Everything That Rises

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.

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 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

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.