Watch A Letter to Dad

A Letter to Dad is a 1994 drama film directed by Johnny Nguyen and starring John Ashton, Thom Mathews, and Mario Van Peebles. The film tells the story of Johnny, a man living a successful life but with deep-seated emotional scars related to his strained relationship with his father. When Johnny receives news that his father is dying, he is forced to confront the issues that have kept them estranged for so long, including his father's inability to connect with him and frequent bouts of drinking.

The film opens with Johnny delivering a heartbreaking eulogy at his father's funeral, reflecting on missed opportunities to reconcile and his father's continued refusal to embrace him. After the funeral, Johnny receives a letter from his father, asking him to come visit him one final time in California. Despite his reluctance, Johnny decides to take the trip and confront his past.

The journey to California is a long and introspective one, with Johnny reflecting on his childhood memories of his father and the ways in which their relationship became strained over time. Along the way, he meets a number of interesting characters who help to shape his perspective and encourage him to face his fears.

As Johnny finally arrives in California, he is confronted with the harsh reality of his father's condition. His father, now an old man, is bitter and resentful, refusing to acknowledge Johnny's attempts to connect with him. Despite his father's attitude, Johnny persists in trying to make amends, providing him with small moments of joy and comfort during his last days.

Throughout the film, Johnny struggles to come to terms with his complicated relationship with his father and the many ways in which it has affected his life. He grapples with feelings of anger, sadness, and regret, but ultimately finds a sense of peace in the knowledge that he did his best to reconcile with his father before it was too late.

The performances in A Letter to Dad are strong and emotional, with John Ashton shining in the role of the cantankerous father and Thom Mathews bringing depth and nuance to the role of Johnny. Mario Van Peebles also delivers a memorable performance as a charismatic stranger who helps Johnny on his journey.

The film is beautifully shot, capturing the stark beauty of the California landscape and the intensity of Johnny's emotions as he confronts his past. The soundtrack is also well-done, with haunting melodies and poignant lyrics that add to the film's overall emotional impact.

Overall, A Letter to Dad is a deeply introspective and moving film that explores the complex relationships we have with our fathers and the ways in which those relationships impact our lives. It is a poignant reminder that it is never too late to forgive, connect, and bridge the gaps that separate us from those we love.

A Letter to Dad is a 2009 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.