Immer Ärger mit der Liebe

I LOVE this movie and have watched it countless times. Its funny, sad, touching, hilarious, sweet, and in general a feel good movie. All kids should have the kind of relationship that Jeff (the character played by Russell Crowe) is lucky enough to have with his father. The world would be a far better place for it.

Jeff's father, Harry, is a widow, and is not only Jeff's dad, he's also his best friend. The film focuses on their relationship with each other and with their prospective partners. Jeff is gay, and rather than being the stereotypical "movie father" full of shock at his son's sexuality, Harry is very supportive of his sons lifestyle. As Harry explains in the movie, our kids are after all "the sum of us" .

Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe are a joy to watch as Harry and Jeff, father and son, and best mates, and this is a genuinely wonderful, touching movie which draws as many tears as it does laughs. One to look out for, and well worth a watch. Harry and Jeff will stay with you long after the end credits have finished running.

A very surprisingly wonderful film. I can't believe a film like this was so popular in Australia in 1994. I'm also annoyed that films like this don't get more exposure in the US. I liked it very much and Russell Crowe's performance was really touching. He really projected a sincerity that is rare in film, and even more rare in gay themed cinema. I also liked the father's character and the "reasoning" he presented - too bad all parents can't think that way. I thought the actors speaking to the audience worked, flowed very naturally, and was not overdone. With so much junk coming out of Hollywood, nice indie films like this are a welcome reprieve.

This movie took me by surprise, it is personable, sincere and utterly Australian. It explores its themes in a beautiful manner, through the relationships between family, especially father and son. Don't be put off by Russel Crowe. I myself almost didn't watch it because he was in it, but I have to say, he did a brilliant job. He took the character and made it his own, and I feel no one else could have played the part any better. Take into account that this movie was originally a stage play, so there are various monologues and direct engagement with the audience. This at first is a little surprising and perhaps even uncomfortable, as we are so used to being purely observers when watching a movie. After initial surprise however I found the technique refreshing, it gave the film a more personable and intimate quality. I revel in how Australian this film is, the fact that I use the same brands of mustard and soy sauce which at one point appeared at the dinner table, made me unusually delighted and also pulled me into the realism which the film tries and succeeds in conveying. At risk of sounding patriotic, it almost made me proud to be Australian. This is probably one of my favourite movies, in its exploration of love and how it should not be dictated by the limits of our society.

This movie is the most delightful example of REAL family values ever made. Russell Crowe is adorable as the rugby-playing gay son of a charming Sydney widower played by Australia's favorite actor, Jack Thompson. This movie was number one at box offices across Australia when it came out, and it is a pity it never got wider showing in America, because it is brilliantly made, beautifully performed, and so important that it should be required viewing for all families.

What goes around comes around. The gay son's dad is supportive of him and his search for love, so in the end, when the father has a stroke, the son is there to take care of him. The beautiful and true statement made by this film is enough reason to see it. But add to that some truly stunning views of Sydney, some great comedy, and a really charming romance between the father and a woman he met through a dating service, and you have one of the great cinematic delights of the 1990s. See this film and you will be glad you did.

The first time I saw this film I liked it for it's ability to reach such a wide audience. Male, female, gay, straight, young and old. With superior acting and a quiet, simple tone, it's stellar on so many levels. I like this movie more each time I see it. I usually hate when character's speak to the audience but this is one of the few occasions where it works well. One of Crowe's best performances. It was great to see a gay character that wasn't stereotypical in any way... just a guy but a guy that isn't afraid to be sensitive or tough without being wishy washy or macho. A great dead-on performance of an everyman who just happens to like men. Supporting cast is great. All performances feel natural. Directing is straightforward and the editing is lyrical. If you're heterosexual, don't be put off. The themes here are universal. A great slice of cinema no matter what your sexuality.