Rotten Tomatoes

Movies / TV

    Celebrity

      No Results Found

       View All       Movies Tv shows Shop News Showtimes

      Surviving

      1985 2h 30m Drama List
      Reviews 95% 100+ Ratings Audience Score Lonnie (Molly Ringwald) and Rick (Zach Galligan) seem to be complete opposites, at first glance. A survivor of suicide, Lonnie is introverted and ill at ease around her parents, Lois (Marsha Mason) and Harvey (Paul Sorvino). Rick, meanwhile, is sunny and charismatic. But appearances can be deceiving, as their families learn when the teens begin a romance. Upset about Lonnie's influence on Rick, his parents forbid the pair to see each other -- with tragic consequences. Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

      View All (7) audience reviews
      Mike P This is an extremely under-rated tv movie: one that has very moving moments and excellent performances. First, let's talk about the cast: Molly Ringwald, Zack Galligan, River Phoenix, Heather O'Rourke, Marsha Mason, Ellen Burnstyn, Paul Sorvino and Len Cariou. Great Balls of Fire-what a cast!! And the amazing thing about this movie is that Molly Ringwald steals the movie from everyone else! Yes, Molly Ringwald out-acts Marsha Mason, Ellen Burnstyn and even River Phoenix! See for yourself! The most devastating part might be the opening credits which are underscored by powerful, poignant piano playing; and then we have a montage of pictures of Molly and Zach growing up; smiling at the camera knowingly; wistfully dreaming; playing with their friends; and again, although this is supposedly characters Lonnie and Rick; the fact that we're actually seeing Molly and Zach in such powerful moments of their real lives only makes this opening scene more intense; laying the foundation for the story we're about to see. Molly will devastate you with her powerful performance. The suicide scene itself; one of the few suicide pacts captured on film, involving kids, packs a whallop. It's not a perfect movie, but by the end you'll definitely be moved and saddened; and even a little inspired. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 11/06/22 Full Review andy h With a star studded cast and a superb narrative strategy, surviving supersedes what other made for TV movies wish what they could be. Also, RIP to heather o'rourke, river Phoenix, and James Horner. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member This film is truly amazing, acted beautifully. Extremely sad but a good insight to see why these tragedies happen. Used to own this on VHS but would like to get a cd copy Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member Sobering look at teen suicide. Extremely well done. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Audience Member I just cried and cried, touching Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Audience Member This is a well made beautifully acted but extremely sad and sobering examination of the effect of a rash act and its aftermath on two families. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/27/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

      Cast & Crew

      Show Less Cast & Crew Show More Cast & Crew

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Lonnie (Molly Ringwald) and Rick (Zach Galligan) seem to be complete opposites, at first glance. A survivor of suicide, Lonnie is introverted and ill at ease around her parents, Lois (Marsha Mason) and Harvey (Paul Sorvino). Rick, meanwhile, is sunny and charismatic. But appearances can be deceiving, as their families learn when the teens begin a romance. Upset about Lonnie's influence on Rick, his parents forbid the pair to see each other -- with tragic consequences.
      Director
      Waris Hussein
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Runtime
      2h 30m