The Brooke Ellison Story

This TV movie about a quadriplegic who overcomes great obstacles to go on to college could be easily dismissed as just another cripple-of-the-week filler, even though it is based on a real person and true events. Two things keep that from happening: the extraordinary performance of Lacy Chabert as the quadriplegic, and the story's straightforward presentation, sometimes painful in its telling but never stooping to the saccharine (all credit is due here to the director, the late Chris Reeve, himself a quadriplegic). You would have to be made of stone not to feel tugged and ultimately uplifted by this story. A very young actress at the time this was made, Chabert is simply amazing as the protagonist and your heart will break for her as she struggles with an active, genius-level brain trapped in a ruined body. What a movie. It should be shown to every high school student. Hell, it should be shown to every family.

This movie was too amazing to be down-sized by a couple of words. When I heard about this movie, I was very anxious to see it. I watched Brooke Ellison on Larry King a few days later, and I thought she was such an amazing person. The cast of this movie was outstanding. I forgot that I was watching a movie, I felt like it was the real thing. Christopher Reeve shone as a director, and no one will question his talent or work, the movie speaks for itself. I think this was just amazing and incredible. In the movie, Brooke Ellison's mother, Jean, told Brooke, "You can either contribute to this world or be paralyzed. The choice is yours." Brooke Ellison decided to contribute to this world, despite her disabilities, and I am sure she has inspired many people with spinal-cord injuries to make something of themselves. Brooke Ellison even inspires those of us without injuries to be the best we can be and Brooke's Story teaches us that we can't be paralyzed by the small things in life. We must keep going and enduring the pain while we continue on life's journey. Because, tragedy or triumph, pain or sadness, life is going to continue. Brooke Ellison is the type of person who proves how strong women are. The story also does a wonderful job of proving how strong a family can be. Brooke's accident could have easily torn her family apart, but they stayed together and grew closer than ever. With unconditional love and support from her family, and the undeniable love her mother, Brooke Ellison was able to go to Harvard and graduate summa cum laude from Harvard University, a huge challenge for anyone, disability or not. I wish Brooke Ellison the best of luck and I recommend that everyone watch The Brooke Ellison Story. *Christopher Reeve will be missed but he accomplished life's purpose, he spent live working to have something that would outlast it.*

I thought the movie was very good, so good that i taped it! From the very beginning i was interested to see, how a quadriplegic person lives their life. I must say that they are very brave, and full of..cant think of the words right now but they are good! The story was good, don't know what to say except that the movie was beyond my expectations! From the accident scene, to her family's reaction, it was all so real. I really think that they chose the right person to do the role of the protagonist. Christopher Reeve's attempt at directing this move was in my opinion a HUGE success! THis movie will remain as one of my favorites for quite some time! Lacey's performance was great, and she was the reason i wanted to watch the movie! She is great!

Josh

I have which the movie and I was upset about Brooke. I would which the movie over and over again. I will say to my Friends about this movie. The movie was so good that I want to get the DVD out it is that good of movie. I will Rate this movie 10 out of 10 it was that good.I was which the movie all morning and I was at school when I was which the movie. I would which the movie when I am in bed at home and I will say to my mum ,dad, my sister and my Friends too. I got a relay under standing of this movie and I will keep on which it. I can not say much more I am blowhen a way about this movie I loved the movie so much I do not no what to say. I loved it so MUCH

This was a very interesting TV movie/documentary about an eleven year old quadriplegic who beat outstanding odds with the help of her mother. The acting was so touching. My personal favorite part was a scene between the mother and the older daughter. They were on the telephone with each other and the words and tears were so realistic that I forgot I was just watching a movie. The two girls who played Brooke Ellison (younger Brooke and present Brooke) both did an amazing job. This movie made me so proud of the young girl with such and indomitable spirit. Life dealt her a bad hand but she didn't let her condition get the best of her. This movie was a great final tribute of Christopher Reeves.