Family Fundamentals

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Family Fundamentals

Released Oct 11, 2002

1h 14m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

78%

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32 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Arthur Dong's documentary delves into conservative religious families who have gay children, discovering that many parents become active campaigners against gay rights. We meet people on both sides of the debate, like Kathleen Bremner, a California grandmother who runs a homemade "ministry" counseling conservative parents, and Brett Matthews, a former Air Force cadet excommunicated by his Mormon family. Dong's film seeks not to shock, but to show the shared humanity of his opposing subjects.

Josh Friedman

Los Angeles Times

Heartfelt but evenhanded, Family Fundamentals is a battlefield report from America's disquieting culture war over gay issues.

Jun 9, 2020

Full Review

John Petrakis

Chicago Tribune

In the end, Dong shows how each of the spurned children must learn to move on without parental compassion or approval. But he leaves the door open, suggesting perhaps someday, the parents will embrace their loved ones yet again.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 9, 2020

Full Review

Matt Zoller Seitz

New York Press

While Family Fundamentals will have special significance for homosexuals and their parents, its emotional honesty echoes beyond cultural niches.

Jun 9, 2020

Full Review

David Schmader

The Stranger (Seattle, WA)

A beautiful documentary that deserves your attention.

Jun 9, 2020

Full Review

David Sterritt

Christian Science Monitor

The film discusses important social and personal issues, although the interview subjects don't always have enlightening things to say.

Rated: 3/4

Jun 9, 2020

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Chris Gore

Film Threat

A timely and incisive film about the untenable conflict between warring American values -- religious fundamentalism versus family love.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 8, 2002

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Arthur Dong

Director

Arthur Dong

Writer

Arthur Dong

Producer

Arthur Dong

Cinematographer

Arthur Dong

Film Editing

Mark Adler

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Synopsis

Arthur Dong's documentary delves into conservative religious families who have gay children, discovering that many parents become active campaigners against gay rights. We meet people on both sides of the debate, like Kathleen Bremner, a California grandmother who runs a homemade "ministry" counseling conservative parents, and Brett Matthews, a former Air Force cadet excommunicated by his Mormon family. Dong's film seeks not to shock, but to show the shared humanity of his opposing subjects.

Director: Arthur Dong
Producer: Arthur Dong
Screenwriter: Arthur Dong
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Sony Pictures Classics
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 11, 2002, Limited
Release Date (DVD): Jun 14, 2005
Runtime: 1h 14m

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