Wow! This film came out a few years ago. I had the chance to watch it last night. In my opinion this is a great film. A very sad dark depressing and happy moment film. I called this family a functioning dysfunctional family. Based on a true story. I just hope that ending of the film is part of the true story. Proud of Jr, Anna, and Kari.
shareI watched this film in a cold sweat as my own past came rushing back at me scene after godforsaken scene. The earlier expression "concentration camp of poverty" for me came with real times and real places. The actors melded themselves into my actual family members one by one. I was the little basketball player needing money for the trip. That young actor was riveting in innocence, guilt and eventually shame. I watched as family was always one step away from being homeless. The film touched every emotional nail that had been driven through my own broken ladder of growth. I got out. I ran as far as I could at 17. All because of a letter....to a school far away. I was thinking to myself, how could this film maker know the story of my life?! Those actors were terrifyingly REAL! Too real!
The identical small brick homes looked just like how I remember. It's as if the script came right out of my mind. If this director has another project in the works, I will stand in line to see it. I know that this will never receive Oscars or Golden Globes but that is the Academy's problem, not that of this director.