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Prayers for Bobby

TV-PG Released Jan 21, 2009 1h 30m Drama List
73% Tomatometer 15 Reviews 86% Audience Score 1,000+ Ratings
In this adaptation of a true story, devout Christian Mary Griffith (Sigourney Weaver) fights to "cure" her gay son, Bobby (Ryan Kelley). Although he tries to please his mother, Bobby cannot change his lifestyle, and his depression leads to suicide. Mary questions her faith and searches for comfort, but after the church is unable to help her cope with Bobby's death, she seeks to understand her opinions on homosexuality for herself. Eventually, Mary becomes an advocate for gay rights. Read More Read Less
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Prayers for Bobby

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Critics Consensus

A devastating true story and terrific performance by Sigourney Weaver give Prayers for Bobby palpable power, although some viewers may find this well-intentioned film too calculating in its efforts to wring tears.

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Critics Reviews

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Gail Pennington St. Louis Post-Dispatch Poignant but as heavy handed as an old after-school special. It delivers an important message, but I wonder whether those who need to hear it will stick around long enough to listen. Oct 3, 2019 Full Review New York Post Staff New York Post The cast is just perfect -- not a missed beat. And Weaver? She puts in a performance that is right up there with her best work. Oct 3, 2019 Full Review Joanne Ostrow Denver Post It doesn't mean to feel maniacally manipulative. It just happened that way... Sigourney Weaver is the film's strength; the neat Lifetime tie-a- ribbon ending is its biggest weakness. Oct 3, 2019 Full Review Mark A. Perigard Boston Herald Here's the obvious question: What is Sigourney Weaver doing in a Lifetime movie? Answer: Giving one heartrending performance. Oct 15, 2019 Full Review Michael Abernethy PopMatters Weaver gives what is undeniably one of her best performances. Oct 3, 2019 Full Review Chris Hicks Deseret News (Salt Lake City) A nice showcase for Weaver, a sensitive story given the light Lifetime touch. Have a box of Kleenex nearby. Oct 3, 2019 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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PridePosterStudios A child is listening Never cried more at a film. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 04/24/24 Full Review Alexandra H I was totally in this movie all the way through. A very realistic depiction of family life with particularly difficult challenges. Sigourney Weaver, as always, was great! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/20/23 Full Review brian a The film shows a cruel reality between the LGBT community and the conservative Church, the intolerance of the family and society due to ignorance and based on a true story. It makes us see how the family completely influences Bobby's life and how he suffers beyond what is seen, reflecting very well a cruel reality of prejudice of people for a simple sexuality. On the way to the redemption of the protagonist, the film places great emphasis on the passages of the bible that although they are there, they do not apply on a daily basis because of its exaggerated corrective as dictated in its manuscript and tells us that the interpretations of these, are subject to the reader and not to the commandments of the church. By implying these points the film attempts to educate its audience, empathize with the LGBT community and try to make others question their own words in their opinions of others. After the incredible direction of the story, Sigourney Weaver's performance is the most impactful, without her the experience would not have been the same. Recommended Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review andy n Great movie! Despite some of the mother's religious obsession, and the ending of the picture, it's still a great movie! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review autumn b Growing up in a conservative household I must say I related so much to this. This is a must see movie. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Very informative. Made me cry Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/22/20 Full Review Read all reviews
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Prayers for Bobby

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Movie Info

Synopsis In this adaptation of a true story, devout Christian Mary Griffith (Sigourney Weaver) fights to "cure" her gay son, Bobby (Ryan Kelley). Although he tries to please his mother, Bobby cannot change his lifestyle, and his depression leads to suicide. Mary questions her faith and searches for comfort, but after the church is unable to help her cope with Bobby's death, she seeks to understand her opinions on homosexuality for herself. Eventually, Mary becomes an advocate for gay rights.
Director
Russell Mulcahy
Producer
Damian Ganczewski
Screenwriter
Katie Ford
Production Co
Once Upon a Time Films, Sladek / Taaffe Productions, Permut Presentations
Rating
TV-PG
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 21, 2009, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 19, 2017
Runtime
1h 30m
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