Cast
View AllGabrielle Anwar
as Kristen Halloran
Craig Sheffer
as Quinn Halloran / John Williams
Chace Crawford
as Matthew Halloran
Philip Granger
as Ronnie
Richard Blade
as Patrick
Dennis Garber
as Agent Bodden
Ian Robison
as Steve
Joshua Friesen
as Matthew (4 years old)
Michael McConnohie
as Harbor Master Bill
Holly Fulger
as Marge
Gwen Van Dam
as Travel Agent
Shirley Brown
as Older Passenger
Julius Noflin
as Immigration Officer
Terrance Rodgers
as Taxi Driver
Crew
Director
- Brian Trenchard-Smith
Producer
- Sylvia Hess
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Long Lost Son examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Brian Trenchard-Smith brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Long Lost Son took approximately 21 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $2.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 72 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Social media platforms were beginning to transform communication.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While Long Lost Son shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Forrest Gump, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Long Lost Son subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Dancer in the Dark and Whale Valley explore similar territory, Long Lost Son stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: July 24, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Budget: $2,000,000
Where to Watch

