[go: up one dir, main page]

    Release calendarTop 250 moviesMost popular moviesBrowse movies by genreTop box officeShowtimes & ticketsMovie newsIndia movie spotlight
    What's on TV & streamingTop 250 TV showsMost popular TV showsBrowse TV shows by genreTV news
    What to watchLatest trailersIMDb OriginalsIMDb PicksIMDb SpotlightFamily entertainment guideIMDb Podcasts
    OscarsEmmysToronto Int'l Film FestivalIMDb Stars to WatchSTARmeter AwardsAwards CentralFestival CentralAll events
    Born todayMost popular celebsCelebrity news
    Help centerContributor zonePolls
For industry professionals
  • Language
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Watchlist
Sign in
  • Fully supported
  • English (United States)
    Partially supported
  • Français (Canada)
  • Français (France)
  • Deutsch (Deutschland)
  • हिंदी (भारत)
  • Italiano (Italia)
  • Português (Brasil)
  • Español (España)
  • Español (México)
Use app
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
IMDbPro

Surviving

  • TV Movie
  • 1985
  • Not Rated
  • 2h 23m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
775
YOUR RATING
River Phoenix and Molly Ringwald in Surviving (1985)
Teen DramaDrama

Promising student Rick Brogan discovers that his father, whom he idolizes, is cheating on his mother. Heartbroken, he finds comfort in the arms of his old crush, but her father opposes the r... Read allPromising student Rick Brogan discovers that his father, whom he idolizes, is cheating on his mother. Heartbroken, he finds comfort in the arms of his old crush, but her father opposes the relationship, which pushes Rick over the edge.Promising student Rick Brogan discovers that his father, whom he idolizes, is cheating on his mother. Heartbroken, he finds comfort in the arms of his old crush, but her father opposes the relationship, which pushes Rick over the edge.

  • Director
    • Waris Hussein
  • Writer
    • Joyce Eliason
  • Stars
    • Ellen Burstyn
    • Len Cariou
    • Zach Galligan
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.4/10
    775
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Waris Hussein
    • Writer
      • Joyce Eliason
    • Stars
      • Ellen Burstyn
      • Len Cariou
      • Zach Galligan
    • 22User reviews
    • 2Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 win & 4 nominations total

    Photos49

    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    View Poster
    + 43
    View Poster

    Top cast30

    Edit
    Ellen Burstyn
    Ellen Burstyn
    • Tina Brogan
    Len Cariou
    Len Cariou
    • David Brogan
    Zach Galligan
    Zach Galligan
    • Rick Brogan
    Marsha Mason
    Marsha Mason
    • Lois Carson
    Molly Ringwald
    Molly Ringwald
    • Lonnie
    Paul Sorvino
    Paul Sorvino
    • Harvey
    River Phoenix
    River Phoenix
    • Philip Brogan
    Heather O'Rourke
    Heather O'Rourke
    • Sarah Brogan
    William Windom
    William Windom
    • Dr. Madsen
    Marc Gilpin
    Marc Gilpin
    • Bobby
    Paddi Edwards
    Paddi Edwards
    • Alma
    Camila Ashland
    Camila Ashland
    • Mother
    Jane Simoneau
    • May
    Joe Berryman
    Joe Berryman
    • Sheriff
    Lon Coggeshall
    • Jeb
    Midge Woolsey
    • Helen
    Sandra Gilpin
    • Woman
    David C. Allen
    • Kid
    • Director
      • Waris Hussein
    • Writer
      • Joyce Eliason
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews22

    7.4775
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5
    6
    7
    8
    9
    10

    Featured reviews

    10Kakesie

    Excellent Movie About Suicide!

    I was at a low point in my life when I saw this movie on TV. I had been having many suicidal thoughts and was in therapy for Depression. This movie convinced me NEVER to attempt suicide! Many scenes in this movie have stayed vividly in my mind. Although it's a sad movie, it also contains hope, especially for families who have been affected by someone's suicide. For me, seeing this movie might have been one of the MOST important influences that has resulted in me being alive today! When I talk to suicidal people, I tell them how much this movie impressed me and kept me from attempting suicide. If you have a family member or friend who is depressed or has talked of suicide, please watch this movie with him/her. Although it may make evoke some painful feelings in the person, it will also give them many insights on why suicide is not the answer. I recommend being with the depressed person when they watch it, and also staying with them afterwards to talk about the many feelings it brings up. Therapists - This is an excellent movie - try to obtain it and watch it! I have gone on in my life to major in Psychology and this movie very accurately portrays the many emotions...both in suicidal people and in their families. I hope this movie may prevent someone else from committing suicide. Bless you. Karen
    skvs26

    deeply touching tearjerker

    I found this movie while channel surfing the other night and since I'm a huge fan of Molly Ringwald, I decided to watch it. Well I was hooked instantly. It dealt with the very serious issue of teen suicide and how the families of the victims are affected. I found this movie absolutely fascinating and it wasn't over the top at all. Everyone in this film gave outstanding performances especially Molly and Paul Sorvino. By the last half hour of this movie I was crying hysterically and continued to for almost half an hour after it ended. It brought back so many of the feelings I had experienced in my early teens and found it very relateable. I highly reccomend this movie to anyone and can't wait until I can see it again!
    10vitaleralphlouis

    Serious Film About Teens

    Being a teenager isn't all sweetness and fun like in High School Musical; no, it's the time in a person's life when suicide is most likely to happen. Truthfully, older people moan a lot but grown-up problems --- except terminal illness --- are a piece of cake compared to being a teenager.

    This telefilm is the best drama I've ever seen on the subject of teen suicide. It's Molly Ringwald's finest performance, absolutely.

    I used to have this on VHS, but it got taped over. Too bad. I have no idea how you can see this great movie, but if you can find it do not miss the chance.
    10eric-144

    Excellant movie

    Excellant heartwrenching tearjerker about two teenagers in love. When they discover they cannot be together they do something that will affect their families for life. the two families must come together and help each other deal with their problems faced by what their children have done. Excellent acting, direction and a moving score. Recommended highly. Saw it a long time ago on tv. wish it was on video.
    10dancas-2

    surviving

    I saw this movie 16 years ago when i was 16. I had tried to commit suicide the year before and what I saw in the movie was real, so Real I couldn't keep from crying about it over and over. I am now trying to find a copy for my two oldest teenage children to show them the desperation, depression, and aftermath of decisions made. I honestly think it should be made compulsory viewing in high schools. The acting was a little bit over the top from everyone but it was the subject matter and emotions portrayed that told the story more than anything. If anyone knows where i can get a copy of this movie i would really be appreciative. i would pay well.

    More like this

    Circle of Violence: A Family Drama
    6.1
    Circle of Violence: A Family Drama
    Revolution Class
    5.3
    Revolution Class
    Jimmy Reardon
    5.5
    Jimmy Reardon
    Je t'aime à te tuer
    6.4
    Je t'aime à te tuer
    La vie en plus
    6.0
    La vie en plus
    Une intime conviction
    7.7
    Une intime conviction
    Garçon choc pour nana chic
    7.0
    Garçon choc pour nana chic
    Comme un cheval fou
    5.0
    Comme un cheval fou
    B.C.B.G. bon chic et belle gueule
    5.6
    B.C.B.G. bon chic et belle gueule
    Le bras de fer
    5.3
    Le bras de fer
    Le gardien des esprits
    5.2
    Le gardien des esprits
    Dark Blood
    6.3
    Dark Blood

    Related interests

    Molly Ringwald in Breakfast Club (1985)
    Teen Drama
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The nostalgic opening title sequence shows genuine photos of the main cast members as children or young adults.
    • Goofs
      The word sheriff is misspelled "sherriff" in the closing credits.
    • Quotes

      Lonnie: Hold me. Promise me that you won't let go.

      Rick Brogan: I promise you I won't.

    • Alternate versions
      Several video guides say that this film was originally 156 minutes in length. However, the 1993 video (released under the title TRAGEDY) is only 118 minutes long.
    • Connections
      Featured in 'Surviving' ABC Theater Commercial (1985)
    • Soundtracks
      We Belong
      Written by Dan Navarro (as D. Navarro) and Eric Lowen (as R. Lowen)

      Performed by Pat Benatar

      Courtesy of Chrysalis Records

    Top picks

    Sign in to rate and Watchlist for personalized recommendations
    Sign in

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 10, 1985 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Survivng: A Family in Crisis
    • Filming locations
      • Bone and Joint Hospital - 1111 N. Dewey, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA
    • Production company
      • Telepictures Corporation
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 2h 23m(143 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

    Contribute to this page

    Suggest an edit or add missing content
    • Learn more about contributing
    Edit page

    More to explore

    Recently viewed

    Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.
    Get the IMDb App
    Sign in for more accessSign in for more access
    Follow IMDb on social
    Get the IMDb App
    For Android and iOS
    Get the IMDb App
    • Help
    • Site Index
    • IMDbPro
    • Box Office Mojo
    • License IMDb Data
    • Press Room
    • Advertising
    • Jobs
    • Conditions of Use
    • Privacy Policy
    • Your Ads Privacy Choices
    IMDb, an Amazon company

    © 1990-2025 by IMDb.com, Inc.