i have see this film way back in the 80 and have nearly forget it when i notice it be on tv again and watch it . i remember have like this little sleeper when i first saw it and and i like it even well on second viewing . all of the actor and especially robert duvall and glenn close and wilfred brimley and frederic forrest and and jason presson ( a the twelve year old boy who feel responsible for the accidental shoot death of his old brother ) and be superb . the film have a very genuine feel to it an understated and quiet and deeply move story of a family ache with grief . the dialogue be sparse but tell and and the nonverbal acting be outstanding . sort of like a simpler and rural version of ordinary people sans psychiatrist but equally impressive family dynamic . the stone boy be well worth the time and emotional energy involve in watch it .