Far from the Tree (2017) Reviews

• "We Am Human"

  aldomiro2018-07-17

  I attended a preview of this film in Manhattan last night. "Far From the Tree" moved me more than anything I've experienced in years. It tells the private stories of several individuals and their families facing differing adversities and challenges outside of the stream of "normal" life. In addition to unfolding the complexities and ambiguities of parental hopes, fears, dreams and expectations for our children, it says so much about moral, ethical, familial, tribal, genetic, medical, and psychological aspects of being the communal primates we are. It honors and illuminates the dignity and perhaps even the divinity within us all, regardless of our differences, capabilities or disabilities. This is a brilliant jewel of a film, a beautifully crafted work of reality art, that opens the heart to the reality that we are all vulnerable and imperfect and connected to each other all the more because of that. The way the filmmakers have woven the different stories together and edited this movie is a wonder. Nobody who knows me would ever characterize me as a softy or sucker for identity politics or topical issues. This film transcends any of that and it went straight to my heart and my brain. It's a powerful, intelligent, careful, and courageous effort. As ending credits rolled and the theater lights brightened I thought to myself, another title for it could be, "We Am Human." Go see it.

• This is a great documentary

  robyna-763312019-01-13

  All I can say is I laughed, I cried, I gasped. I was very moved by this documentary and I would recommend it to people who are interested in the human psyche..

• great documentary doesn't begin to cover it...

  olgayaleo7292019-02-13

  Trying reading mr. solomon's book, which lives on my beside table - with one of the most profound and exquisite introductions i've ever read. so glad this film was made; hope a second one comes out with more of the extraordinary histories. and get your kleenex out. thank you, mr. solomon & co.

• Watch It on TV, Not in a Theater

  emailtombuchanan2019-01-01

  Documentary about families with kids that are 'different,' based on the book by the same name. Issues include autism, down's syndrome, a dwarf, and a child killer. The author is gay, and used that issue and his family reaction as the springboard to examine other families with 'different' children. I saw this at a proper theater and it was pretty good, but in a PBS documentary kind of way, and did not stand up as a feature.

• PUTS LIFE IN PERSPECTIVE

  lolly672019-04-07

  When I think about something happening in my life that seems too much to bear at the time, it's so easy to forget that there are so many wonderful human beings that live through and even thrive with situations I could never even imagine. It helped remind me to always keep things in perspective and to be grateful for what I have. Courage, tenacity, willingness, open mindedness, integrity, acceptance, love and never, ever giving up is so readily shown by those willing to share their life in this documentary. We are all deserving of everything we desire, no matter what our circumstances.