nodandsmile333 Review of In Memory of My Father

In Memory of My Father (2005)

This film reminds me why I like people

[10/10 · 4 August 2005]

This film captured the essence of what it is to be human. All of the characters were 'flawed' in some obviously fundamental way, but they were extremely lovable and easy to relate to. It would have been really easy to fall into the trap of taking a slightly flattened caricature type and using their particular dysfunction as a laugh gimmick, but each of the characters were totally unique and round and real. At some point in the film each of them does something that could seem totally deplorable but we've been watching and not only do we understand why it happens, it seems like a logical step and we've probably been there at some point ourselves. It lends itself to be used as a tool in cutting yourself some slack. This is one of the only films I've seen recently that allows for dysfunction to be completely endearing. It's also rare to genuinely like all of the characters, and I do.

In a cinematic world filled with perfect protagonists and 'bad guy' villains with obvious motives, this film is refreshingly true to life. Watching it was a pleasure and I left liking myself more than when I went in.

Also, what a soundtrack!The screenwriter also wrote and performed most of the songs in the film.