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IMDbPro

Unforgivable

  • TV Movie
  • 1996
  • Not Rated
  • 1h 35m
IMDb RATING
6.4/10
577
YOUR RATING
Unforgivable (1996)
Drama

A man who batters women, after nearly killing his girlfriend in a violent rage, finds himself facing his own demons when he is forced to join an innovative group therapy program for abusive ... Read allA man who batters women, after nearly killing his girlfriend in a violent rage, finds himself facing his own demons when he is forced to join an innovative group therapy program for abusive men.A man who batters women, after nearly killing his girlfriend in a violent rage, finds himself facing his own demons when he is forced to join an innovative group therapy program for abusive men.

  • Director
    • Graeme Campbell
  • Writers
    • Adam Rodman
    • Dan Levine
    • Graeme Campbell
  • Stars
    • John Ritter
    • Harley Jane Kozak
    • Kevin Dunn
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.4/10
    577
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Graeme Campbell
    • Writers
      • Adam Rodman
      • Dan Levine
      • Graeme Campbell
    • Stars
      • John Ritter
      • Harley Jane Kozak
      • Kevin Dunn
    • 18User reviews
    • 1Critic review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos6

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    Top cast27

    Edit
    John Ritter
    John Ritter
    • Paul Hegstrom
    Harley Jane Kozak
    Harley Jane Kozak
    • Judy Hegstrom
    Kevin Dunn
    Kevin Dunn
    • Milton 'Milt' Stella
    Susan Gibney
    Susan Gibney
    • Beth French
    Gina Philips
    Gina Philips
    • Tammy
    • (as Gina Phillips)
    Mariangela Pino
    Mariangela Pino
    • Helen Jessup, M.D.
    Aaron Leigh
    • Jeff Hegstrom
    Elisabeth Lund
    • Heidi Hegstrom
    James McDaniel
    James McDaniel
    • Spider
    Steven Anderson
    Steven Anderson
    • Doctor
    Douglas Caputo
    • Steve
    • (as Doug Caputo)
    Michael Flynn
    Michael Flynn
    • Ben Corbin
    Carmen Fournier
    • Patrolman #2
    Frank Gerrish
    Frank Gerrish
    • Dave
    Curley Green
    • Group Member #1
    David Jensen
    • Arnie
    Mindy Lawson
    • Woman in Bar #1
    Tiffany Michael
    Tiffany Michael
    • Kathy
    • Director
      • Graeme Campbell
    • Writers
      • Adam Rodman
      • Dan Levine
      • Graeme Campbell
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews18

    6.4577
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    Featured reviews

    CottonCandyCloudsPod

    Yea Right

    This is an "exception to the rule" movie. This movie is an ode to domestic abusers, has intention for people to sympathize with domestic abusers, and is ultimately unrealistic. It's a science-fiction movie of how an idealist would hope a scenario like this would go about this. It felt more like an episode of an Outer Limits episode, it was that outrageous. Very pro villain. If you're into watching things with an undertone like that, then watch. Otherwise, it can be triggering for people who have actually dealt with this with an ending not at all similar.

    The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.
    10mtexas

    This is a treasure that sadly, many may never unearth

    This movie should not be viewed from the perspective of entertainment. It is truly a treasure tool that many may never unearth if they are only wanting to be entertained. If you look at for its acting merits or production qualities only you will miss the message that it has for trouble people. It is a true story based on the life of Paul Hegstrom. Its very difficult to think that someone could really live a life such as his. But, the truth is that there are millions of people in our world struggling with their abusive behavior not even recognizing it as such. They have not known where or how to get help. Paul Hegstrom's life did not end with this movie. After remarrying his wife Judy, they went on to build a ministry called Life Skills International based in Denver, CO. They have helped huge numbers of couples restore their marriages. His work has saved many womens lives from the abuse of their partners and he has defined abuse in terms that brings healing to troubled marriages. I know because I have just experienced a week at Life Skills, have just viewed this movie and it has been life changing!
    Xapora

    A different type of domestic violence movie ...

    Paul (John Ritter -- R.I.P.) is a nasty, cheating wife-beater who struggles to control his anger at home and at work. I won't re-cap the plot, instead I'll simply say this is an excellent TVM about domestic violence. It explores the reasons WHY men beat their wives/girlfriends and what can be done about it.

    In a jaded, cynical world, this movie gives hope that some people CAN change and there's help out there if you need it -- all you have to do is ask.

    The cast do a magnificent job in their respective roles and being a true story, there's a little epilogue at the end. I believe it was very courageous for the real life Paul Hegstrom to put himself out there and tell the world what he'd done. We all make mistakes, not many of us can admit it. A must see!
    8kaideneve

    Gotta give this one credit

    I expected a cheesy 1990s era B or C movie coming into this, but was pleasantly surprised. This is not normally the kind of movie that I would review, but seeing as though it has had such little attention, I thought I would leave my thoughts.

    This is actually a fairly solid movie that has a tangible and believable message. You actually feel connected to the characters, and I must say that Ritter performs his role masterfully. No spoilers here, but I think that this is a tight and tidy script with above decent acting that deserves some kudos for not trying to be more than it is.
    7helpless_dancer

    Horrible hubby slaps spouse, kicks kids, dreams divorce, lambasts live-in, group grouses, chills considerably

    Ritter, usually Hollywood's Mr. Niceguy, plays a holy terror in this tale of raging spousal abuse. Very effective film showing how a family can be torn apart for years by a lunatic who was created by the actions of his own father. Realistically played out, this picture could serve as the 'poster' movie for a problem which is apparently more pervasive than I had supposed. A definite must see.

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    Related interests

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    Drama

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Quotes

      Paul Hegstrom: Lately, I've been wondering, do you ever feel like maybe there's a possibility of us really getting back together as a family? I still love you, Judy. I mean, it wouldn't have to be right away. I mean, it's something to work towards. I know it wouldn't be easy, but if...

      [Judy quickly tries to leave, Paul follows]

      Paul Hegstrom: Wait, Judy. Hang on a second. Judy, Judy, wait a minute, wait a minute, wait a minute. Honey, come here, wait. Tell me, tell me what I did.

      Judy Hegstrom: [incredulous] What you did? You abused me for 15 years! You made me weak. You made me a coward. You made me hate myself.

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • April 30, 1996 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Sin piedad
    • Filming locations
      • Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
    • Production companies
      • Brayton-Carlucci Productions
      • Grossbart Barnett Productions
      • Hamdon Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 35m(95 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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