Who Are the DeBolts? and Where Did They Get Nineteen Kids? (1977) User Reviews

Inspiring.

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 21 September 2011]

This is a super-inspiring film made about a very unusual family, the DeBolts. Mr. and Mrs. DeBolt had, as of the making of this film, nineteen kids--most of which were handicapped orphans from around the world and were considered pretty much unadoptable. However, the DeBolts seemed to like the challenge of melding all these kids into an enormous family. Most of the film simply shows the family going through their days. What I particularly liked is that although this appeared to be a close family, the parents were certain NOT to do too much for the kids--encouraging them to do things for themselves regardless of their disabilities.

The film is pretty well made and interesting. It is also a bit sticky sweet, but inspiring as well. Apparently the Academy was quite impressed by the documentary, because it was awarded the Oscar for this category in 1978. Well worth seeing.

By the way, it would be very interesting if a follow-up film was made about the family more than three decades later. The 'kids' are all now independent adults with their own children and I am sure their stories would be worth hearing.

A study in love and joy

[Chrissie · 10/10 · 9 September 2004]

I was still in high school when I saw "Who Are the DeBolts" on TV, and I'll never get the images out of my head. The child that sticks most in my mind was a lovely Black girl of maybe 8 or 10, with stumps for arms and legs. She could walk and play the marimba with her prosthetics, but she really shone when those prosthetics came off. I can still see her jumping on the bed with her siblings, laughing and so vibrant and alive.

There was nothing sappy or sentimental about "Who Are the DeBolts." Just a family that was a little larger and more diverse than what we're used to. And I think if only for the lesson in valuing diversity, it would be wonderful if this film made a huge comeback.

As Real As You And Me

[adpiccar · 9/10 · 21 March 2007]

Perhaps this is an example of why I like shows like "Survivor" and "The Amazing Race." I think I am entertained by the rawness and reality of learning about people and who they really are, which is what this film is about. From beginning to end "Who are the Debolts? And where did they get 19 kids?" is a look inside this unconventional and extraordinary family that keeps on giving. I would have imagined growing up handicapped would feel so sad and lonely, but as an audience you get to see just how excited and how much fun these kids have despite their handicaps. Watching Karen jump up and down on the bed is absolutely heart warming, and the excitement Jonathan, a blind child, gets from blowing out the candles on his birthday cake is remarkable. Their hearts are opened up and their souls our poured out onto the celluloid for all to see. In fact, the scene where the parents tell the children about their grandma's death has to be the most moving piece in the entire film. There were no fake emotions there; it was all real, exactly like any other family would be, even those without disabilities.

This film was also great to watch because it showed the world what ONE family could do to help others in this world. The message this film sends to its audience is one of solidarity and commitment to help those around us. I really liked the one excerpt on how the one reporter wanted to know what part of Korea the boys were from as if race or wars should dictate who out there in this world needs help and support to survive. Someone's race, religion, OR handicap for that matter should not halt someone from providing the same support and need they would give their own brother.

The film was so entertaining I wish I could see what they were up to now, thirty years later…….After writing this, I went and found this website on the internet.

http://www.debolts.com/family.html