A Family Thing

Name: A Family Thing
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Released: March 29, 1996
Duration: 109 min
Rating: 71
Cast: James Earl Jones, Robert Duvall

1996

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 17 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Ratings

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7.8

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7.8	Your Score
7.8	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Ratings

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A Family Thing

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Movie Details & Credits

United Artists | Release Date: March 29, 1996 | PG-13

Starring: James Earl Jones, Robert Duvall

Summary: Robert Duvall and James Earl Jones portray long-lost brothers in this compelling and poignant family drama about a white Southerner whose identity is shaken after he learns that his natural mother was black. (MGM)

Director: Richard Pearce

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy

Rating: PG-13

Runtime: 109 min

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Barbara Shulgasser

The film's premise is totally implausible yet great performances, directing and script allow us to transcend the concept of believability and enjoy nevertheless. Read full review

Desson Thomson

Although the movie loses power in its final sections, the performances, writing and Richard Pearce's direction transform this shaky idea into something rewarding. Read full review

Rita Kempley

The potential for hokum is there, but Duvall and co-star James Earl Jones capably avoid the sticky pitfalls of Tom Epperson and Billy Bob Thornton's sugar-cured script. Read full review

David Sterritt

The story is thin, but the film has rich emotions and a highly constructive moral sense, showing how racial divisions crumble once people recognize their artificiality. Read full review

Terrence Rafferty

Duvall and Jones wear their roles like broken-in work clothes, and the screenplay has a drawling Southern rhythm that's very pleasing. Read full review

Ken Tucker

Any other writers handed this premise would probably play it for cheap laughs, but Billy Bob Thornton and Tom Epperson have made an earnest drama out of it, one lightened by a few affectionate laughs and much heartfelt sentimentality. Read full review

Godfrey Cheshire

The handful of powerful speeches here do little, however, to offset story weaknesses that also include soft-edged characterizations, a faintly patronizing air regarding the black characters and a general avoidance of the issue most viewers will want to see addressed. Read full review

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User Reviews

LeoTs3181983

Sep 3, 2010

A Family Thing is a great movie with a great cast. It's perfect for the sociology student. Just don't go looking for it at your local Blockbuster. This is one of James Earl Jones' and Robert Duvall's best movies. Don't miss it.

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36	#36 Best Movie of 1996
65	#65 Most Shared Movie of 1996