Admirable film.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

A rather thought provoking drama, In My Father's Den showcases the acting talents of it's cast perfectly. It also shows that New Zealand's film industry can do more than just quirky comedy, which it does admirably. The whole cast were excellent, but the impact of this piece really depended on the central duo. Matthew Macfadyen, as the out of place and uncomfortable returning escapee Paul, and Emily Barclay, as the insecure but seemingly confident sixteen year old Celia, nail their performances beautifully. These are two very complex individuals who think that they know their stories, and the viewer gets sucked into their self-belief. I loved and hated the two central characters in turn. And then the twist blew my train off the rails.

I had a unique perspective on this film, having spent my teenage years in the area as a migrant to NZ, I had returned for matters concerning my own elderly father, and spent some time in Roxburgh last year before finding this film, which I watched twice over on the airplane (ANZ)returning home. I was particularly struck by the message that it conveys regarding migration, something of much relevance to all New Zealanders who don't claim native status. It was the idea that migrants often have compelling reasons to leave - both for past generations and for young New Zealanders who make all or part of their careers abroad, like Sam Neill himself. New Zealanders who investigate their family tree in the UK or elsewhere often discover rather sordid details - abandoned wives, deceptions etc. which are then glossed over in the new life. Not just NZ of course, the USA has much the same pattern. The sub plot of religion in the film had that feel of covering over such truths about abandonment, as well as the revelation about the true feelings of the brother who stayed home,and his actions. So being sensitive to this, and knowing very well the particular High School situation portrayed, I thought it not only conveyed the small town desperation syndrome very well portrayed by Maurice Gee in his writing, but a wider thinking about 'home' which can cause problems when the 'prodigal' New Zealander who lives abroad actually does 'come home' for a while. New Zealanders are supposed to be the most travelled people on earth. But whereas the Irish have widely studied the effects of their 'diaspora' on family stability and relations, New Zealanders are rarely so introspective. I think this film is a great effort at helping to value knowledge about and support for migrants of all kinds. More than that, the journalist's career abroad and the effect on him psychologically, showed a support for the less fortunate (such as victims of forced migration and asylum in war) that is often difficult to convey to those happy in the wealth and peace of New Zealand. So the film showed the selfish side of apparent stability and security which can be an insular anti-intellectualism as well.Not sure this film can be shown to school children in NZ, but certainly worth showing to teachers everywhere.

One of the most touching films I've seen in a long time, a complicated story that unwinds slowly but powerfully due the the directing and performances of the fine cast. This film really needs to be seen, it's been buried and badly handled in that it's not out there. I had the rare opportunity to see it at a special private screening...almost no one in the USA has seen it at all, in spite of heavy festival play. Emily Barclay who play the young girl and narrates much of the film is an emerging NZ talent in league with Keisha Castle-Hughes. Mathew McFayden gives a multi-layered and complicated performance as a man estranged from the family he left behind as a teenager. The casting is believable for every character and the audience is drawn into the story. Can you hear me Weinstein Brothers-- someone needs to pick this one up and run with it!

i re-watched the film last night (for the second time) and was again blown away by how powerful this film is for something so slow and quiet.it makes for a great second watching as you are able to piece all the segments together in your mind as you watch the film unfold. the title of the film (book) is in itself inspired as it this which leads you to believe that paul is celia's father.the only small point which i didn't fully understand was the scene where celia is killed. she has already been to paul's house and is fully aware that she is his sister (as we see in the closing scene before she starts off down the road) so why when andrew offers her a lift and that is he is going to tell her 'everything' does she accept? does she not know everything at this point? or is it just the will that he is going to tell her about? also - is andrew planning to kill celia when he brings her back to the house? what is his motive for bringing her back? any opinions on these points would be much appreciated.Jx