This excellent documentary showcases the remarkable story of the Tom family. Many of the kids are seriously challenged physically or mentally and others are quite normal and somewhat perplexed at the stresses and strains of living together.The key is Susan Tom, Mom, who is nothing short of saintly in her commitment to the welfare of her brood and her dedication to their cause.This is quite the most moving film I have seen in years. The courage shown by her kids in coping with major daily life difficulties is just awesome. It puts our own daily frustrations and challenges into a real perspective compared to the Toms's.A must see film.

Never have I watched a film that I have felt has seriously changed my outlook on life or made me want to go on-line and write a comment on it like I am now. Director Jonathan Karsh created a wonderful film, but what's more is that it's real. This isn't a Hollywood script; it's the story of a caring lady and her life as a mother (Susan Tom) of 13 adopted children with various mental and physical disabilities. The personalities of the children come alive in the movie. Once it starts, you all ready feel like you've known this family for a long time. It really does make you look at your life and realize that your problems are nothing compared to the problems these kids and Ms. Tom deal with everyday, yet they live their lives full of laughter and love. Very gripping and touching film.

Having worked in the fostercare system for several years, I have come across more than one "Ms. Tom" who accumulate disabled children because the states pays a lot more for them than able bodied children. These "mothers" get more and more children for more and more money. The adoptive mothers ability to truly care for these children is impeded by the fact that there are so many of them. Even if the mothers are able to fake concern over the children's plight, they are always comforted by the fact that the children are replaceable -- there's always another sad case in the foster care system. From my point of view, this was a haunting documentary of medical warehousing for children -- their medical needs were taken care of while their emotional needs were ignored or shunted to other hired caregivers. It is unfortunate that the financial reality was not addressed in this picture. This woman is not a saint. And this family is plagued by her indifference to the true feelings of the children. But I recommend the movie. So sad. And so real about how disabled children are treated.

If not for bumping into the filmmaker at another SXSW Film Festival screening, I would have dismissed this as potentially a tear-jerker freak show. The synopsis did not grab me. Mr. Karsh did--he is as passionate as his subject matter.Don't make the mistake I almost made--see this and prepare to meet some of the most indelibly etched characters life has ever created on screen. HBO/Cinemax has apparently agreed to pick this up for showing in late 2003/early 2004 so you should have a chance to see it there, but I really hope it finds release on DVD.Karsh creates and incredibly moving portrait of a family like no other, built on the solid foundation of one amazing mother. With an engaging, suspenseful dramatic arc that could not possibly have been scripted, the film shows laughter, fear, anger, rage, love, frustration and difficult resolution. As in any family, there are no easy answers to life's daily challenges. With unique access and a "cast" of dreams, it is an absolutely unforgettable slice of life that should make each of us aware of how much we have for which to be thankful. Part documentary, part cinema verite, it is 100% engaging till the last frame. See it and prepare to meet the Toms.