A Family Man (2017)
A Family Man (2017)
Directed by: Mark Williams
Starring: Gerard Butler, Gretchen Mol, Alison Brie, Willem Dafoe
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 108 minutes
Overview
A Family Man is a heartfelt drama that follows Dane Jensen (Gerard Butler), a ruthless corporate headhunter whose life revolves entirely around winning clients, closing deals, and climbing the career ladder. But when his young son is diagnosed with cancer, Dane is forced to confront the cost of his work-obsessed lifestyle.
Caught between an intense promotion battle and his family’s crisis, Dane must decide what truly matters before it’s too late. The film focuses on emotional struggles, personal growth, and the painful clash between ambition and responsibility.
Highlights
Gerard Butler delivers a restrained, emotional performance, showing both the sharp edges of a competitive businessman and the vulnerability of a father facing heartbreak.
Gretchen Mol brings warmth and strength as his wife Elise, grounding the story with authenticity.
Alison Brie adds charisma and wit as a rising talent competing with Dane.
Willem Dafoe elevates the film with quiet authority as Dane’s boss and mentor.
Notable moments:
Dane’s slow realization that success means nothing without family.
The hospital scenes, which bring raw emotional weight.
The final confrontation between ambition and compassion.
Themes:Family vs. career, redemption, parental love, sacrifice, emotional awakening, work-life imbalance.
VerdictA Family Man is a touching, character-driven drama that highlights the importance of family in the face of life’s harshest moments. It’s quieter and more emotional than typical Gerard Butler films, offering a thoughtful, intimate performance from the actor.
Rating: 7.0/10
