The Sum of Us

Watch The Sum of Us

"We're all just . . . The Sum of Us."
  • R
  • 1994
  • 1 hr 40 min
  • 7.3  (5,792)

In the Australian film The Sum of Us from 1994, Jack Thompson plays Harry, a widowed plumber who is proud of his homosexual son Jeff, portrayed by Russell Crowe. The film follows the relationship between the two men as they navigate their own personal lives and their relationship with each other. Harry enjoys the company of his son and his son's friends and is quick to welcome them into his home. He sets his son up on a series of dates in an attempt to find love, but ultimately realizes that his son's happiness is the most important thing to him.

On the other hand, Jeff is searching for his own place in the world as a homosexual man. He is hesitant to commit to a relationship and is still exploring his options. He has a series of flings with men and tries to define his identity in a world that is still largely intolerant of homosexuality.

Throughout the film, Jeff and Harry have deep conversations and emotional moments about what it means to be gay and what it means to be a father. They are both supportive of each other, even when they don't necessarily agree. The Sum of Us is a touching film about the bond between family and the importance of love and acceptance.

One of the most remarkable things about The Sum of Us is how it handles homosexuality. The film was made in the mid-90s, before LGBTQ+ rights became a global social issue. Nevertheless, the film depicts homosexuality in a loving and accepting way, and it doesn't place judgment or prejudice on the characters.

The Sum of Us has a realistic and relatable perspective on the relationship between parents and their children. It explores the idea of family values and shows how those values can change as families grow and evolve. The film is full of heartwarming moments that will make the audience laugh and cry.

The acting in The Sum of Us is top-notch. Jack Thompson delivers a stunning performance as Harry, portraying his character with warmth and compassion. Russell Crowe, who was still a relatively unknown actor at the time, shines as Jeff, bringing depth and nuance to his character.

The supporting cast also delivers strong performances. John Polson, who plays a potential love interest for Jeff, is delightful in his role. The chemistry between him and Crowe is electric, and their scenes together are some of the film's most memorable.

The Sum of Us was based on a popular stage play of the same name by David Stevens. The film adaptation stays close to the source material, maintaining the play's balance of humor and depth. The film is directed by Kevin Dowling and Geoff Burton, who do an excellent job of capturing the characters' emotions and the film's themes.

One of the film's most significant accomplishments is its ability to appeal to a wide audience. The Sum of Us isn't just a film about homosexuality; it's a film about family, love, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. It's a film that everyone can relate to, regardless of their sexual orientation.

In conclusion, The Sum of Us is a touching and heartfelt film that explores themes of family, love, and self-discovery. It features strong performances from its cast, and its message of acceptance and love is just as relevant today as it was in 1994 when the film was released. If you're looking for a film that will make you laugh, cry, and feel all the emotions in between, then The Sum of Us is the perfect choice.

The Sum of Us
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Description
  • Release Date
    1994
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 40 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.3  (5,792)
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