yespat Everyone did a great job and I'm sure that when it came out, it was very timely. It might even still be timely in the Bible belt or in Muslim countries. But in today's America, it seems dated as the main focus of the film was about whether or not gays should have custody of their children.I suppose if plot is not what you're interested in, you could get lost in the performances as they were all perfect, particularly that little boy. He was really great. I went to see what else he was in on IMDb and was surprised to see that he has not had much of a career. Too bad. He was fabulous.So, see it for historical reasons or for the performances but I don't think it's anything one should rush out to see, if you have not already seen it.

Melrosemiss Profoundly sensitive topic handled in a superb manner. I could feel the father's anguish and the child's and feel that while the movie may make some uncomfortable, it is a topic that is not going to go away and perhaps though sensitive coverage such as this, there will be more understanding and tolerance. I was held spellbound from the very beginning and as a mother myself, wonder why the child's mother was not aware something was wrong with him. It was painfully obvious to me as an observer, in just observing Oliver, that something was not right. Did she honestly not know, and then I would have to consider how close she truly was to her son, or did she know and ignore, which is so much worse. Can a quest for happiness, or fulfillment, even make us blind to our obligations to our children? I sincerely hope not. I am glad it ended as it did, but would like to have seen a little further into the future.

dj-58 In addition to its excellent cinematic qualities (including an intelligent and powerful script), this heartbreaking film's message about the depth of a gay father's love for his child is a moving and important statement.

harry-76 Angela Pope's "Hollow Reed" is a powerfully and sensitively enacted consideration of a complex marital relationship involving two couples and a child. There is an unusual number of twists and levels to the plot, and they are viewed from both a humane and legal perspective. A gifted cast portrays these roles with understanding and compassion. A few contrived touches occur in the script, which weaken its total excellence; however, the over all presentation is very engrossing and moving.