User reviews

As I saw another user mention, the inclusion of a story involving rapid prompting method was my only gripe with this otherwise moving documentary. As a speech pathologist, I feel it's important to note that this method and "facilitated communication", which was also pictured, are not evidence based means of communication. The "facilitator" needs to be present- even without physically touching they may prompt the desired answer with eye gaze, as such it may appear the message was generated by the individual when in fact it was the facilitator. This is highly problematic and there are a multitude or other options for augmentative and alternative options that are evidence based. I do respect and empathize that this method was likely introduced to the parents by a speech pathologist and it is a reminder of the importance of best practice and evidence based treatment recommendations.

Other than that I thought this film was lovely and it was interesting to hear both the parents and their children's perspectives.

A thought provoking look into the lives of special needs patients and their families. I cried many times while watching. Highly recommended.

Documentary about families with kids that are 'different,' based on the book by the same name. Issues include autism, down's syndrome, a dwarf, and a child killer. The author is gay, and used that issue and his family reaction as the springboard to examine other families with 'different' children. I saw this at a proper theater and it was pretty good, but in a PBS documentary kind of way, and did not stand up as a feature.

I attended a preview of this film in Manhattan last night. "Far From the Tree" moved me more than anything I've experienced in years. It tells the private stories of several individuals and their families facing differing adversities and challenges outside of the stream of "normal" life. In addition to unfolding the complexities and ambiguities of parental hopes, fears, dreams and expectations for our children, it says so much about moral, ethical, familial, tribal, genetic, medical, and psychological aspects of being the communal primates we are. It honors and illuminates the dignity and perhaps even the divinity within us all, regardless of our differences, capabilities or disabilities. This is a brilliant jewel of a film, a beautifully crafted work of reality art, that opens the heart to the reality that we are all vulnerable and imperfect and connected to each other all the more because of that. The way the filmmakers have woven the different stories together and edited this movie is a wonder. Nobody who knows me would ever characterize me as a softy or sucker for identity politics or topical issues. This film transcends any of that and it went straight to my heart and my brain. It's a powerful, intelligent, careful, and courageous effort. As ending credits rolled and the theater lights brightened I thought to myself, another title for it could be, "We Am Human." Go see it.

All I can say is I laughed, I cried, I gasped. I was very moved by this documentary and I would recommend it to people who are interested in the human psyche..

Trying reading mr. solomon's book, which lives on my beside table - with one of the most profound and exquisite introductions i've ever read. so glad this film was made; hope a second one comes out with more of the extraordinary histories. and get your kleenex out. thank you, mr. solomon & co.

When I think about something happening in my life that seems too much to bear at the time, it's so easy to forget that there are so many wonderful human beings that live through and even thrive with situations I could never even imagine. It helped remind me to always keep things in perspective and to be grateful for what I have. Courage, tenacity, willingness, open mindedness, integrity, acceptance, love and never, ever giving up is so readily shown by those willing to share their life in this documentary. We are all deserving of everything we desire, no matter what our circumstances.

The same people that rate the Grand Canyon a 4 is why these beautiful stories are judged as anything but. Should be a mandatory watch in middle and high school.

Excellent movie exploring families with a child who is "different" in some way. Profoundly moving and complicated, even uplifting. Makes me want to read Solomon's book.

This was a touching documentary that does a good job giving a voice and empowering those who aren't neurotypical or otherwise. However there is one major flaw with this documentary and that is the representation of RPM (rapid prompting method) as a scientifically valid communication device for individuals who don't speak using vocal method. RPM is pseudoscience and there has been several harmful effects that has come from this, if one does a quick google search they will find several articles where someone using RPM has been taken advantage of or has accused an innocent person of a crime they did not commit. Basically someone using RPM cannot even answer basic questions if their facilitator is not right next to them either holding the device or has their arm on them. There are SEVERAL scientifically validated augmented alternative communication systems out there and I'm highly disappointed the producers did not do their research and are instead promoting an extremely harmful pseudoscience.

As a graduate student studying counseling, we learned that the new (at that time) DSM-V had just been revised to remove homosexuality as a mental disorder. From that point, the manual and the concept of diagnosing mental disorders has always seemed a flawed concept. This film brings those flaws into vivid detail and it brought tears to my eyes for each story, for each loving family.

Also during that degree program, I asked the Special Education professor if the Down's syndrome or Autistic students would benefit from peer groups and she said, "No! Absolutely not," because they can't relate to each other. This film also negates that "evidence-driven" fact.

Andrew Solomon, and all the families, took their 'disability' with all the 'science' that was supposedly backing those diagnoses and started to shift the social/medical paradigm. Remarkable.