Into the Homeland (1987 TV Movie) User Reviews

Underrated and emotional film

[Cube_TX · 7/10 · 6 December 2001]

It's sad that more people haven't heard of or seen this made-for-cable feature. I saw it with my father years ago and its message was very powerful. Great performance by Powers Boothe (Lambda Chi Alpha alumnus!) as an unfaithful husband who realizes his obligation to his family when his daughter falls in love with Tripp (C. Thomas Howell), the son of a white supremacist camp leader (Le Mat), and disappears. Very emotional at its climax; worth picking up if you can find it!

A very powerful and moving drama

[yduric · 8/10 · 14 February 2005]

I do totally agree with the comments that another user made on this movie in 2001 . Like him, I saw it for the first time a very long time ago (maybe 15 years or more) and I remember I enjoyed it very much back then. Yesterday, as I was seeking among my old VHS-tapes, I came across "Into the Homeland" and decided to watch it again. But this time, it really surprised me how GOOD this TV-Movie is. It is extremely accurate, well- acted, and the plot is very subtle too. Moreover, there are some elements (I won't tell which ones, since I don't like giving spoilers), which, due allowance being made, remind of a masterpiece treating the same issue, which was released 11 years later, that is to say, American History X. So I sharply encourage people who might see the two comments given so far to check this movie out. Believe me, it is definitely worth watching.

Excellent movie - should be on DVD

[dec1223 · 9/10 · 11 July 2008]

This really is a very good movie. Made by HBO Films in 1987 - it should have received more attention (the subject matter was popular at the time). Powers Boothe's performance is wonderful and C. Thomas Howell does a good job. Some scenes are powerful and emotional. I can't hear the song 'Ain't No Sunshine' without thinking about this film - (Boothe sings a bit of it in one scene). While this film would not be considered Oscar worthy - it is a movie I enjoy every time I see it and I can watch Boothe without seeing Jim Jones in him. I have shared this film with many people and they all agree it is worth seeing. I wish HBO would release this film on DVD!

a must see

[brak31 · 8/10 · 2 October 2006]

While at work some of us were discussing movies and actors when someone mentioned C Thomas Howell they brought up the hitcher, the outsiders, ETC...ETC.. and i said how about the one where he....and nobody knew what this film was. When i first seen this movie it was in 91 . i was getting ready to go asleep late on a Sunday night the movie was just starting when i turned the bedroom TV on .it only took a few minutes of watching and i was awake for the duration .what a well acted film with a strong powerful message . i wish this film got more attention .alot of people missed a good one and i think they would really appreciate the awesome performance here. a must see in my opinion.

Realistic, which makes it even scarier

[Bucinka · 8/10 · 19 October 2008]

TV Guide reported that the producer, Anna Hamilton Phelan, actually went undercover with a white supremacist community to do the background research for this film. She was impressed with how, well, normal these people were except for their agenda. One of my hobbies is following the antics of the white-power movement in the US and Canada, and I could find no flaw in her facts and representation of those involved in the movement. Powers Boothe, C. Thomas Howell, and Paul LeMat are completely believable in their roles. I found myself staying up until 4 am time and time again in 1987 to watch this one from beginning to end. In my opinion, Boothe (and Phelan) deserved a Cable ACE Award for this one. Twenty years later, the message is still relevant. A must-see for all thoughtful, tolerant Americans and others!