Susan Tom,
Anthony Tom,
Faith Tom,
Joe Tom,
Margaret Tom
... see more 
Susan Tom of Fairfield, CA, is not a typical single mother -- Tom is the head of a family of 11 adopted children, all of whom are physically challenged or living with long-term illnesses. Tom and her ... read more
DVD Release Date: November 30, 2004
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Stats: 118 reviews
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Flixster Reviews (118)
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September 11, 2011This documentary features a family composed of one adopting mother and eleven disabled children.
It's almost impossible to write a review about this film. I can say for certain only that it was well-made, able to intimately capture its subjects' lives. Beyond that, there isn't ... read more -
September 23, 2010Broke my heart... The truth of it all, these kids (although handicapped/disabled in their ways) have a better home life than most of the families I know. Scary thought, but so true.
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April 30, 2010Humane, absorbing and life-affirming documentary about a unconventional family made up of one mum and eleven varyingly-disabled adopted children. It shouldn't work but it does, thanks to the matter- of-fact handling of the subject by the director and the children. No mawkishness ... read more
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July 13, 2008Hard to watch at times, but well worth the ride. This angel of a lady deserves some kind of award, if she hasn't already.
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January 16, 2010Emotionally manipulative snuff film. I'm indifferent to these sort of documentaries. On one side, there's the fact that it isn't boring based on its atypical content; on the other, it's moralistic on a small familial scale, arguing some things about nature that I won't address be... read more
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April 19, 2009No words of mine can do this film the justice it deserves. Its humanity changed my perspective on life.
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November 18, 2007A very engaging doc about a woman's unorthodox family, comprised of 13 kids, most with varying degrees of physical or mental disabilities. The dynamics of the family itself, and one boy in particlar, Joe, are fascinating throughout. In the end, it's an inspiring watch -- and good... read more
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September 15, 2007Adopting just one of these children would be a daunting task. I can't imagine caring for 11 special needs children. God bless Susan Tom!
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August 7, 2007This is worth a watch. Sometimes you forget how much someone has to sacrifice to show love to another. This helped me remember that if I am blessed enough to be able to live a "normal" life, then I need to spend it helping those who aren't. 1
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September 27, 2006WARNING: you will cry, and you will cringe, and you will remember what you saw and heard for a LONG time.
Critic Reviews
February 20, 2004
Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
February 20, 2004
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
For an agonizing and ultimately transcendent cinematic portrait of sacrifice, love and saving grace, audiences need look no further than this unpretentious and deeply moving film.
December 2, 2003
Michael Rechtshaffen, Hollywood Reporter
In turns heart-wrenching and eye-opening, this documentary is one of the year's best.
December 1, 2003
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
The effect on her children of Susan Tom's call to serve and cherish is enthralling to behold, and My Flesh and Blood deeply honors her and her family. Full Review
November 28, 2003
Jonathan Curiel, San Francisco Chronicle
The experiences of this family from Fairfield will resonate with moviegoers around the country. Full Review
November 28, 2003
John Anderson, Newsday
There may have been 'no grand plan' to Susan Tom's life, as she says, but grand is a good word for what's happened. Full Review
November 28, 2003
Stephen Whitty, Newark Star-Ledger
A movie that quickly shows us what giving thanks, and being brave, is really all about. Full Review
November 28, 2003
V.A. Musetto, New York Post
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.
November 26, 2003
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly
You'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. Full Review
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My Flesh and Blood
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