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Poster for Fierce People

Fierce People

Every family tree has its nuts.

2006 · 1h 52m · R Drama, Thriller
Directed by Griffin Dunne

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Overview

A massage therapist looking to overcome her addictions and reconnect with her son, whose father is an anthropologist in South America studying the Yanomani people, moves in with a wealthy ex-client in New Jersey.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
24%
Tomatometer
Rotten

Director Griffin Dunne, working from Dirk Wittenborn's adaptation of his own novel, pounds away at the analogy between the inherent cruelty of the tribal rituals of the Iskanani and those of the well-heeled.

Joshua Katzman, Chicago Reader
Fresh

On balance, it's a movie worth seeing with its artistic inserts, appropriate soundtrack and organic performances.

Jennifer Preyss, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rotten

There are lots of potent things floating around in it -- sexual initiation, drugs, fantasy-land wealth, brute violence, primitive rituals, Diane Lane and Donald Sutherland -- but the mix just sits there without producing any notable reactions.

Steven Winn, San Francisco Chronicle
Rotten

Rarely has self-pity become so monotonous so quickly.

John Hartl, Seattle Times
Fresh

A buoyant coming-of-age adventure welded to an amiable wealth fantasy.

Bruce Westbrook, Houston Chronicle

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