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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Salesrank: 17607
Released: May 8, 2001 |
| Our Price: $9.15 |
| Used Price: $8.99 |
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MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
OscarÂ(r) winner* Robert Duvall stars with the legendary James Earl Jones in this powerful yet tender film from director Richard Pearce (Leap of Faith) and co-writers Billy Bob Thornton (Academy AwardÂ(r) winner** for Sling Blade) and Tom Epperson. "Fresh and thought-provoking" (Rex Reed), this touching story is steeped in life-affirming insights and down-to-earth sincerity. Duvall is Earl Pilcher, Jr., an Arkansas man who is about to discover the surprise of his life: the family he never knew he had. When he learns that he has an African-American half-brother living in Chicago, Earl heads north on a journey that will take him closer to home than he ever could have imagined. It won't be easy, though, since his brother (Jones) wants nothing to do with him. But with the help of their remarkable Aunt T (Irma P. Hall) and her simple wisdom, the men work through their long-held grudges and prejudices, gaining a greater understanding of each other andthemselves. *1983: Actor, Tender Mercies **1996: Writing (Screenplay based on Material Previously Produced or Published), Sling Blade
Description of A Family Thing:
This film features the wonderfully understated duet of Robert Duvall and James Earl Jones, two old pros who know just how to stay out of each other's way while offering superb support. Duvall plays Earl Pilcher, an aging Southerner whose mother dies, leaving him a letter with a startling secret: in fact, she was not his mother, though she raised him--but his father is really his father. His real mother was a black servant whom his father forced himself upon, and she died in childbirth. Even more shocking, he has a black brother in Chicago, Ray (Jones). Stunned to his soul, Earl heads for Chicago, where he finds that Ray not only knows his secret but wants nothing to do with him. Slowly, however, in this marvelously drawn script by Billy Bob Thornton and Tom Epperson, the two brothers find common ground. The theme--about discovering a family bond where none existed before--works better than the story-telling, which is a shade predictable. Watch for a great supporting performance by actress Irma Hall, who plays the aunt of both men. --Marshall Fine
A Family Thing Reviews:
lotta laughs and some tears-3 cheers for another way to look at American families 
2009-11-01 - My family has seen this movie several times and we enjoy it each and every time. The actors are perfect for their roles, I will never forget Aunt T.
Brilliant, Touching, Unique....
2008-08-28 - "A Family Thing" is an unusual script, with a unique premise, one that really makes a person examine their own humanity, acceptance, and principles. It's BEAUTIFULLY acted, with Robert Duvall, James Earl Jones, and Irma P. Hall giving what are among the finest performances of their entire careers. It's a very upbeat film, with some wonderful laughs, and with many incredibly touching moments -- it's that rare kind of movie that makes you want to be a better person. It's joyous, inspiring, and deeply moving -- I recommend it HIGHLY! -- David R.
A Family Thing
2008-08-27 - An absolutely super movie - two of the times' great actors, Duvall and James Earl Jones are superb - touching, yet really funny. a "must see."
DL - Sarasota, FL
Enjoyable, thought-provoking 
2008-02-25 - I thoroughly enjoyed this movie about the importance of family, even when one finds it in the most unlikely of places. Both James Earl Jones & Robert Duvall are excellent, as usual, but Irma P. Hall nearly steals every scene she appears in. Well worth watching.
One of the best movies Ive seen in a very long time
2007-08-01 - I havent watched movies in years because they are too violent and/or sexually inappropriate.. but I loved this movie. Its got meat in it and its believeable. Robert and James shine in this movie and after watching it, I couldnt help but wonder if this had actually ever happened to anyone.. (I'm sure it has). In either case, your going to love this movie... There is one nude scene (it is a siloette of a womans backside and legs. No front parts are exposed. Frankly I think they could of done without that scene but in either case, its not too bad.
