As They Made Us

Not terrible, simply lacking in good acting performances by all the other (mediocre) actors, who usually only would star in cheap tv series, but now get to act alongside the brilliant Dustin Hoffman, who delivers another stellar performance. Candice Bergen is great as well, but it is such a disappointment to watch all these other cheap tv actors ruin a good story.

The writing alone is fantastic, but add on the wonderful ensemble cast and youre a for an emotional exploration of which there are few better in the last few years.

Diana Agron is the central character, and is just wonderful, and deserves accolades for the performance she puts in, its good to see her in a great post-glee role. She has such a presence, and even her voice is as warm and beautiful as she appears.

Simon Hedberg as the estranged brother likewise gets a good opportunity here to show us his post geek potential.

Not sure i need to single Mr Hoffman out at this stage in his career, he puts in what you expect, complete with humour and grace.

Ms Bergen is just great, as the matriach, doing so well with the material that you will probably dislike her character (immensely)

The film feels well paced and recollections and flashbacks to me at least seemed perfectly timed to explain characters reactions to circumstances through the film.

If this is Mayim Bialiks first outing, then i cant wait for the second....

A good first effort Ms. Bialik !

A quadruple dose of mental illness!

How do you break the family cycle?

Is it part of our DNA?

The credits posted that the story and characters were fictitious but many will identify with the family estrangement - necessary for self-care , the care and responsibility of our aging parents and conflicts we face with them.

The acting was good and ending seemed encouraging and hopeful.

First off, I am not a Mayim Bialik fan, as a person. But that has nothing to do with her talent in the writing, directing, producing area of this film. I am glad I didn't know it was so much her when I started to watch it - otherwise I am afraid my prejudices against her would have kept me from viewing a really good movie.

This is about the complexity of a messed up family - and what family isn't totally messed up? And this family has made it an art form.

It has 2 great actors, Dustin Hoffman and the ever surprising Candice Bergen and a further ensemble of younger ones orbiting Hoffman and Bergen.

So, if you can handle some rough family dynamics (normal), give it a go.

Just a regular story about life, chapters, transitions, focused on how one Jewish gal apparently leans into her faith to make it through (we are left to assume). Well worth the watch even if you are not Jewish. Also, kudos MB for such a daring, bold move, not only P+D, but also WRITING. Well done. IHS.