Everything That Rises

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.

I watched this movie on VCD over 15 years ago, then I just re-watched it today and decided to give this very good movie a review.

At first I though this movie is about cowboys life (because Dennis Quaid is wearing cowboy hat on the cover and I didn't read the synopsis) and I never like cowboys movie, but after I tried to watch it for couple of minutes, hey, this is not cowboys movie, this is modern family drama which took set in the country area. This movie is a touching, heartwarming family drama with cinematic shots, it makes you feel like you're reading a novel. I love it! The story is very sad and touchy, some people might think it little bit too depressing, but the story will give you a motivation to you and your family to keep strong and face all the bad things that came/might come to your life. Just watch it.

The acting of the actors are amazing, especially for Ryan Merriman, even he's still very young but his acting was so believable, so emotional. Good job for the main actor Dennis Quaid for directing this movie!

This was very inspirational to my young son who lived a similar ranch life as the young man in the movie. At an early age he suffered severe electrical burns and lost most of his left hand. He mirrored the young mans determination in the movie figuring out how to do all of the Little Britches and JR. Rodeo events and continuing to High School, College and CPRA rodeos. He did very well through his years in rodeo including NLBRA world champion and a full ride college scholarship in roping and steer wrestling. He also excelled in football , basketball, and track. This movie had a deep impact on his success in life, in rodeo and other sports.

Granted the acting was not the best but the message conveyed makes it a winner.

I never really cared for depressing movies, especially when they involve kids. Dennis Quaid could have been better in this movie. I've seen him a lot better. The kid, Ryan Merriman (Nathan) stole the show with his talents as a boy cowboy. Other than that the picture was a bit of a tear jerker but too depressing for me.

This is a movie about real life. It is a movie of love, hope and family values presented in an excellent story. I would become a steady movie goer and video buyer if more of this type of movie was available. If seeing is a learning tool, this movie would surely benefit us all.