The Reason I Jump

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1:51

The Reason I Jump

2021

1h 22m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

97%

Tomatometer

65 Reviews

76%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Based on the best-selling book by Naoki Higashida, THE REASON I JUMP is an immersive cinematic exploration of neuro-diversity through the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from around the world. The film blends Higashida's revelatory insights into autism, written when he was just 13, with intimate portraits of five remarkable young people. It opens a window into an intense and overwhelming, but often joyful, sensory universe.

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Critics Consensus

The Reason I Jump's moving personal perspective succeeds in providing an authentic understanding of its subjects' journeys.

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Paul Byrnes

Sydney Morning Herald

07/28/2022

3/5

If you take it all at face value and as unproblematic, the effect is dreamlike and revelatory. If this is what it really feels like to be autistic, the words seem to open a door of perception. That’s a big “if”.

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Kevin Maher

The Times (UK)

06/21/2021

4/5

Informative, illuminating and quietly moving.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

06/20/2021

5/5

Rothwell uses the language of cinema - macro lens closeups, distortion, off-kilter framing and an evocative blend of sound design and score - to convey the autistic experience of the world.

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Myrthe Leenders

Loud and Clear Reviews

12/14/2024

5/5

The Reason I Jump goes above and beyond in its description of non-verbal autism and shows us what it means to communicate and be seen for who you are.

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Amy Smith

InSession Film

03/08/2023

B+

There needs to be more awareness, and I hope that this documentary becomes the start of a conversation that can develop and mature for several more.

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Cris Kennedy

The Canberra Times (Australia)

08/02/2022

4/5

The Reason I Jump is an immersive portrait of neurodiversity.

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Y. S

@RT83999107 01/27/2023

ABSOLUTE MUST SEE as a human being!

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isla s

@RT89656869 09/02/2022

I thought this was a very immersive documentary that does well at giving an insight into the lives and minds of non verbal autistic adolescents. Its a very colourful film, in terms of the bright colours shown on screen (not referring to strong language, its safe to say). I liked the sense of hope it conveys - we could all do with feeling more hope at the moment. I would definitely recommend this film if your interested in what it's like to be a non verbal autistic person, yes.

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06/09/2022

Beautiful and eye-opening, a must watch!

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10/29/2021

Cinematography was astounding, especially for a documentary. The sound design makes beautiful connections between pictures and unexpected sounds, making it a sensory experience, especially in dolby atmos. the story seemed to be a bit cliché at times, showing mostly the easy and good things. it still was very touching and emotional and i really felt connected with the 5 characters. it seemed as if they tried to not overwhelm the viewer with sound and pictures, even though they were saying that the world can be quite very overwhelming to people with autism. i feel like i have a better understanding of autism with a less prejudiced view after seeing the movie.

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dave d

@RT34924333 07/27/2021

A fantastic film for hubby and wife date night, the documentary, 'The Reason I Jump'. Hubby loved the film. It's another in the growing line of fantastic and illuminating docs on autism. It's wonderful and will open your heart to some ideas. It's remarkable when you think about it what these formally unable to communicate people can now do! It's filmed in a way that is colorful and happy. We need more uplifting movies and this is wonderful. Wife: It's fine, I didn't like it as much because I already knew so much about this topic. It's a fine film and very educational. Hubby: 9.8/Wife: 7 Average: 8.4/10

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andy h

@RT38218989 05/23/2021

Through sensory alterations, the audience will get an introspective, poignant look into the embodiment of different autistic people across the globe.

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Jerry Rothwell

Director

Naoki Higashida

Writer

Jeremy Dear

Producer

Stevie Lee

Producer

Al Morrow

Producer

Jody Allen

Executive Producer

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The Reason I Jump: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Based on the best-selling book by Naoki Higashida, THE REASON I JUMP is an immersive cinematic exploration of neuro-diversity through the experiences of nonspeaking autistic people from around the world. The film blends Higashida's revelatory insights into autism, written when he was just 13, with intimate portraits of five remarkable young people. It opens a window into an intense and overwhelming, but often joyful, sensory universe.

Director: Jerry Rothwell
Producer: Jeremy Dear, Stevie Lee, Al Morrow
Screenwriter: Naoki Higashida
Distributor: Kino Lorber
Production Co: The Ideas Room, MetFilm Production, Vulcan Productions, Runaway Fridge, British Film Institute, BFI Film Fund
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 8, 2021, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): May 9, 2021
Runtime: 1h 22m

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