All in My Family (2019) User Reviews

Strangely heartwarming

[sforrester-3 · 8/10 · 20 May 2019]

I stumbled across this fairly short documentary on Netflix and I'm glad I did. The filmmaker is a gay Chinese man living in America with his partner and soon to be two children while his very traditional family still live in China. The film basically documents his family coming to terms with his homosexuality and surrogate children. The parents (his mother in particular) are loving but outspoken and have clearly struggled with having a gay son. When the children come along, his mother is clearly a doting gran but still worries about the children being brought up without a female parent. As the documentary moves along I felt sympathy for his mother as she clearly struggled with her love for her son and her traditional views but I was delighted when she started being honest both about her sons sexuality and her grandchildrens conception. We didn't quite get to the stage of telling grandpa but I think he knew more than they realised. All in all, a lovely little documentary and well worth a watch.

A step towards the right direction

[Gordon-11 · 7 May 2019]

This documentary tells the story of a gay Chinese man in USA, and his journey to come out as a gay parent.

The oppressive family pressure can be easily felt in the documentary, suffocating me and depressing me. It is a pity that the film could not be in a more positive light, but it reflects the traditional family values in China. Change in societal values is step wise and does not happen overnight, so this film is a step towards the right direction.

Real life, Chinese culture

[kuromidaidouji · 9/10 · 21 December 2021]

A great documentary warming my heart.

Those who think this documentary annoying know nothing about the Chinese culture. It is a documentary reflecting real life instead of a movie where people living in Fantasy. For Hao's parents and grandparents, it is suffering for them to accept the truth based on their values, which had existed for so many years, so not telling them the truth directly is a better choice than being that straight. Besides, the strong bond between the child and parents makes child take parents into consideration even though he knows the independence of a person. We can't judge in such a simple way.

Heartwarming

[ultimatechilli · 10/10 · 15 May 2019]

Many Asians can relate to the story. The upbringing, family expectations, respect for the elders, family secrets are very well portrayed in this movie. The storyline itself is refreshing but real. Kudos to Wu Hao for this beautiful work. Recommended for anyone who wants to learn about Chinese family values.

As a gay person, this is super annoying

[micaandreea2211 · 1/10 · 5 June 2019]

As a gay person, who fights for LGBT rights and the right to be seen as equal, normal, and as a person who tries to educate people around me and put myself out there so people around me start getting used to gay people and seeing and knowing gay people, this "documentary" is really annoying. A grown up male, still being manipulated by his family who sees being gay as a shameful thing that must be hidden and that it's so wrong. The entire movie is about how "affected" is his homofobic family by his "gayines". Skip this lame movie. It only perpetuates the idea that being gay is dirty and hurts your family and you have to lie about your life and stay in the closet.

A joy to watch

[axelnoturno · 10/10 · 12 May 2019]

Even though this documentary deals with a really delicate topic i found it really enjoyable to watch, the mom cracked me the entire time with her insights and the babies were adorable, unfortunately u cant change years of a culture overnight but by showing a good example with a little of time we can get there. I totally recommend this documentary as i already did to all my friends.

Homophobia at Home Is Still Homophobia

[theironorchid · 4/10 · 3 June 2019]

I will self-disclose I am not of Asian descent, so I do not have a perspective of the film maker. The film itself was well done, with engaging content and family members.

I just found myself SO frustrated there are still people willing to lie by omission about their lives and loves to keep others happy. And a film maker who lived 20 years in the U.S. who comes to the conclusion that it is okay to do this is sending the wrong message. Sad.

A perfect future for me

[hallelujah-87228 · 10/10 · 12 June 2019]

It's probably the best ending for everyone in TRADITIONAL Chinese family...

It's so real - with great culture context and real-life compromises

[rmhlee · 10/10 · 5 March 2021]

I watched this documentary for my class and it really makes me think. Having lived in China, the film reflects what the society thinks. Being combative and progressive might not be the best answer when it hurts our loved ones. Thank you for making this film and sharing your experience so openly. Highly recommended!

Both heartbreaking and heartwarming

[leomacdonald-71143 · 10/10 · 7 January 2020]

I watched this movie 3 times, I loved it that much. It was an incredible glimpse into Chinese culture with all its peculiar obsession around "face". In the end, love wins - maybe not right away and on the terms you might want it but it still wins.

Very heartwarming and an interesting perspective.

[wdddsonmss · 10/10 · 27 May 2019]

A very well done film about Hao's journey to navigate a traditional family as a gay man.

A great documentary

[Ani2IMDB · 10/10 · 20 May 2019]

All in my family is a very unique documentary that shows the family dynamics in the traditional chinese (old school) society. This is, in my recollection, the first documentary that showed a chinese gay couple with childrens through surrogacy have to face the 'traditional' chinese family, dogmas, and an interesting dynamics with elderly family members.

For me, it's Ten Stars

[jmdr-19924 · 10/10 · 21 May 2019]

Wonderful film. I enjoyed it immensely. It was beautifully filmed and a warm, honest portrayal of compelling family dynamics.