Misunderstood

Contrived and sappy story, which is also difficult to understand. Mom dies. Dad can't fill her shoes... and nothing else after that. Hackman fills the father role with as much strength as he can muster with the lifeless script provided for him. Youngsters Thomas and Fox are engaging in the film through the poignant relationship they create.

I have seen this movie countless times and it never gets old. This is definitely one of Gene Hackman's most touching and best performances ever! Henry Thomas also gives a brilliant performance as his son, Andrew. Beautifully directed by Jerry Schatzberg, this movie illustrates everything a movie should be. You just cannot find great movies like this anymore. Although a tearjerker, this movie is true to life and makes an important statement about life and love. Why this movie is not available on DVD is incomprehensible. It should be in every family's movie collection. This movie, I believe is out of print, but if you can find it, BUY IT!! You won't be disappointed.

A well-cast movie that shows Gene Hackman (Ned)- and especially Rip Torn (Will) - portraying believable Americans in a believable situation in Tunisia. As Americans we tend to suppress our emotions and ignore the deep feelings of our children. I was very moved by this film. Rip Torn's talk with Gene Hackman about the grief and feelings of Henry Thomas (Andrew), and how Hackman has misunderstood Andrew's grief and his behavior, shows some especially fine acting by Mr. Torn.

Definitely see the movie. A 9 out of 10.

I saw this movie on its release in 1984. I had much the same relationship with my Dad as the boy in this story, so it touched a raw nerve. When you have an experience like this boy, and you can closely identify with him the storyline takes an on an extremely emotional roller-coaster ride, and needless to say I broke down at the end of the film. I have just connected to the internet and I have been searching for this film for the past 20 years. Now I finally have a copy and I'm going to watch it with my wife and Daughter. Needless to say I have a very close relationship with them because I made sure things with my kids would be different. I never got close to my Dad.

I went to see this movie with my Dad 3 times with in one month in 1984 Bangkok, Thailand. The theater gave Moviegoers starch handkerchiefs as free gifts. At first time, I have no my own. I have to used it. It is really hurtful. When I get out of the theater, I almost could not open my eyes, have to hold my dad hand and hide my face to his arm. I hear giggling then glance at woman face with red eyes and nose. She is laughing with her friend, complaining how hard the handkerchief is.

The misunderstood is a very good family movie. My dad and I got good feeling from this movie. After that we never misunderstand to each other because this movie tell us that we have to talk and listen to each other, forgive and forget. Only love is not enough. We have to understand each other and believe in our love and bond.

This movie should be shown again all theaters around the world and nominated for academy award 2009.