Parent reviews for Far from the Tree

If you're a Big fan if the recent hit song by Carrie Underwood "Love Wins" you will fall in love with this Movie. Far from the Tree is the most loving depiction of authentic humanity I have seen on film, and like Ms. Underwood's brave indignation towards prejudice and persecution, Andrew Solomon obliterates any argument for segregating any group of people under summary judgment for who they are. For any Parent that has dealt with incomprehensible family events that derailed the course of their lives, this Movie will exhaust you. As you and the families journey through the struggle of emotions that survivors often bury to remain functional you may find closure to your own nightmares. The Movie in brief moments captures the subtle judgemental bigotry that the parents themselves suffer through as they try to navigate what's best for their children. It's marvelous that the movie captures societies segments that fear anything that is different from themselves in the parents loving but misguided yearning to guide their children to their version of happiness. That is the Miracle of this film. It does crucify the bigots of our culture, nor glorify militants who could grab you by the throat and shake you for your narrowmindedness. It looks at families from both sides through the prism of love. Educators and Parents alike should demand that thousands of hours be spent discussing all the various nuances in each story told. For all the ugly incivility that plague's our daily lives, this film will change the perspective of the coldest of hearts who see the world only in Black and White. I want to keep in touch with those in this film and see how their lives grow personally as the years unfold. What Movie makes you want to do that? I realize that this review is hardly objective, I am prejudiced by tragedy raising a normal son on my own while his parent remains behind bars. I identify and live with the burden the Texas family lives with having their own son Trevor, separated forever. Looking in their eyes is like looking in a mirror, where life will never make sense again, ever. Of all the stories, Mom never being able to look at the legacy of family photos of joyous times without understanding what was a lie and what was true is so agonizing and so true. Dad expressing "That you carry the guilt with you forever" and continuing to love his son is so brave. They are much braver than I. Please share my review, and "Re-Release" this movie so it gets the recognition it deserves and reaches those who so desperately need it, just don't forget a fresh box of Kleenex. This Film is proof that "Love Wins."

Our children, 6 and 9, were captivated by this film, as were my husband and I. It touches on some tough subjects, but in a way that we felt was a healthy introduction for bigger conversations with our children. All the families should be commended for sharing their compelling stories.