The Family
The Family

The Family

2011Movie87 minEnglish

A family has a hard time tying to stay together, because murder seems to be in their blood, and a their favorite type of gathering is a massacre.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes28%
Metacritic45/100
Google Users52%
Director: Luc BessonGenres: Action, Comedy, Crime, Drama

Plot Summary

A former Mafia boss and his family are relocated to a quiet town in Normandy, France, under the Witness Protection Program. While trying to adjust to their new lives and suppress their violent instincts, their old habits begin to resurface, leading to chaotic and dangerous situations.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'The Family' received mixed reviews from critics. While some appreciated the dark humor and the performances of its star-studded cast, particularly Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer, many found the film's plot predictable and its blend of violence and comedy jarring. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some enjoying the unconventional premise and others finding it unsatisfying.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praise for the cast's commitment to their roles, especially De Niro's portrayal of a Mafia patriarch.
  • Criticism for a disjointed tone that struggled to balance dark comedy with intense violence.
  • Disappointment with a formulaic plot that lacked genuine surprise or depth.

Google audience: Google users had a polarized view of 'The Family'. Many enjoyed the comedic elements and the star power of the cast, finding it an entertaining if somewhat predictable crime-comedy. However, a significant portion of viewers felt the film was uneven, with its attempts at humor often falling flat against its violent undertones.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel 'Malavita' by Tonino Benacquista, which was published in 2010. The title 'The Family' was chosen for the film's release in the United States, while it was released as 'Malavita' in other international markets.

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