Tom Murray

When their ill mother dies, the Hook children bury her at night in their garden and keep on living as if everything were normal, so that they will be able to stay together as a family. The oldest of the seven children, Elsa, takes command but she does listen to their thoughts, especially those of the oldest brother. They work together well but not without some disagreements. To get advice from their late mother, the family gathers together for "Mother Time" and Elsa channels their mother's advice to her siblings. The children work pretty well together to do a good job of managing the house, finances, school, cleaning, shopping, cooking etc. After a while, their mother's husband, Charlie Hook, appears and he takes charge, with varying reactions from the seven children.

MAY INCLUDE SPOILERS: During a police chase, the fugitive breaks into a woman's home and takes her captive. His demands of the police are: a plane to Rio, $50,000 etc. Then he notices that her home is a complete mess. When he confronts her about it, she does not seem to care; she appears to be deeply depressed. His demands on the police now include paint, curtains, tools, a new dress etc. All of the demands are met, except for the flight and the money. Her spirits lift as they completely remodel her decor: DIY means "Do it yourself" after all. They do make a lovely couple. The mood of the film is reminiscent of "Cold Comfort Farm" and Monty Python at its best, whereas the story is a combination of "Die Hard" and "Woman in the Dunes".

Tatiana and Krista Hogan are conjoined twins, who are joined at the head. They share parts of their brains. The twins are happy together most of the time; they are the best of friends. Each controls parts of the other's body. It is totally amazing how fast that they can run.

The film observes them as they play together and with other members of the family and other children. Looking after them all is a full-time job for both parents who are assisted by a set of grandparents, who are living in a house trailer parked in the driveway and, financially, by the government.

We witness many medical appointments, with comments by many of the participants. Even members of the medical establishment are thrilled and amazed by the twins.

All aspects of the film are done superbly: the photography and sound and the narration by Anne-Marie MacDonald. I cannot recall any moment when I was not totally captivated by the film. Tatiana and Krista are loved by all who meet them, and by me and I am sure that they will be loved by you too.