Motherland (2009)

90% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
71% of users liked it
(54 ratings)

After years abroad, a young Asian American woman, Raffi Tang returns to the US when her estranged mother is murdered. She finds herself drawn into a web of deception by her stepfather and his right-hand man. Raffi struggles with investigative incompetence and her own grief, forced to confront some… More After years abroad, a young Asian American woman, Raffi Tang returns to the US when her estranged mother is murdered. She finds herself drawn into a web of deception by her stepfather and his right-hand man. Raffi struggles with investigative incompetence and her own grief, forced to confront some long-buried truths in her family.

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: Doris Yeung
Genres: Documentary, Drama, Mystery & Suspense, Special Interest

In Theaters: Aug 26, 2009 Wide
On DVD: Dec 22, 2009
Studio: Gigantic Pictures

Critic Reviews

Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
Steinman's high concept is unwieldy and overly ambitious and occasionally skirts reality TV territory -- one of the women even jokes about being voted off the island -- but the shots of the children beaming in the company of these mothers are glorious.
Kam Williams, Sly Fox
Moving documentary chronicles humanitarian mission of women bonded by grief.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A heart-affecting documentary about six American women who are mourning the death of their children and take a healing adventure together to serve others in South Africa.
Justin Strout, Orlando Weekly
Six American mothers, united in grief over the loss of a child, travel to Africa to find their way. That's the concept behind Motherland, a documentary that follows the women's emotional journey toward some kind of solace.
Eric Monder, Film Journal International
Affecting documentary about grieving mothers on a humanitarian trip to Africa.
Dan Lybarger, eFilmCritic.com
Jennifer Steinman's new documentary 'Motherland' follows a group of American women who attempt to get beyond their own suffering.
Wilson Morales, BlackFilm.com
'Motherland' is an honest and intimate look at emotional pain. It's a story that's uplifting, heartfelt and poignant.
Avi Offer, NYC Movie Guru
A deeply moving, illuminating and inspirational documentary.
Kam Williams, NewsBlaze
Moving documentary chronicles humanitarian mission of women bonded by grief.
Tony Macklin, tonymacklin.net
I have a soft spot for an endeavor such as Motherland, so in some ways I want to give it a pass, but I also realize its limitations, calculations, and glaring omissions. When a movie wants to be uplifting, it had better be true to its vision.