Everything That Rises

I agree that this movie is not Dennis' best work, but he still did a great job playing the strict father that did not believe in coddling his son. He was tough and wanted his son to be that way too. Then when tragedy struck, it left them both unprepared and unable to handle the situation. The mother was doing all she could, but the boy wanted his father's love and attention. It took the grandfather to step in and teach them both that they still had commonalities in their life and were still connected by blood and nothing would ever change that. Yes, it is a tear jerker, it has gut wrenching scenes where you just boohoo, and then it has such happy scenes where you grin and boohoo in happiness for them. It takes a great movie that can move you from one side of the emotional wheel all the way around to the other side. I have watched this movie over and over, I love it and the message it has for everyone. I wish they would release it out on DVD, I want to add it to my collection. I only have it on VCR tape and the VCR is broken now. I would love to see it over again and again in the future on DVD.

This is heart-warming 'rainy day' entertainment. During the first half I fast-forwarded through some of the slow shmaltzy parts and then started to accept the film for what it was: a story about family struggles and achievements that aims at the heart and not the intellect. Congrats to Dennis Quaid on a fine directing debut. The ending is typically out of the Hollywood 'Officer and a Gentleman' box which thankfully does not detract from the film's positive family values. Worthwhile to watch with other family members who are not expecting a complex plot or sex and action. Have a box of tissues nearby for the tender scenes of love triumphing over adversity.

This was a wonderful and heart-warming film. It realistically portrayed some of the harsh struggles that can plague the American farmer of today. It was also very uplifting in that our heroes didn't give up in spite of the obstacles in their way.

It was refreshing to see that the solutions to their problems were reality based. They all made their own personal sacrifices to lift them out of their hardship. Their problems weren't solved magically, but by doing what was necessary to save their farm and their family.

This film was filled with love. But, not the hearts and flowers of so-called modern romance. But with the nitty-gritty type of love that is demonstrated by actions, not just with pretty words.

I personally feel that the most important part of the film is the way that Nathan's disability was dealt with. It didn't try to make it out to be something that it wasn't. They didn't waste time trying to look for some modern medical miracle cure. They dealt with it as a family. Best of all, the movie didn't treat Nathan like some courageous underdog. It treated him like he was a real person, whose disability, although it was a part of him, did not define him.

This movie came out right after my son had a terrible accident that took most of his right hand and left hem scares from electrical burns. He was involved in Jr rodeo before the accident and we did not know if he would be able to continue.. Watching the movie helped to motivate him to try... long story short he started again and is still going on a rodeo scholarship in college and has a Nlbra world championship under his belt. He team ropes, tie down ropes, steer wrestles and rides saddle bronc.. It was a motivating film,,, I would like to get a copy somehow//// good flick for disabled individuals to motivate them to try things they may not have ordinarily tried

Always having lived in "cowboy country" I appreciate the believability of this film. It portrays the type of wholesome family life the region I grew up in, the brush country of Texas, is accustomed to. Sometimes even the best men do the ranch work and leave the rearing of children to the women; this story shows men how to be loving fathers. It has a stellar cast of characters. A young neighbor's little boy, who was only 3 years old at the time I bought the video, liked it so much that I gave it to him. Now I plan to replace it, as I have a greatgrandson who will soon be old enough to enjoy it, and I think my whole family will, as well. There is a dearth of the type films which depict the values we wish instilled, so I'm grateful for this one.