The Sum of Us

source: The Sum of Us

The Sum of Us

I found that the father was not selfish, but rather very open and embracing of his son's lifestyle. The first time he looks directly at the camera in the beginning of the movie while opening the door, I played it back to make sure I saw that. Of course, as it turns out, the father and sometimes the son talks directly to the audience throughout the entire movie to explain their life and situation a la Malcolm in the Middle. It works and I found it very refreshing. Even when the father is incapacitated later in the movie, he is able to go back to normal and talk the audience when the son leaves the room. Yet somehow, I was able to suspend disbelief and was glad that I was able to hear what he was thinking using this movie technique used in Ferris Buehler's Day off. The father is extremely charming.

I love this movie because it really adds another face to Russell Crowe's versatility. Everybody remembers him for Gladiator, L.A. Confidential and possibly Romper Stopmer, well, here he's an affectionate gay plumber with an eye for a boy at the bar. Within the first ten minutes you'll also be over run with Aussie-isms such as "two ticks" and "Yonks". When I first thought of the plot, I was thinking, "Gee, this could be jazzed up a bit," but then I figured the simple unpolluted nature of the characters doesn't really require much more of a rollercoaster plot. After seeing this movie, I feel compelled to go to my local australian bar to find hopeless romance in a that boy across the counter. I recommend Breaking Up and Proof, if you liked this.

A very special Aussie film dealing with the strains of gay males and society issues in their path. Top performances by Russell Crowe and John Polson , with monumental support from legendary icon actor Jack Thompson as the understanding and supportive father. A must see film in my book , as reality meets society , with a realistic feel for todays cinema. Unlike many other of Crowes films , this one is very serious and addresses very real issues in todays multicultural society , and especially the gay movement of Sydney , Australia. This film hits the viewer head on with the unknown side of single sex relationships , and their effects on both family and friends.

A sweet, sensitive movie on an original topic, especially for its time. Making a movie that features a homosexual man, his relationship with his father, how his father accepts him and loves him unconditionally, and their trials and tribulations, makes for a very original and special story. In 1994, when the movie was made, it would have been even more novel. Sensitively told story, based on the play by David Stevens. Great performances by Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson as the son and father, respectively. The banter between them is one of the highlights of the movie. A timely reminder of how much acting talent Russell Crowe has, here demonstrating his range. This was to be his last local (ie Australian) movie before hitting the big time. His next movie was a Hollywood one - The Quick and the Dead - and he got third billing...

The first time I saw this film I liked it for it's ability to reach such a wide audience. Male, female, gay, straight, young and old. With superior acting and a quiet, simple tone, it's stellar on so many levels. I like this movie more each time I see it. I usually hate when character's speak to the audience but this is one of the few occasions where it works well. One of Crowe's best performances. It was great to see a gay character that wasn't stereotypical in any way... just a guy but a guy that isn't afraid to be sensitive or tough without being wishy washy or macho. A great dead-on performance of an everyman who just happens to like men. Supporting cast is great. All performances feel natural. Directing is straightforward and the editing is lyrical. If you're heterosexual, don't be put off. The themes here are universal. A great slice of cinema no matter what your sexuality.

I was coming out to myself.. I had this warped image of being gay that I had to develop a lisp and become high camp just to conform with being gay (I repeat I was 13 and living in the sticks.) I saw an ad for this movie TSOU and I just had to see it. With alot of precautions I caught a train for 2 hours to a movie theater that was far enough away so no one that I knew would see me going to a "gay" Film. Any way Sitting in the theater I was presented with an image of a gay man that didn't fall into the stereotypes I had been so used to, I guess the film taught me I could be gay with out being faggy. To simply label this as a gay movie is to miss the entire point its a Romance movie, both father and son looking for a partner of same/different gender. To make a tired point I love this movie Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson are brilliant.. I wish I had a dad like Henry.... or a boyfriend like Jeff :)

"Aussie" Film Stars Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe as father & son "best friends", looking for lasting love/companionship with a life partner. The aging "dad", who is a widower, habitually tries to play cupid for his gay 20-something son, seemingly spoiling all chances of "success", and eventually starts a search for his own second love. This film is hilarious, filled with great gags throughout. The deeper message of tolerance towards gays and lesbians, as well as loyalty to a loved one in need (when the father suffers a stroke, the son refuses to abandon him, caring for him like a parent would care for a small child) is not diminished by the brilliant humor which surrounds it. "Sap-lovers" will get their fill as well! Honored with many International Film Awards, "The Sum Of Us" adds up to a big winner! Highly recommended!