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Far From the Tree

Play trailer 2:06 Poster for Far From the Tree Released Jul 20, 2018 1h 33m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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90% Tomatometer 41 Reviews 94% Popcornmeter 250+ Ratings
Parents of children who have Down syndrome, dwarfism or autism share intimate stories of the challenges they face.
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Far From the Tree

Far From the Tree

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Critics Consensus

Far from the Tree takes a piercingly thoughtful look at the family dynamic that makes its points -- and earns its tears -- honestly.

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Critics Reviews

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Bilge Ebiri Spirituality & Health Far from the Tree is a sensitively rendered film, with moments of intense emotion- thanks largely to director Rachel Dretzin's ability to capture the moments of grace... Mar 23, 2020 Full Review Ben Sachs Chicago Reader A serious and unpatronizing take on a difficult topic. Mar 4, 2020 Full Review G. Allen Johnson San Francisco Chronicle There is much to think about in "Far From the Tree," a worthy and at times tender film. Rated: 3/4 Aug 4, 2018 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com It's a beautiful, meaningful film that powerfully illustrates what it's like to be different for those who are different and their families. Rated: 3.0/4.0 Sep 7, 2020 Full Review Steven Prokopy Third Coast Review Far From the Tree is hopeful, honest, raw in its intimacy, and it allows its subjects to go through unremarkable and remarkable days, so we get a better sense of how accomplished and dignified these folks are. Jun 23, 2020 Full Review Luis Fernando Galván En Filme Far From the Tree offers invigorating examples of people who leave behind their preconceptions and projections to proudly celebrate who they are. [Full Review in Spanish] Rated: 3.5/5 Nov 8, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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brent m An excellent examination of how individuals and families cope with various challenges that place them outside the mainstream of society, including Down syndrome, autism, dwarfism, homosexuality and criminality. While the documentary could use expansion in some areas and judicious snipping in others, the overall production is insightful, especially when it comes to redefining what actually constitutes the meaning of "family," as well as what conditions need to be celebrated vs. "fixed." Based on gay author Andrew Solomon's book of the same name, director Rachel Dretzin has put together a solid, captivating film that leaves viewers walking away with impressions they likely haven't considered before. Check it out on one of the home viewing options -- you won't be disappointed. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review dave d When the subjects are at the forefront, 'Far from the Tree' works and works well, but when the Author of the book from which this documentary was based takes center stage, the film screeches to a snobby halt. The subjects are inspirational and while you feel bad for each at first glance, by the end of our journey with each we can't help but feel raised up. Rachel Dretzin's doc undoubtedly gives us many things to ponder about people who may look different, but in reality aren't that different at all. Wife: 8.2/Husband 7.6: Final Score: 7.9/10 Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member One of the best documentaries ever. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member This was one of the most inspiring movies I've seen in a long time. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member Uplifting and life afirming documentary about different people who are simply who they are. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie is iconic, real, inspiring and shares the challenges and triumphs that every family has experienced in some way. The families who opened their lives for this documentary have unsurpassed courage. This needs to be on every venue available- theatres, Netflix, etc. please help spread the word- I have friends and families who don't have the venues available. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Cast & Crew

Intelligent Lives 88% 93% Intelligent Lives Watchlist TRAILER for Intelligent Lives Weed the People 100% 91% Weed the People Watchlist TRAILER for Weed the People Abortion: Stories Women Tell 100% 62% Abortion: Stories Women Tell Watchlist TRAILER for Abortion: Stories Women Tell Swim Team 100% 80% Swim Team Watchlist You Have No Idea How Much I Love You 75% % You Have No Idea How Much I Love You Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis Parents of children who have Down syndrome, dwarfism or autism share intimate stories of the challenges they face.
Director
Rachel Dretzin
Producer
Rachel Dretzin, Jamila Ephron, Andrew Solomon
Distributor
Sundance Selects
Production Co
Ark Media
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 20, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 30, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA)
$156.1K
Runtime
1h 33m
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