The reappearance of a long absent, non-contributing father (hint of alcohol) with more money and charisma than the mother who struggled, and the pain and confusion of sensitive children who don't know how to react is a fairly common real-life occurrence, worthy of serious treatment. This film avoids that. The sisters are genetically anomalous caricatures; no background for mother's decision to divorce is provided, but Dad's little box of treasures is; and having mother die makes the difficult work of resolving blame, guilt, loyalty and fair outcome unnecessary. Shallow feel good ending. Son gets to love dead Mom he doesn't know. Girls get to love Dad who didn't even want to be there. Dad wins. Everyone else loses.
Review of The Autumn Heart
The Autumn Heart
(1999)
Spoiler - Effects on adult children of divorce
22 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers