Photo: Participant Media
Based on Andrew Solomon’s award-winning book Far From the Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity, this expansive and deeply-felt exploration of the effects of parenting when confronted with anomalies in their children.
That Solomon follows the families for years allows for so many examples of the strength, joy and happiness which can emerge from struggling to confront and learn coping mechanisms. The families are incredibly candid in admitting their doubts, frustrations, fears and insecurities.
I read the book, which is 800 pages, and I love the film and was so grateful to see that it has been condensed into something which can reach so many more people. I believe that it is more relevant and important than ever for all of us to expand our beliefs about the value of others and to be more, rather than less, accepting and embracing. Andrew Solomon is the perfect messenger with his eloquence, compassion and intelligence. It should be mandatory in schools as a deterrent for bullying. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
(To read the complete review, please visit Musée.)
