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A Family Thing
A Family Thing Image
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Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • 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)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
  1. San Francisco Examiner
    Reviewed by: Barbara Shulgasser
    100
    The film's premise is totally implausible yet great performances, directing and script allow us to transcend the concept of believability and enjoy nevertheless.
  2. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    90
    In one sense, this seemingly melodramatic plot premise is contrived, registering more as myth than as real possibility. Yet thanks to what the movie has in mind and especially what the actors bring to it, it's a lovely myth, one that has the ring of deeply felt truth.
  3. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    50
    It's likely to be overrated by some and underrated by others, and both contingents will be wrong. One can't, however, overrate the performances, with auntie ruling the roost in more ways than one. [29 Mar 1996, p.4D]
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See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. LeoTs3181983
    10
    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.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

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