I suppose I have a thing for uncomfortable melodramas that feature severely unlikable characters (see Margot at the Wedding), but few movies can balance joy and pain, selfishness and selflessness, as well as Jonathan Demme’s crowning achievement. It is as full of as many delights as it is the messy pettiness of a family’s complicated love. Few movies will add to your compassion and tolerance of those grating family members than this one.

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