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The Book of Ruth

2004 1h 36m Drama List
Reviews 50% Audience Score 50+ Ratings
Even though she has recently married a kind-hearted man, mousy Ruth (Nicholle Tom) remains unable to break her dysfunctional relationship with her overbearing mother, Maylene (Christine Lahti), convincing new husband Artie (Stephen E. Miller) that the couple should live in her mother's house. As the three settle into new roles, Ruth learns to stand up to her mother's insults and passive-aggressive needling. This TV movie is based on the best-selling novel by Jane Hamilton. Read More Read Less

Audience Reviews

View All (4) audience reviews
Scott M The movie was intense and dealt with real issues and was very heart wrenching I think even tho it dips into violence and sexual assault I think it is a movie the family can watch together but I am sure younger children may not understand the msg but still a great watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/16/23 Full Review Audience Member Sad story of newly wed underachivers Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member I could not sit through this entire movie. Toms portrayal of Ruth left it painfully unclear as the whether the character was supposed to be shy, or if she was develop mentally delayed. The mannerisms and speech patterns that were used seemed to be consistent with a person who was at about the mental capacity of forest gump, but this issue was not addressed during the 45 minutes of the film I was able to sit through.It is possible that if I was able to view the entire film this issue may have come to light. The storyline was not bad, but the directing, script and most of the acting was so weak that it ruined a potentially tragic and touching story. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie was really good, really hard to watch, especially for those who have seen constant fighting and insulting in their home. Very sad, and very realistic. Christine Lahti is such a bitch in this movie and she plays it wonderfully. It's hard to believe it's her! Recommended. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews
The Book of Ruth

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis Even though she has recently married a kind-hearted man, mousy Ruth (Nicholle Tom) remains unable to break her dysfunctional relationship with her overbearing mother, Maylene (Christine Lahti), convincing new husband Artie (Stephen E. Miller) that the couple should live in her mother's house. As the three settle into new roles, Ruth learns to stand up to her mother's insults and passive-aggressive needling. This TV movie is based on the best-selling novel by Jane Hamilton.
Director
Bill Eagles
Producer
Ted Bauman
Screenwriter
Suzette Couture
Production Co
Columbia
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 28, 2020
Runtime
1h 36m