A moving drama about the under-explored tragedy of hunger among those out of work, or under employed in modern America – especially how it effects the children of those families.However, unlike Bell's great earlier films "American Heart", which explored an ex-con trying to re-integrate into society, or his documentary 'Streetwise' which unblinkingly studied runaway teens in Seattle, this film feels a bit soft, and just a a touch preachy. Of course, this was a TV movie, not a feature, and that could explain the slight lack of edge. It's still bravely dark compared to most American films, but there's never a question of the film's agenda here. Of course that's partly due to the difference in subject, but it effects everything; the lighting, the music, even the supporting cast (producer Jeff Bridges appears as a rich doctor, and while he's one of the best American actors of our time, there's something distracting about seeing him in a cameo in a film starring his brother, where the two men are treated as unrelated and never even meet on screen).Beau Bridges does his usual very solid job as the father, likable and human if headstrong and too prideful to get the help his family needs. And generally the acting is all quite good. I just felt a little manipulated – to a good cause and a good end mind you – something I never felt in Bell's previous work. In the end, though, the importance of the story, and the strength of the performances win out, and this is still very much a film worth seeing.

This movie made me think twice about what I have in life and what homeless and/or jobless people must go through each day. I found it to be first-rate, and everything about it was great, especially Beau Bridges's performance. He gave a great performance about a man who lost both his wife and his job, and the remainder of the movie focused on his struggle to raise his two kids and find another job. I loved it.*** out of ****

Thank goodness that satellite tv gave me a chance to see this movie, which otherwise, I presume, would have only been seen by American audiences. It is breathtaking in its reality and haunted me for days afterwards. When it was showing again a week later I could not face watching it again so soon, because it is emotionally draining. But I will most certainly watch it again at some point. Beau Bridges is superb as the father (and a good father at that) trying to cope with his family's descent into poverty and the childrens' performances are unbelievably good. It does not become corny or maudlin, which given the subject matter is an achievement. It is a lesson in life. It teaches us that poverty is not just in the huddled refugees camps or drought plagued deserts we see on our tv screens each night, but is right here in the midst of us, whether in the US or any other country. It is a very upsetting film, but turning in for the night after watching it I realized how lucky I am in life. And I would recommend especially to anyone who is feeling just a bit sorry for themselves

Hidden in America should be required viewing for all political candidates and elected officials. Having spent 50 years in social work, I can attest to the authenticity of the character of Bill Januson. The producers of this film should receive credit for having the guts to make it. Almost the entire cast, especially the Januson family, were perfectly cast.