Um Homem de Família

Writer Bill Dubuque and Director Mark Williams have created a tender, sensitive family story that is well developed and addresses many of the issues we all face. A brilliant cast delivers the goods with style and empathy - and Chicago has never been so beautifully captured photographically as cinematographer Shelly Johnson has accomplished. The musical score is by the always-reliable Mark Isham.

As the boss (Willem Dafoe) of a Chicago-based headhunter, Dane Jensen (Gerard Butler), who works at the Blackridge Recruiting agency arranging jobs for engineers, prepares to retire, Jensen vies to achieve his longtime goal of taking over the company going head-to-head with his ambitious rival, Lynn Vogel (Alison Brie). Factors intervene: Dane's close friend Lou (Alfred Molina) is unemployed and desperate for work, Dane's wife Elise (Gretchen Mol) is concerned Dane is not spending time with his family, and Dane's 10-year-old son, Ryan (Max Jenkins), is suddenly diagnosed with Acute Lymphatic Leukemia by the doctor Singh (Anupam Kher) and his professional priorities at work and personal priorities at home begin to clash with one another. Dane spends quality time with Ryan by touring the beautiful architectural wonders of Chicago and Ryan's wise observations set Dane on a new path. Dane finds a job for Lou (at Dane's expense of giving up a headhunter's fee for a friend), and Dane and Elise grow closer. Dane is pulled between achieving his professional dream and supporting his wife and son, who need him now more than ever.

Much of the success of the film is attributable to the fine performance by Gerard Butler, but he is enhanced by the performances of the entire cast. A very 'feel good' movie, perfect to restore faith in humankind just when we need it the most.

This film tells the story of a successful headhunter, who puts his career first and family second. The unexpected illness of his son makes him re-evaluate his priorities and decisions in his life.

I find this film unexpectedly good. Both Gerard Butler and Gretchen Mol are very good in their roles as heartbroken parents. In addition, Gerard Butler delivers the intensity of a ruthless career man who is charismatic on the outside, but not as beautiful in the inside. The plot is captivating and touching. I really enjoyed watching it.

A correct film not only for acting, storytelling, twist and atmosphere but for the science to remind significant things. A direct and honest way to propose the fair suggestion when, so often, the family life is in balance with profesional suces and, at first sigh, all seems very, very simple. A good story and the perfect cast.

The story line was very predictable and the acting was just about watchable. People living the dog eat dog world of money and consumerism who plan or have a family should watch this.This move is a must watch for the content not the music or acting. Gerard Butler aka "The Headhunter" performance deserves 5/10 for confirming the greed of the headhunting business.

Everyone of these characters has depth and is very well textured.

There really wasn't a minor character. There were extras of course but the small selection of characters each had at least two scenes showing 2 different traits that added richness to themselves and to what they had to offer to the primary story line.

Even among the films available to fans of the 2016 festival this one stands out.

A better example of character building I have not seen at this festival. Every film maker has something to learn from watching this film.

So very well done - thank you.