78
Metascore
17 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenIn what has been called the Year of the Documentary, "My Flesh and Blood" stands beside "Capturing the Friedmans" and "The Fog of War" as an unforgettable experience.
- 90Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasThe singular achievement of Jonathan Karsh's graceful and rigorous documentary is that he enables his audiences to see his heroine's family through her very clear but always loving eyes.
- 88New York Daily NewsJami BernardNew York Daily NewsJami BernardSusan Tom has her hands full in Jonathan Karsh's documentary My Flesh and Blood -- she's dealing with her 13 children, most adopted, some with serious maladies. Rarely does one encounter such capable hands.
- 80Film ThreatFilm ThreatIf you view life as being full of rainbows and ponies, you'll see this film as a remarkable display of courage and hope. If you wake up to reality, though, you'll see this as a depressing exercise in futility.
- 75New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoBe warned: Some of the afflictions are so disturbing, you might have to turn your eyes from the children. Susan Tom doesn't have that option. And 11 children are all the better for it.
- 70VarietyJoe LeydonVarietyJoe LeydonOne leaves My Flesh and Blood with admiration for the lenser's craftsmanship, and for her ability to remain an unobtrusive observer during moments of extreme emotional turmoil.
- 70Village VoiceVillage VoiceSingle motherhood has seldom looked as daunting and enervating as it does in this unsentimental documentary.
- 70L.A. WeeklyElla TaylorL.A. WeeklyElla TaylorDespite, or perhaps because of, the jollity that reigns in this household, one wants to ask the Mia Farrow question: Why does this woman keep surrounding herself with others who are completely reliant on her?
- 50Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanYou'd have to be a stone not to be affected by My Flesh and Blood, but the director, Jonathan Karsh, merges compassion with voyeurism until you can't tell the difference.