Far from the Tree

Excellent movie exploring families with a child who is "different" in some way. Profoundly moving and complicated, even uplifting. Makes me want to read Solomon's book.

When I think about something happening in my life that seems too much to bear at the time, it's so easy to forget that there are so many wonderful human beings that live through and even thrive with situations I could never even imagine. It helped remind me to always keep things in perspective and to be grateful for what I have. Courage, tenacity, willingness, open mindedness, integrity, acceptance, love and never, ever giving up is so readily shown by those willing to share their life in this documentary. We are all deserving of everything we desire, no matter what our circumstances.

All I can say is I laughed, I cried, I gasped. I was very moved by this documentary and I would recommend it to people who are interested in the human psyche..

As I saw another user mention, the inclusion of a story involving rapid prompting method was my only gripe with this otherwise moving documentary. As a speech pathologist, I feel it's important to note that this method and "facilitated communication", which was also pictured, are not evidence based means of communication. The "facilitator" needs to be present- even without physically touching they may prompt the desired answer with eye gaze, as such it may appear the message was generated by the individual when in fact it was the facilitator. This is highly problematic and there are a multitude or other options for augmentative and alternative options that are evidence based. I do respect and empathize that this method was likely introduced to the parents by a speech pathologist and it is a reminder of the importance of best practice and evidence based treatment recommendations.

Other than that I thought this film was lovely and it was interesting to hear both the parents and their children's perspectives.

I attended a preview of this film in Manhattan last night. "Far From the Tree" moved me more than anything I've experienced in years. It tells the private stories of several individuals and their families facing differing adversities and challenges outside of the stream of "normal" life. In addition to unfolding the complexities and ambiguities of parental hopes, fears, dreams and expectations for our children, it says so much about moral, ethical, familial, tribal, genetic, medical, and psychological aspects of being the communal primates we are. It honors and illuminates the dignity and perhaps even the divinity within us all, regardless of our differences, capabilities or disabilities. This is a brilliant jewel of a film, a beautifully crafted work of reality art, that opens the heart to the reality that we are all vulnerable and imperfect and connected to each other all the more because of that. The way the filmmakers have woven the different stories together and edited this movie is a wonder. Nobody who knows me would ever characterize me as a softy or sucker for identity politics or topical issues. This film transcends any of that and it went straight to my heart and my brain. It's a powerful, intelligent, careful, and courageous effort. As ending credits rolled and the theater lights brightened I thought to myself, another title for it could be, "We Am Human." Go see it.