely absorbing and outstanding film debut
I have been advocating for this film ever since I first saw it in Chicago. When it came back to Chicago, I went to see it again. I am dumbfounded that it wasn't considered for an Academy Award.

Patrick Wang's direction is thoughtful, well-considered, and a pleasant change from traditional Hollywood film making. Scenes in which the action is happening off-camera carry more impact than had the action been filmed.

The film's subject matter -- same-sex families, two dads, fighting relatives over child custody, death, loss, homophobia, race, love -- could have easily turned this film into a maudlin mess were it not for Wang's skillful screenwriting, directing, and acting. The film also skillfully avoids being overtly political despite the subject matter. I'm writing my own first screenplay and I've learned a lot just from repeatedly watching this film.

I know it sounds like hyperbole, but this is seriously the best film I've seen in years.

The stuff Academy Award winning films are made of
Many critics could argue, perhaps convincingly, that "In the Family" could be edited from its almost 3 hours to 2 hours, however, the pacing of the film doesn't suffer from its length. And by taking time to develop the almost mundane everyday life of a gay couple raising a young son, the film is actually a bold political statement that speaks directly to every person who thinks being gay is somehow a non-stop sex fest. Because of that, the film makes a very strong point even before the issues at the heart of the movie become front and center. It's a family friendly film where sexual orientation is almost an afterthought of the movie and that is what sets the tone and makes it groundbreaking. That is a long winded way of saying that anyone who thinks the film should fit into a typical 2 hour movie formula, is missing the depth of the story and the emotional impact the pacing creates.

Many Asian-American actors would say they hate doing accents because they are connected with...

Powerful film, beautiful blu-ray
What does it mean to be a family? For some family is defined as one man, one woman, both attached to God, with children and an eternal sealing. For others (including me) family is defined as a group of people who love each other. Simple.

Joey and Cody have raised their son, Chip, for at least 5 years together. Normal, every-day routines of two loving parents and one lucky child begin the film. Then, suddenly, Cody dies. Joey and Chip are left behind, numb, grieving and being pulled back into the every-day. Life seems to go on.

Until Joey is informed of Cody's will. It states that Chip, along with all of Cody's possessions, belongs to Cody's sister and husband. Joey is quickly pushed out of the picture and left without any legal custody of his son. Thus begins a slow, powerful journey of understanding, love, and family.

In The Family is 169 minutes long. It is drawn out, subtle, and realistic. There isn't any background music. Many scenes don't include...

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