Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Moving and hilarious, January 22, 2003
By A Customer
This is the best memoir film I have ever seen. It's a quirky piece of work which slowly and patiently mesmerizes the viewer, reeling us to a surprisingly poignant ending. The old coot at the center of the film is an interesting mix of traits: charming, cranky, controlling, creative and -- as one might expect from an 88-year-old southerner -- a racist. After a hilarious introduction, the film takes a sudden turn for the serious when film-maker/daughter Tessa reveals she lives with a black man. I was surprised (and pleased) to discover that the boyfriend is really only a metaphor for what stands between father and daughter -- not only politics, but age, geography, perspective. One wonders how these two people can ever find a solution. The film concludes with a scene that is either devastating or full of hope depending on your perspective. No matter how you crack it, it's a bittersweet tale. Lest these comments mislead, let me be clear that the film is also a riot, with actual belly-laughs amid the drama. But the real meat here isn't the comedy, it's the intelligent examination of a culture and a family.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent title. Makes you want to know what the movie's abo, March 27, 2003
By A Customer
This movie was very touching, honest, sad, interesting and complete. However, it leaves Tessa "without closure". She wants her father to accept her biracial boyfriend, yet he denies her the opportunity. He quickly ends the conversation as the movie ends. I noticed her tears. The ONE thing she wants him to understand is beyond his social and ethical abilities, which is sad. Money and beauty is all that motivates her father. She loves her biracial boyfriend, yet leaves him, I think, because of her father and what he thinks. Her desire to make her father happy overcomes her own desires for happiness. She does not want to disappoint her father, which is very understanding. She wants to make her father happy, yet wants to be happy herself. This film was excellent. I wish I had her personal email address, which is probably impossible. She knows, as well as I do, that money is not everything in life. Her boyfriend was very intelligent, attractive and fun. Skin color is not significant when it comes to happiness. I wish you happiness, Tessa, if you read this.
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7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating, February 4, 2003
By A Customer
This was a glorious exploration of human relationships between young and old - really old! It was also very funny. The soundtrack was just a hoot and I adored that woman with the big blonde hair and the goblet of wine. Good for anybody interested in Texas, rich people, or family dynamics.
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