Search - This is My Father on DVD

Brillant and very moving

10/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a wonderful film. I rarely cry at movies, but this one had me weeping copiously at the end. The acting was first-rate; Aidan Quinn turns in one of his best performances ever as the poor, quiet Kieran. James Caan was subtle and sympathetic as a lonely schoolteacher searching for the story of his father. This film was romantic without being schmaltzy, and ultimately tragic and heartbreaking--no typical Hollywood happy ending here. The movie's portrayal of provincial Irish society in the late 30s was starkly accurate, as was its indictment of the Catholic Church. All in all, a great film that has been sadly underappreciated."

Compelling, Moving, Beautiful, and Unforgettable!!!

Chicago Dreamer | Chicago, IL United States | 10/12/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an unforgettable film which deserves a huge audience. It moves back and forth through past and present, weaving both together through a family and its history, and a lonely, burned out teacher's exploration of his roots. Each view and each perspective in this family -- past and present -- is sensitively explored. The most compelling, however, is the grandmother's love story with Kieran (Aidan Quinn) in County Galway in Ireland. This film explores Irish life and the Irish perspective, and the blessings and curses of each. The cast is superb, and Aidan Quinn gives a wonderfully moving performance as Kieran, the Father. There are other Fathers in this film. Exploring these and musing about their meanings and their meddlings, past and present, is something best done by each individual viewer. Beautifully photographed, superbly acted, and wonderfully conceived, this is a must-see film for everyone, but especially for anyone with an interest in Ireland. This wonderful country and its history, its people, its music, its curses, its blessings, and its magic are all captured in loving detail onscreen. Highly, Highly recommended!!!"

Sleeper

John P. Meyer | DANVILLE, IL USA | 07/04/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Why don't we ever hear about great films like this one. It has a wonderful story with a tearful conclusion. It is worth seeing, if only for the glimpse of Irish culture in 1939 and surely accurate depiction of the Catholic Church of that time. One gets the notion that in the Irish countryside of today, the Church probably still operates as it does in this film.Aidan Quinn, who went out of his way to make this film, is terrific in his part as Kieran O'Day. He gained weight for the film and it is far from a glitzy role. Actually, all the acting is top notch and the characters are all believeable. Having grown up in a Catholic Church that is very close to what is portrayed in the film, made it even more interesting for me.It's not a flashy film, but one of the best of this century."

A Genuine Masterpiece!

Sharon Y. Towner | Little Rock, AR USA | 01/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the most powerful love stories to come along in decades, "This Is My Father" takes the spectator on a journey to 1939 rural Ireland. Opening in modern day Chicago where James Caan portrays an unhappy highschool teacher, he discovers a 60 year old photograph of an unknown man standing next to his mother. Never knowing who his father was, Caan goes back to his mother's homeland in hopes of unraveling the mystery behind the photo. In meeting a fortune teller who had known his mother during her youth, the story takes shape as Caan (and the spectator) is taken back in time through the old woman's memories. Aidan Quinn who portrays Kieran O'Day, the unknown figure in the haunting photograph, gives a performance that will melt your heart! It is rare these days to find a film, especially a love story, without nudity and excessive profanity. This is one of them. The impact of the story and the extraordinary talent of the cast is so powerful that the viewer will want to see it again and again. Based on a true event and 10 years in the writing to perfect it by Paul Quinn (brother of Aidan), this is a masterpiece that will remain in the heart for years to come."