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A Step Toward Tomorrow

  • 1996
  • G
  • 1h 33m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
344
YOUR RATING
Judith Light in A Step Toward Tomorrow (1996)
Drama

A divorcee moves her family cross-country to take her paralyzed son to a pioneer neurosurgeon.A divorcee moves her family cross-country to take her paralyzed son to a pioneer neurosurgeon.A divorcee moves her family cross-country to take her paralyzed son to a pioneer neurosurgeon.

  • Director
    • Deborah Reinisch
  • Writers
    • Tom Nursall
    • Harris Goldberg
  • Stars
    • Judith Light
    • Tom Irwin
    • Christopher Reeve
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.9/10
    344
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Deborah Reinisch
    • Writers
      • Tom Nursall
      • Harris Goldberg
    • Stars
      • Judith Light
      • Tom Irwin
      • Christopher Reeve
    • 9User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination total

    Photos15

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    Top Cast22

    Edit
    Judith Light
    Judith Light
    • Anna Lerner
    Tom Irwin
    Tom Irwin
    • Dr. Decker
    Christopher Reeve
    Christopher Reeve
    • Denny Gabriel
    Alfre Woodard
    Alfre Woodard
    • Dr. Sandlin
    Kendall Cunningham
    • Georgie Lerner
    Tim Redwine
    • Ben Lerner
    Brad Dourif
    Brad Dourif
    • Kirby
    Nick Searcy
    Nick Searcy
    • Jim
    Lee Norris
    Lee Norris
    • Perry
    Joey Stinson
    • Kevin
    Amanda Minikus
    • Terry
    Van Hughes
    Van Hughes
    • Derek Hastings
    • (as Van Michael Hughs)
    Michael Ayers
    • Lawrence
    Christopher Fennell
    Christopher Fennell
    • Joel
    Rasool Jahan
    Rasool Jahan
    • Teacher
    • (as Rasool J'Han)
    General Fermon Judd Jr.
    General Fermon Judd Jr.
    • Nurse
    Richard K. Olsen
    Richard K. Olsen
    • Arners
    Nina Repeta
    Nina Repeta
    • Monica
    • Director
      • Deborah Reinisch
    • Writers
      • Tom Nursall
      • Harris Goldberg
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews9

    6.9344
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    Featured reviews

    8jewelch

    Awesome

    Judith Light is wholly believable as a fiercely loving divorced mother trying desperately to find help for her younger son, paralyzed after a diving accident. James Welch Henderson Arkansas 4/12/21.
    10Assertivewoman1

    Question

    Does anyone know if this movie is based on a true story? I have seen it twice and it is inspirational. It is a great example that shows what a mother wouldn't do for their child. This also includes fathers who have to play dual roles as both father and mother. I thank you if you can find out the answer to my question. I have spinal conditions, endo (it won't allow me to spell out this disease), and chronic pain due from them. I run and CO-run support groups both Online and Offline for spinal conditions, endo, chronic pain, and also eating disorders. I am here for anyone who need support. Again, I thank you and I wish everyone well.
    10ebertenterprises

    A Step Toward Understanding

    "A Step Toward Tomorrow" is excellent and certainly should be immediately released to DVD and video! I only recently had the chance to view this film and it is a gem among the hum-drum of most made-for-TV films. Judith Light and Christopher Reeve are the talented professionals we have come to expect and appreciate, and Kendall Cunningham and Tim Redwine--the child actors--are incredible talents that dazzle with moving emotion throughout the feature.

    I have read a lot of negative reviews for this film; usually centering on the technical aspects of this film that weren't exactly correct. All films have flaws! The gift of this film is that it does an outstanding job--in the roles of Redwine and Cunningham--of showcases the delimma of anyone who is different--bound to a wheelchair, dyslexic, heart condition, etc.--the appreciation of understanding and help we receive from our family and friends, and the desire to do for ourselves and be our own person. The fact that this telefilm has the ability to capture that very difficult piece of life makes it a top picture in my book. This film should be used in the classroom!
    10psilber

    Really sweet movie

    This is a really sweet movie. The characters are well-developed and likeable. A lot of time is spent on the relationship between the brothers and why the older brother feels he needs to spend so much time caring for the younger brother. Then of course, there's a love story here too.
    10alexpeychev

    A Step Toward Tomorrow (1996) - A Moving Journey of Hope and Redemption

    "A Step Toward Tomorrow," directed by Deborah Reinisch, is a poignant and heartfelt drama that explores the transformative power of love, loss, and resilience. Released in 1996, the film follows the journey of Mike, a driven and ambitious businessman whose life is forever changed by a devastating accident.

    At the center of the story is Mike, portrayed with depth and vulnerability by the late Christopher Reeve. Once a successful and confident entrepreneur, Mike's world is shattered when a tragic accident leaves him paralyzed from the waist down. Forced to confront his new reality, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and redemption, grappling with the physical and emotional challenges of his condition.

    Reeve delivers a powerful and nuanced performance, capturing the complexities of Mike's character with empathy and authenticity. As he navigates the highs and lows of his rehabilitation process, viewers are drawn into his struggles and triumphs, rooting for his eventual acceptance and healing.

    The film also explores the impact of Mike's accident on his relationships with those closest to him, including his wife, played by Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and his best friend, portrayed by Jeffrey Nordling. Through their interactions, "A Step Toward Tomorrow" delves into themes of love, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

    One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of the rehabilitation process and the challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities. Through Mike's journey, viewers gain insight into the physical and emotional toll of paralysis, as well as the importance of perseverance and support in overcoming obstacles.

    "A Step Toward Tomorrow" is also notable for its sensitive handling of sensitive themes, including disability and loss. Rather than succumbing to sentimentality, the film approaches these topics with honesty and dignity, offering a realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals living with disabilities.

    In conclusion, "A Step Toward Tomorrow" is a moving and thought-provoking film that resonates with themes of hope, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. With its compelling performances, heartfelt storytelling, and powerful message of redemption, it is a timeless testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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    Related interests

    Naomie Harris, Mahershala Ali, Janelle Monáe, André Holland, Herman Caheej McGloun, Edson Jean, Alex R. Hibbert, and Tanisha Cidel in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      This was Christopher Reeve's first role after the accident that left him paralysed as well as his final feature film appearance. All of his subsequent roles were on television.
    • Goofs
      When Anna leaves the house at 1:12, it is a sunny day. The boys go out a minute later and it is nighttime and stormy.

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    FAQ15

    • How long is A Step Toward Tomorrow?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 10, 1996 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Snakes and Ladders
    • Filming locations
      • Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
    • Production companies
      • Cap Pictures
      • Craig Anderson Productions
      • Hallmark Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 33m(93 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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