Daddy and Papa (2002) User Reviews

Delves Deep Into its Subject Matter

[erahatch · 9/10 · 30 March 2002]

Especially given that it only runs an hour, this documentary defied my expectations by digging deeper into its subject matter than most documentaries with a personal component do. I guess I was anticipating that this movie would be a glossy celebration of gay men who choose to raise (and in states where it's legal, adpot) children; while that movie would have served a purpose, it also would've been largely preaching to the converted. Instead, _Daddy and Papa_ smartly anticipates questions people critical or undecided about gay adoption would raise about the practice, and also refuses to steer away from stickly questions as they arrive. Director Symons and his partner speak openly about their own experiences with adoption, and many other children, foster parents, grandparents, birth parents, and gay parents are also interviewed. The impact of gay parents "divorcing" is discussed, as are the specific difficulties that arise from gay white men raising (presumably) straight African-American children, the feelings these childrens have regarding not having a mother, and the way these parents handle widespread perceptions that gay men raising children must face pedophilic temptations. In doing so, _Daddy and Papa_ ends up much more credibly championing its subject matter. In the end, the most indelible impression I was left with is how happy and extraordinarly articulate most of these children seem.

Sick!

[sdl-2 · 4 February 2003]

This movie made me sick! Why? In at least three states in this country, perfectly decent and loving gay men and women are prohibited from adopting children. Many of these children end up languishing in orphanages or foster care for years, when they could have a perfectly happy and healthy homes with the kind of wonderful gay parents portrayed in this movie. Laws prohibiting gays from adoption, or de facto discrimination against them in the adoption process, are especially shameful in light of the well-established fact that the majority of child abusers are in fact self-identified heterosexuals, unlike the terrific gay moms and dads in this beautiful movie.

So, see "Daddy and Papa", and then make sure to support gay adoption rights in your state!

Brilliant

[jwithere · 10/10 · 11 May 2004]

Daddy & Papa, the documentary is a heart warming and yet realistic story of several families and the process of becoming a family unit. There are trials and tribulations within any families decision to become a family, and I think Johnny did a great job explicating those difficulties...and the rewards in this absolutely magnificent work. There are four homosexual fathers (or sets of) that travel through the process of becoming a family. They come up against several obstacles, not the least of which are homosexuality, racism, divorce, single parent hood. This film is produced by new day films, their company typically produces films with a message and this is not exception. Families come in all sizes and shapes, but it is truly love that binds us all.

Get out your handkerchiefs...

[johnyzero_2000 · 10/10 · 12 December 2005]

...because your going to need them! If you don't somehow shed a tear over this very touching documentary on gay people adopting then you either have no heart or you got ice water in your veins. Me, I was bawling when it came to an end. This does prove that as long as a child is loved and accepted in the home they will grow up into well adjusted adults. It's a shame that more states don't allow gay people to adopt because states are bound by the strident belief in the traditional nuclear family. What makes a family? I believe as I've stated before that a home of people who love and accept their children is what makes a family in my opinion. See Daddy and Papa because it will touch your heart.

The Truth Is Out There - A good dad is a good dad. Simple.

[urisrael · 10/10 · 30 September 2003]

Very touching film depicting gay dads. The children in these stories must all be very grateful for the opportunity they now have to grow up in a loving home. Too bad America is going backwards and banning gay adoption. Must see.