Winfield and Tyson skillfully balance between the proud flash of individuality, and the drab obsequious shell society demands. In support, a range of actors with real -- if largely unknown -- faces adds to the film's authentic feel, including Kevin Hooks as a convincing David, whose attachment to his father is palpable. It takes an argument before Nathan can acknowledge that love and before David realizes that it is out of an equal love that his father urges him toward the faraway school. The other children onscreen are frequently wooden, a minor flaw in an otherwise excellent production. The hard, hot light of the rural South floods its scenes, revealing the depths of feeling which saw some families through such trials.