Sins of the Father

Starring:Tom Sizemore, Richard Jenkins, Ving Rhames, Connor Price, Colm Feore, Lachlan Murdoch, Brenda Bazinet, Jackie Richardson, Phillip Craig, Sandi Ross, Ardon Bess, Ron Gabriel, Bob Desrosiers, Funmiola Lawson, Simon Reynolds (IV), Tim MacMenamin, Tony Munch, Jane Cooke, Michael Rhoades, John Friesen
Director: Robert Dornhelm
Studio: Live / Artisan
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Tom Sizemore is best known for playing sleazy jerks (Natural Born Killers, Devil in a Blue Dress), but in Sins of the Father he gives a compelling performance as a man who turns from his hatred-filled upbringing and struggles to find another path in life. Sizemore plays Tom Cherry, the son of one of the men responsible for an Alabama church bombing that killed four young African-American girls in 1963. In 1998, the adult Tom builds a house to forge a peace with his dying father (Richard Jenkins), but his deepening friendship with a black man he's hired to help him (the ever-dependable Ving Rhames) stirs up memories of the brutality of his childhood and leads him to testify against the old man's criminal acts. This father-son conflict provides a unique window into the strife of the civil rights movement. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

Perhaps, if this one had been shown on HBO..........2004-01-24

...or any other "prestigious" network, it might have attained the recognition it deserves.

Like the other reviewer, I can only praise the excellent script and the fine performances from Sizemore, Jenkins, Rhames, and Fiore. Closeups of Sizemore's agonized face bring this viewer almost to tears. Jenkin's intensity, seen in both the frequent flashbacks and present-time scenes, is awesome. Rhames provides the "conscience" that brings Sizemore to the realization that he must reveal his father's past. And Fiore is quite good as the FBI agent, determined to right the wrong of the death of the four little black girls, so long ago in Montgomery.

Also, in lesser yet pivotal roles, are Lachlan Murdock as young "Tom" and Brenda Bazinet as his cancer-stricken mother. The two actors bring conviction to their roles as persons caught up in an abusive home and the turbulent times of the Civil Rights Movement.

It is hard to imagine that this fine film didn't sweep the Emmy Awards of 2003 for its teleplay or the acting.

Underrated Masterpiece.......2003-11-14

This is one of the best movies I have seen in a while, an underrated engrossing little gem that is totally captivating.
While at first I was surprised why the film never got nominated for any awards,I was even more surprised to find out later that it was a TV movie! Well, films made for television can not get better than this, and it is unfortunate it did not get a theater release, for its style, script,acting and direction are way above average.
The plot mainly revolves around the racial tension divide in the early 60s, and most particularly the bombing of an African American church in Alabama in '63 by racists that killed innocent people.This incident resulted in a tug of war between the FBI and the main suspect that lasted nearly four decades, before he was finally put behind bars. Yet the film offers much more,it is also a look at a dysfunctional family and the difficult relationship between a father/the main suspect and his son who has carried the guilt of knowning the truth for too long ,but remained silent for years out of duty, uncertainty and love for his father, before his conscience, guilt and the memories of his childhood that haunted him, pushed him to cooperate with the authorities, and bring his father to justice. This is very powerful writng by John Pielmeier based on a short article in Texas Monthly by Pamela Collof. The quality of the writing is not unlike Paul Schrader's masterpiece Affliction.
Although the film, (directed by Robert Dornhelm whose best work was the underrated Echo Park back in '86), has many flashbacks, which normally can be annoying,yet in the case of Sins of the Father they are very well edited, and enhance the plot.
Lastly I want to say few words about the acting.
While Tom Sizemore gives his best acting to date, I was blown away by one particular actor: Richard Jenkins!! What a great performance!! His portrayal of the racist,hate filled,cold and strict father is mind blowing! Buying the film is worth it for Jenkins alone!
So Sins of The Father is an excellent drama, a film that will totally surprise and captivate you, a movie worthy to be in your collection.Do Not Miss!!

Average customer rating:

Sins of the Children

The Sins of the Children
Starring: Sam Wood , Robert Montgomery , and Clara Blandick
Manufacturer: Roan Archival Group
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000EMGEZY
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Description

A proud father, who unwaveringly adores his family, holds them together through their hardships sacrificing everything for their welfare. Although his selfish children let him down, he altruistically considers himself "The Richest Man in the World". A "feel good film" perfect to enjoy with loved ones.

Customer Reviews:

Sins of the Children.......2007-01-20

A definite departure from the standard Robert Montgomery roles...a must see for his fans....truly...a view from his 'other' side....

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