My Flesh and Blood

Rating:
Summary: Empowering
Review: I am an avid documentary viewer and this is by far the MOST moving documentary I have ever seen. The filmmaker was given one year (no more, no less) to record the events of a most extraordinary family. Susan Tom is a single mother who takes care of her own biological and adopted children. Most of the children have a variety of special needs and Susan's strength, intelligence, humor, kindness, empathy, tenacity and flexibility allows her to give each child the attention and parenting they all need and deserve. The family is alarmingly honest and each person in the film moves through an epic struggle. We are so privileged to watch. The family loves, fights, support. Within the year's framework, the filmmaker catches heartbreaking and painful moments. There are also many joyous moments. The film stays with the viewer- dare I say- forever. I am a parent of a autistic son, and I have often felt alone in my struggle to make life the best it can be for him. The world can easily judge, can easily misunderstand. Without my advocacy I know my son would not be as secure and happy as he is today. In Susan Tom, I have found a personal hero- a woman who is beautiful and intelligent and a master at her job. Thank you to the whole Tom family (and to the filmmakers) for giving the world a glimpse. I wish you all the best. You touched us so deeply- Joe, Anthony etc.
PS. My daughter and I cried deeply- make sure to have kleenex handy when viewing. Film's official website:
http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/flesh_and_blood/

Rating:
Summary: The Best Yet
Review: I have seen a variety of documentaries and could not recommend anything better. I was drawn to this film as I am training to work with children with special needs. However, I witnessed an entire room captivated by this film. Not a dry eye in the place. The emotions evoked from this film are remarkable. It provides viewers the opportunity to experience life with the Tom family--and gain a new perspective of living life to the fullest. I promise this film will leave every viewer with something special.

Rating:
Summary: Deeply Moving....We are ALL more fortunate than we realize
Review: I just happened to see this DVD is passing at my local Best Buy. I read the back and then put it back down and then saw it again and thought, what the heck, I'll give it a try. Now, I can't tell people enough about it. No matter what you have going on in your life, watch this movie. It puts everything into a whole new perspective. WOW.....the ending was stunning, never did I imagine the way it ends.