Misunderstood

This is a wonderful story about the relationship of a father and his son. It shows the difficulties which a family can face when confronted with a tragedy. Anyone with a feeling for family and love in their heart would enjoy this movie.

I saw this movie on its release in 1984. I had much the same relationship with my Dad as the boy in this story, so it touched a raw nerve. When you have an experience like this boy, and you can closely identify with him the storyline takes an on an extremely emotional roller-coaster ride, and needless to say I broke down at the end of the film. I have just connected to the internet and I have been searching for this film for the past 20 years. Now I finally have a copy and I'm going to watch it with my wife and Daughter. Needless to say I have a very close relationship with them because I made sure things with my kids would be different. I never got close to my Dad.

I have seen this movie countless times and it never gets old. This is definitely one of Gene Hackman's most touching and best performances ever! Henry Thomas also gives a brilliant performance as his son, Andrew. Beautifully directed by Jerry Schatzberg, this movie illustrates everything a movie should be. You just cannot find great movies like this anymore. Although a tearjerker, this movie is true to life and makes an important statement about life and love. Why this movie is not available on DVD is incomprehensible. It should be in every family's movie collection. This movie, I believe is out of print, but if you can find it, BUY IT!! You won't be disappointed.

Like many others out there, I too saw this film as a young university freshman and it left an indelible mark on me. The story, the acting, the cinematography, and the beautiful music score all contribute to an extremely well-crafted emotional drama. Andrew is a young boy, who, like his younger brother Miles, suffers from the loss of their mother. Only difference is, Miles has the affection and attention of his father while Andrew is left to cope alone with his feelings as the older brother. Even if you are not going through a period of sadness in your life, I fully recommend this movie as a powerful catharsis in dealing with pent-up emotions, especially grief. The father (well played by G. Hackman) is far from being a tyrannical despot, and his behavior reminds us that to be of help to others, one must first see her/his own pain.

Contrived and sappy story, which is also difficult to understand. Mom dies. Dad can't fill her shoes... and nothing else after that. Hackman fills the father role with as much strength as he can muster with the lifeless script provided for him. Youngsters Thomas and Fox are engaging in the film through the poignant relationship they create.