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Jack Thompson, Russell Crowe, John Polson, Deborah Kennedy, Joss Moroney ... see more see more... , Mitch Mathews , Julie Herbert , Rebekah Elmaloglou , Jan Adele , Bob Baines , Michael Burgess , Stuart Campbell , Elaine Lee , Paul Freeman , Ross Anderson , Mitch Matthews , Des James

Three years before he became a household name in Hollywood with 1997's L.A. Confidential, Russell Crowe starred in this Australian drama, the directorial debuts of Geoff Burton and Kevin Dowling. Crow... read more read more...e plays Jeff Mitchell, a young gay man and the son of widower Harry Mitchell (Jack Thompson). The two live together while they both search for a special someone with whom to spend their lives. And while Harry is more than comfortable with Jeff's sexuality, his new lady friend isn't, leading to tension and a personal struggle for Harry. Based on the play by screenwriter David Stevens, The Sum of Us was the 1994 recipient of the Austalian Film Institute's Best Adapted Screenplay award. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi

Flixster Users

75% liked it

5,096 ratings

Critics

64% liked it

14 critics

R, 1 hr. 39 min.

Directed by: Geoff Burton, Kevin Dowling

Release Date: March 8, 1995

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DVD Release Date: June 3, 2003

Stats: 215 reviews

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Russell Crowe Scene from "The Sum of Us", 1994. Russell Crowe Dad (Jack Thompson) and gay son (Russell Crowe) The Sum of Us The Sum of Us
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Flixster Reviews (215)

  • jjnxn
    February 17, 2008
    jjnxn
    Beautifully acted by two fine actors with a refreshing attitude to a modern father-son relationship.
  • gator681
    August 8, 2007
    gator681
    [font=Century Gothic]In "The Sum of Us," Jeff(Russell Crowe), a 24-year old plumber who lives at home with his dad, Harry(Jack Thompson), is attracted to Greg(John Polson), a gardener he has talked with at the pub a few times. Jeff feels that this is the big night and Harry prom... read moreises to stay out of the way.(Despite their friendship, the two men do have a tendency to drive each other crazy as housemates.) Harry, a widower, is also planning on getting back into the dating scene as he contacts a dating service and arranges a date with Joyce(Deborah Kennedy), a middle-aged divorcee.[/font]
    [font=Century Gothic][/font]
    [font=Century Gothic][/font]
    [font=Century Gothic]"The Sum of Us" is about how playing a gay character in a movie may not necessarily be detrimental to an actor's career. Its positive stance on openmindedness sometimes threatens to push the movie over the line into public service announcement territory but it avoids that fate by having a good eye for characterization. Also, its message about acceptance is broad enough to include living at home with parents and working class occupations. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with working with your hands. [/font]
    [font=Century Gothic][/font]
    [font=Century Gothic]The central theme of the movie is love and how it is passed down from generation to generation. Some people may be freaked out by Harry's behavior but in an ideal world, that is how fathers should act. But to be honest, I have no problems with the cordially laconic relationship I have with my father.[/font]
  • jam233
    November 13, 2009
    jam233
    Very well acted, it?s a well written story and both leads to a great job. I did find it a bit talky and slow moving at times, but it?s still quite enjoyable.
  • onehotpotter
    September 28, 2008
    onehotpotter
    This is a good little movie... of self discovery plus a sweet father and son relationship...way before Russell Crowe became a big screen icon.
  • brent73rn
    July 20, 2008
    brent73rn
    Its a movie that shows not all families have to be dysfunctional. Russel Crowe's "quieter" role, plus is dad in this movie is just amazing.
  • pinaadrienne
    June 2, 2008
    pinaadrienne
    Russell Crowe plays the most unstereotypical gay man I've even seen in a movie. And Jack Thompson's character as the supportive father is a breath of fresh air. The movie becomes a bit of a downer towards the end but picks up shortly after. One of the greatest father son relatio... read morenships I can remember seeing.
  • decoupagedish
    January 15, 2008
    decoupagedish
    I never liked Russell Crowe until I saw this movie! Well, I still don't like him much, his movies are usually boring, but this one was great! One of my favorite gay movies.
  • irishrose813
    August 27, 2007
    irishrose813
    Based on the play of the same name. Very well done. Weird watching Russell Crowe kiss a guy though.
  • flasteve66
    June 23, 2007
    flasteve66
    Russell Crowe as a gay man !?! Who knew....lol??? Naw really good movie, I love the bnd between the Dad and Son, a very special film !
  • bullygal29
    May 7, 2007
    bullygal29
    The relationship between father and son is terrific..highlighted by his attempted to understand his son.

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Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy
February 13, 2007
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

The novelty of this Australian working class comedy of manners is that sexual orientation is not a probelm. Father and gay son (nicely played by Russell Crowe) enjoy the kind of warm, amiable relation... Full Review

Nick Davis
August 19, 2005
Nick Davis, Nick's Flick Picks

A second look reveals everything wrong with the movie, but on first pass, it's well-performed and enjoyably crafted.

Clint Morris
May 6, 2005
Clint Morris, Moviehole

An excellent Aussie effort with ripper performances from Crowe and Thompson

Ken Hanke
November 5, 2002
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)

Effective translation of a theatre piece. Russell Crowe's best performance.

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
August 30, 2002
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

Plumbs the depths of a loyal and loving relationship between a father and son. Full Review

Chris Hicks
January 1, 2000
Chris Hicks, Deseret News, Salt Lake City

There are noble notions here, but the film is far too heavy-handed to realize them fully. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

David Stratton
June 23, 2011
David Stratton, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Janet Maslin
May 20, 2003
Janet Maslin, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Kevin Thomas
February 13, 2001
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Sum of Us Trivia

  • Which actor/actress has starred in the following movies? Gladiator The Sum of Us A Beautiful Mind Proof Cinderella Man  Answer »
  • In what Australian movie did Russell Crowe Star as the gay son of Jack Thompson?  Answer »
  • Recall the movie that had Russell Crowe play a gay man?  Answer »
  • In 'The Sum of All Fears', Ben Affleck takes over the main character. The movie features a President of the U.S. What is his name this time?   Answer »
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