In My Father's Den (2004)

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

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.

Be warned - this film gets off to a very slow start, and I nearly gave up on it, but it's worth persevering for what in the finish, is a finely-wrought piece of cinema.Full of difficult familial relationships and tensions, a character who's clearing suffering PTSD, strange behaviours that seem at first inexplicable, it gradually builds into a sad, unsettling story that really draws you in, and a number of plot twists that may surprise.The scenery is harsh and beautiful, and that sense of being a cuckoo in the nest in a small town is captured very well. The acting performances are also very good, especially from Matthew MacFadyen (SO much better here than his sleepwalking performance as Mr Darcy), who beautifully conveys the sense of someone with deep internal wounds.Glad to have found it.

I recently purchased this movie from amazon.uk on a recommendation from a friend. It is an amazingly touching and well written film. I was intrigued at seeing Matthew Macfadyen in this role, being a fan of the television show Spooks, and I was not disappointed. He does an amazing job as the emotionally scarred photographer coming back home for the first time in 17 years. I was so touched by the storyline that after the movie was over I couldn't get it out of my head. I had to watch it again. I love all the interpersonal relationships, and the detail we are shown for all of them.If you can find this movie anywhere, I say rent it or buy it. It may not be an action adventure, but it will move you more than bombs and car chases ever could.

and i'm not saying this because i'm a Kiwi.. any person who appreciates movies will love and rate this movie.. it has one of the best story lines ever, and the cast is world class.. this story could have taken place anywhere, but as it turned out, rural Central Otago was chosen for filming, and this movie features superb panoramas of the one of the most beautiful places in the world..In My Father's Den seems to lead the audience in one direction in that for most of the film, Emily Barclay's character seems to be Matthew Macfayden's love-child, but after dramatic turns of events and some clever use of flashbacks integrated within the movie sequence, this seems not the case and as it turns out there is a far darker secret within the family.. ultimately in the end, the past comes back to change the future..if u are ever in NZ you must watch this along with Whale Rider..