My Kid

"Here We Are", is an Israeli-Italian production that shows all the obstacles that a father must go through to ensure that his son, with autism, has a chance to be happy.

Full of passion and life, the film gains strength thanks to their performances.

Aharon and Uri are the protagonists of this story; a drama that raises the dilemma that parents have when choosing the best for their children. On the one hand, we have Aharon who believes he is doing the right thing guided solely by the love he feels for his son; His mother, on the other hand, believes that Uri needs not only love, but specialized care to treat his autism.

"Here We Are, in a beautiful way, strikes a chord with autism and its role in families."

"Aharon" (Shai Avivi) has a close bond with his autistic son "Uri" (Noam Imber) and a strained relationship with his wife "Tamara" (Smadi Wolfman). As their son grows to manhood, he is becoming harder to control. He's a cheery and lively young man, but also one prone to tantrums and that makes his education difficult to organise. Finally, they manage to enrol him in a specialist school but on a trip together, the youngster refuses to go home, or to school. Dad is conflicted. He wants to spend time with his child but also realises that "Uri" needs to go to; to learn not just educationally but socially - and that is going to be a tough wrench for the whole family. Avivi delivers quite potently here as the man who is treading on eggshells most of the time, but it's Imber who really hits home as the engaging "Uri" who is gradually becoming a man in his own right. Intellectually ill-equipped, yes, but one no less determined to assert himself and that poses problems for those around him who love and have nurtured him, but who are going to have to adapt themselves if anyone has a chance to move on with their lives. It's at its most impactful when it's just the two men and both manage to convey the impression that there is a loving relationship between them whilst offering us a little humour at times, too. It's an episode in their lives - we join and leave a work in progress, which I thought added some integrity to a work that is, at times, quite a challenging film to watch - but worth it, I'd say.

Just great. actors stunning. directing intense. a touching movie I really loved. how is it possible to play an authistic man in such an authentic and amazing way? and the father - so moving. i think we all should know more about autism, about how to handle people and also to know that its a complex thing...

"Here We Are" manages to capture both the love a father has for his autistic adult son, and the pressures he is under as he tries to give him the best care.

It's not a flashy film, but it is authentic and heartfelt. Shai Avivi is excellent as Aharon, the father who has spent over 20 years caring for his son, capturing every tension, every fear and every delight as he faces up to the estranged mother's desire to send him to a specialist centre.

Noam Imber is exceptional as Uri, creating an entirely believable portrayal of a young adult who will always need support in his life but who is still able to have moments of joy among the many challenges that the world presents to him.

The journey they go on is both touching and thought-provoking.