20 out of 26 people found the following review helpful:

Good film

rtdpj from Essex, 20th October, 2005

This is the sort of film that you can't just watch and then go and do something else. It hits you right between the eyes with its course pain and panic and yet it is beautiful and subtle. Hard to put into words;

Grim... Yes.
Hard to watch... At times yes.
Worth watching. Yes!

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12 out of 14 people found the following review helpful:

Secrets and lies, NZ-style -- but disappointing

Rehan from , 28th March, 2006

A brave attempt at a mainstream indie movie (if that makes sense): a wayward, ultimately grim story, twangy pedal-point music (with a bit of Canteloube thrown in), weird offbeat setting. But it doesn't quite work: the basic premise, which we get to at the very end, simply isn't convincing, nor is Matthew Macfadyen -- a trouper but one who can't get beyond a pout for Significance, and who quite markedly does not sound like any NZ-born person I know -- a believable actor even in an admittedly peculiar role. There's a better film lurking in this melodrama, but it hasn't been found. Believe me, I had the misfortune of spending 7 years in small-town NZ and little of this narrative is truly credible. They're a weird bunch, but this story is pushing it. To be fair, some good acting, and -- for most -- an exotic setting. Just don't expect a really classy film.

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9 out of 12 people found the following review helpful:

slow but sure

richard from , 5th October, 2005

dont watch this if your in a hurry and watch it sober or you will be lost - very good in the end though

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7 out of 9 people found the following review helpful:

Slow, but worth the effort

TheOz from London, 13th October, 2005

In My Father's Den is a sweet, gentle, but heart-felt collaboration between New Zealand and UK Film commissions.

Delving into issues which drove a close-knit family to emotional and physical destruction, the story is told on an interesting back-and-forth timeline.

Follow the thought-process, though, and you should find it worth the effort. It may also surprise you.

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In My Father's Den

A Customer from Lincoln, 23rd January, 2010

After watching Matthew Macfadyen in Little Dorrit and Pride & Prejudice this film was a bit of a let down. Very slow and took ages to get going.

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Intriguing and lovely to look at!

nroberts from , 14th December, 2009

The DVD cover with it's adorns of 'a gripping thriller' is a bit of a red herring. This is a very elegant story about coming to terms with personal loss whilst the main jist of the plot concerns itself with piecing together the characters intricate back stories - drip feeding details one at a time. The balance between melodrama and mystery is handled very well though thanks to a decent script, great performances and typically beautiful NZ scenery which is the real star of the show. Perhaps a bit too long as at times the pace slows down to a crawl - but it is all worth it for the satisfying conclusion. Special mention should also go to the excellent soundtrack containing among others gems by Patti Smith and Mazzy Star, the link between pop music as an escape and soundtracking our own lives nicely judged.

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Unusual twist

A Customer from Basingstoke, 13th August, 2009

This film is worth viewing for Matthew Macfayden alone. It is well acted and tells the story of a family torn apart by previous indiscretions. Hard to watch, sad too, but definitely worthwhile. Hard to say too much without giving away the plot.

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In My Father's Den

Deerge from , 13th July, 2009

One of the best films (and best acted by all concerned) I have ever seen. It made me laugh (but not much!), and cry, and kept me gripped to the end. Emily Barclay is one to watch out for, and Matthew Macfadyen is an extraordinary actor, showing his talent off beautifully in this film. Where were the Oscar nominations?

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