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IMDbPro

Surviving

  • TV Movie
  • 1985
  • Not Rated
  • 2h 23m
IMDb RATING
7.4/10
774
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
    774
    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

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    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

    7.4774
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    10

    Featured reviews

    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.
    6gdavidso

    tragedy

    This movie has been repackaged and is now on video with the title of "Tragedy". Over the top melodrama with excellent performances by Marcia and Ellen. Scene after scene of very heavy material. James Horner's score is about 8 bars long but used repetitively throughout the film to the point of being distracting.
    dtucker86

    a great but depressing film

    Everyone in this film gives awesome performances. Ellen Burstyn, Len Cariou, Paul Sorvino and Marsha Mason are all great as the parents who have to face the ultimate tragedy. People have often said Molly Ringwald is a terrible actress, but she gives a fine performance here and it really touched my heart. It made me so angry that these two stupid kids could have been so selfish. Every week in the United States over one thousand kids take their own lives. This is a long film but you are riveted every minute. There is one tragic footnote I wanted to add, the two young actors that played the siblings of the boy in the film who killed himself both met tragic ends in real life. Heather O'Rourke died in 1988 when she was only twelve of stomach cancer and River Phoenix died in 1993 of a drug overdose.
    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.

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    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

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    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

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