The Sum of Us

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.

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.

I was coming out to myself.. I had this warped image of being gay that I had to develop a lisp and become high camp just to conform with being gay (I repeat I was 13 and living in the sticks.) I saw an ad for this movie TSOU and I just had to see it. With alot of precautions I caught a train for 2 hours to a movie theater that was far enough away so no one that I knew would see me going to a "gay" Film. Any way Sitting in the theater I was presented with an image of a gay man that didn't fall into the stereotypes I had been so used to, I guess the film taught me I could be gay with out being faggy. To simply label this as a gay movie is to miss the entire point its a Romance movie, both father and son looking for a partner of same/different gender. To make a tired point I love this movie Russell Crowe and Jack Thompson are brilliant.. I wish I had a dad like Henry.... or a boyfriend like Jeff :)

"Aussie" Film Stars Jack Thompson and Russell Crowe as father & son "best friends", looking for lasting love/companionship with a life partner. The aging "dad", who is a widower, habitually tries to play cupid for his gay 20-something son, seemingly spoiling all chances of "success", and eventually starts a search for his own second love.

This film is hilarious, filled with great gags throughout. The deeper message of tolerance towards gays and lesbians, as well as loyalty to a loved one in need (when the father suffers a stroke, the son refuses to abandon him, caring for him like a parent would care for a small child) is not diminished by the brilliant humor which surrounds it. "Sap-lovers" will get their fill as well!

Honored with many International Film Awards, "The Sum Of Us" adds up to a big winner! Highly recommended!

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.