TITLE: The Sum of Us COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Australia DIRECTOR: Kevin Dowling & Geoff Burton CAST: Jack Thompson, Russell Crowe, John Polson, Deborah Kennedy AVAILABLE ON VIDEO: Yes

Here is a film that PFLAG should show all their initiates. This is the story of an Australian widower (Jack Thompson), his gay son (Russell Crowe) and the wonderful, if sometimes overwhelming, relationship they share. Harry's support gets a little carried away, at times, especially in his enthusiasm to see his son, Jeff, develop a happy bond with a new lover prospect, Greg (John Polson). Trying to demonstrate his support for his son, he rattles Greg's nerves and the evening comes to an abrupt, but not irreparable, end. Furthermore, the father's own developing relationship with Joyce (Deborah Kennedy), a lovely divorcee, is shattered by her reaction to his tolerance of his son's lifestyle. When she tells Harry he should be ashamed of himself for 'encouraging' Jeff, he refuses to accept any shame or blame. Harry is truly a lovable and loving father. As we have all too often seen, men find it difficult to accept a gay son and Harry is a refreshing example to parents. And when Greg's family finds out that he is gay, on the news coverage of the Australian Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, his life is turned around as well. His is the 'typical' father who reacts adversly and delivers the ultimatum to "Get out!" Meanwhile, the relationship between Harry and Greg becomes more significant when Harry suffers a debilitating stroke. For all of the support and help he has given his son, Harry reaps the harvest of the love he has sown with Jeff. But the underlying 'back story' is the one that will have your heart in knots. For in these black and white flashbacks lies the spring from which the river flows. A story of a love that was never spoken of until a father of a gay son comitted his life to ensuring that his son was happy, regardless where the boy's love fell. Often funny, always sensitive this is a must-see for all parents trying to deal with a gay child. It exemplifies what love and family should be regardless of sexual orientation. It is about unconditional love, the way love should always be given. It is about caring enough to give up the things you want for yourself no matter how much that personal loss hurts. This is the first film I have ever seen in which the gay offspring is totally accepted from the outset of the story. Truly a rarity in film making. And, since art imitates life, rare in real life indeed. Watch this one several times; at least once with mom and dad!

BestBoy's Rating: