This TV movie about a quadriplegic who overcomes great obstacles to go on to college could be easily dismissed as just another cripple-of-the-week filler, even though it is based on a real person and true events. Two things keep that from happening: the extraordinary performance of Lacy Chabert as the quadriplegic, and the story's straightforward presentation, sometimes painful in its telling but never stooping to the saccharine (all credit is due here to the director, the late Chris Reeve, himself a quadriplegic). You would have to be made of stone not to feel tugged and ultimately uplifted by this story. A very young actress at the time this was made, Chabert is simply amazing as the protagonist and your heart will break for her as she struggles with an active, genius-level brain trapped in a ruined body. What a movie. It should be shown to every high school student. Hell, it should be shown to every family.
23 Reviews
beautiful and sad
eddymac9926 October 2004
Besides his obvious qualities as a human being, Christopher Reeve was an artist.
He didn't cash in on his Superman status by choosing the pretty-boy cash-attractive roles that were unendingly open to him after his flight in tights as the Man of Steel. Instead, he chose various, divergent parts, in movies that, though not always successful, were, almost without exception, striving for something of meaning.
His final artistic effort, Brooke Ellison, is a classy coda to a career of serious artistic searching and a life of unquestioned transcendancy.
How sad that someone like Christopher Reeve must leave while others unworthy ride around on the freeway screaming with bulging eyes and flashing the finger at every inefficient lane change.
He would have smiled at the injustice.
He didn't cash in on his Superman status by choosing the pretty-boy cash-attractive roles that were unendingly open to him after his flight in tights as the Man of Steel. Instead, he chose various, divergent parts, in movies that, though not always successful, were, almost without exception, striving for something of meaning.
His final artistic effort, Brooke Ellison, is a classy coda to a career of serious artistic searching and a life of unquestioned transcendancy.
How sad that someone like Christopher Reeve must leave while others unworthy ride around on the freeway screaming with bulging eyes and flashing the finger at every inefficient lane change.
He would have smiled at the injustice.
Genuine
TBJCSKCNRRQTreviews18 April 2009
I did not know anything about Brooke Ellison before my viewing of this, so I can't talk about how accurate it is. I have not read the book, either. With a subject like this, it can easily degenerate into a manipulative mess, so jam-packed with high-concentrate corn that you might need to have it surgically removed afterwards. This manages to steer clear of that, at least almost completely. Whether it be constant vigilance or some other cause, they produced a movie that is honestly an inspiring tale(crap, now I sound cheesy). The plot is well-written, and develops nicely. The acting is all quite good, and Chabert definitely delivers a solid performance. I can imagine that Reeves connected to this story on a deep and personal level, which could help explain why it's so well-directed. This wasn't as bleak as it could be, and ends up practically being a feel-good flick. I also found this to have somewhat less drama than, well, than what one might expect from the, you know, genre(as well as what it deals with). But hey, if this was closer to how it happened, and they didn't feel the need to add more, then they did exactly what they should. I recommend this to anyone who wants a well-done film about being a quadriplegic, that isn't dark and that anyone, of nearly any age, can watch. 7/10
I was left speechless. . .
caramelbabez5326 October 2004
This movie was too amazing to be down-sized by a couple of words. When I heard about this movie, I was very anxious to see it. I watched Brooke Ellison on Larry King a few days later, and I thought she was such an amazing person. The cast of this movie was outstanding. I forgot that I was watching a movie, I felt like it was the real thing. Christopher Reeve shone as a director, and no one will question his talent or work, the movie speaks for itself. I think this was just amazing and incredible. In the movie, Brooke Ellison's mother, Jean, told Brooke, "You can either contribute to this world or be paralyzed. The choice is yours." Brooke Ellison decided to contribute to this world, despite her disabilities, and I am sure she has inspired many people with spinal-cord injuries to make something of themselves. Brooke Ellison even inspires those of us without injuries to be the best we can be and Brooke's Story teaches us that we can't be paralyzed by the small things in life. We must keep going and enduring the pain while we continue on life's journey. Because, tragedy or triumph, pain or sadness, life is going to continue. Brooke Ellison is the type of person who proves how strong women are. The story also does a wonderful job of proving how strong a family can be. Brooke's accident could have easily torn her family apart, but they stayed together and grew closer than ever. With unconditional love and support from her family, and the undeniable love her mother, Brooke Ellison was able to go to Harvard and graduate summa cum laude from Harvard University, a huge challenge for anyone, disability or not. I wish Brooke Ellison the best of luck and I recommend that everyone watch The Brooke Ellison Story. *Christopher Reeve will be missed but he accomplished life's purpose, he spent live working to have something that would outlast it.*
Touching
Kathlina25 October 2004
This was a very interesting TV movie/documentary about an eleven year old quadriplegic who beat outstanding odds with the help of her mother. The acting was so touching. My personal favorite part was a scene between the mother and the older daughter. They were on the telephone with each other and the words and tears were so realistic that I forgot I was just watching a movie. The two girls who played Brooke Ellison (younger Brooke and present Brooke) both did an amazing job. This movie made me so proud of the young girl with such and indomitable spirit. Life dealt her a bad hand but she didn't let her condition get the best of her. This movie was a great final tribute of Christopher Reeves.
A terrific film about an amazing family
michael-beckerman21 October 2004
Made by someone else, this could have been melodramatic and false. Chris
Reeve unflinchingly shows what life is like for someone with a spinal cord injury. Though the story is one of astonishing hope and triumph, all through it has
darker details that animate the story, and keep it from being an simple
glorification. The acting is at all times believable, and often deeply moving; the camera work is sure and effective; the locations are perfectly presented, and the whole tone is honest and respectful.
This is one of the best films of the year!
Reeve unflinchingly shows what life is like for someone with a spinal cord injury. Though the story is one of astonishing hope and triumph, all through it has
darker details that animate the story, and keep it from being an simple
glorification. The acting is at all times believable, and often deeply moving; the camera work is sure and effective; the locations are perfectly presented, and the whole tone is honest and respectful.
This is one of the best films of the year!
The Brooke Ellison Story
random_avenger11 October 2010
Christopher Reeve (1952-2004) was an actor best known for his starring roles in the Superman movies and the tragic horse riding accident in 1995 that left him quadriplegic for the rest of his life. Besides acting, he also did some directing, notably The Brooke Ellison Story, a TV movie based on the life of a real person of the same name.
The story begins at around 1990 when the Ellisons, a suburban family of five, receive sad news about their young daughter Brooke (Vanessa Marano as a kid; Lacey Chabert as a young adult): she has been severely injured after being hit by a car. It soon becomes clear that she will remain paralyzed from neck down and need a breathing apparatus for the rest of her life. The resilient Brooke is not someone to give up easily though and insists on continuing her schoolwork, eventually graduating from high school and entering a prestigious college, all the while being assisted by her loving mother Jean (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) and supported by her father Ed (John Slattery), as well as her siblings Kysten and Reed (played by Jenson Goins and Devon Gearhart as kids; Lauren Barrett and Ryan Hudson as young adults).
As can be guessed, a lot of crying and sentimental music is to be expected, like in any inspirational story of this type. It is easy to imagine this having been a very personal project for Reeve who died before the film was aired, but unfortunately it doesn't try to provide anything very impressive or to expand the boundaries of the "inspirational biopic" genre. Brooke herself is portrayed as so perfect and eager to keep living that it is difficult to see any real tragedy about her; it is well known that human flaws are what make people and fictional characters fascinating, but sadly Brooke seems to have very few of them. Likewise, the other most interesting aspects of the story are barely hinted at: the frustration of Brooke and her self-sacrificing mother, the stress on the parents' marriage, the budding depression of the big sister Kysten... There would have been potential for decent drama, but perhaps the insistence to make Brooke's story a positive example prevented the writers from handling the darker details in a worthwhile way.
The overflowing positivity and inspirational message are probably best suited for viewers who are parents themselves and thus extra-sensitive to tragedies involving children. Anyone looking for decent dramatic writing is most likely going to be disappointed, but I guess this type of movies have their own devoted audience as well. The Brooke Ellison Story doesn't bring anything unexpected to the table, but if that is a good thing to you, you may well end up liking it.
The story begins at around 1990 when the Ellisons, a suburban family of five, receive sad news about their young daughter Brooke (Vanessa Marano as a kid; Lacey Chabert as a young adult): she has been severely injured after being hit by a car. It soon becomes clear that she will remain paralyzed from neck down and need a breathing apparatus for the rest of her life. The resilient Brooke is not someone to give up easily though and insists on continuing her schoolwork, eventually graduating from high school and entering a prestigious college, all the while being assisted by her loving mother Jean (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) and supported by her father Ed (John Slattery), as well as her siblings Kysten and Reed (played by Jenson Goins and Devon Gearhart as kids; Lauren Barrett and Ryan Hudson as young adults).
As can be guessed, a lot of crying and sentimental music is to be expected, like in any inspirational story of this type. It is easy to imagine this having been a very personal project for Reeve who died before the film was aired, but unfortunately it doesn't try to provide anything very impressive or to expand the boundaries of the "inspirational biopic" genre. Brooke herself is portrayed as so perfect and eager to keep living that it is difficult to see any real tragedy about her; it is well known that human flaws are what make people and fictional characters fascinating, but sadly Brooke seems to have very few of them. Likewise, the other most interesting aspects of the story are barely hinted at: the frustration of Brooke and her self-sacrificing mother, the stress on the parents' marriage, the budding depression of the big sister Kysten... There would have been potential for decent drama, but perhaps the insistence to make Brooke's story a positive example prevented the writers from handling the darker details in a worthwhile way.
The overflowing positivity and inspirational message are probably best suited for viewers who are parents themselves and thus extra-sensitive to tragedies involving children. Anyone looking for decent dramatic writing is most likely going to be disappointed, but I guess this type of movies have their own devoted audience as well. The Brooke Ellison Story doesn't bring anything unexpected to the table, but if that is a good thing to you, you may well end up liking it.
Spoiler a little. Life is harder than mine sometimes...
animallover848525 October 2004
Warning: Spoilers
This has spoilers. I first heard about it on the radio. I decided to watch it. I learned that it can be had sometimes. Her mother has to do everything for her. But she was really smart also. She probably missed so much school and she still graduated from Harvard. She was paralyzed neck down and she had so much support from her family. When I was born, I had been born with one leg shorter than the other. I can still walk, and do things like anyone else, except I walk with a limp. I get teased a lot from it. I did not see anybody teasing her about it. She was very open to telling people her reason for being in a wheel chair. I thought that it was very nice of her to be in the open and not be afraid. I still sometimes do not have the nerve to say anything. She was a very smart girl that had so much dedication and she did not let this get to her. She was not prepared for this to happen, and it changed her life forever. She led an amazing life after the accident and look where it has taken her. Awesome movie.
Inspiring
annonymous7325 October 2004
I just caught this on A & E. The dedication is to Christopher Reeve, who directed it, so it makes me think it is the premiere of the movie but I don't know (I thought it had aired earlier this year).
The story is about Brooke Ellison, who was struck by a car at a very young age. Her family helped nurse her back to health and to get through the rest of school as well as university, her mother attended all classes with her and helped her physically. According to the movie, Brooke used a voice-activated computer system for her work and she controlled her chair by a retainer in her mouth.
It is amazing what she and her family went through to get her through school. As it turns out, she was/is very bright, thus getting accepted to Harvard.
A great story. If you have no disabilities, it shows how lucky some people are not to have them; but at the same time, some who do have them do not let it slow them down and are probably more determined to get on with a meaningful life.
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is always lovely to watch and Lacey Chabert, as Brooke, is wonderful. Highly recommend it!
The story is about Brooke Ellison, who was struck by a car at a very young age. Her family helped nurse her back to health and to get through the rest of school as well as university, her mother attended all classes with her and helped her physically. According to the movie, Brooke used a voice-activated computer system for her work and she controlled her chair by a retainer in her mouth.
It is amazing what she and her family went through to get her through school. As it turns out, she was/is very bright, thus getting accepted to Harvard.
A great story. If you have no disabilities, it shows how lucky some people are not to have them; but at the same time, some who do have them do not let it slow them down and are probably more determined to get on with a meaningful life.
Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio is always lovely to watch and Lacey Chabert, as Brooke, is wonderful. Highly recommend it!
a touching movie that hit home
redbare6529 October 2004
This story hit home with me because I had an uncle that was paralyzed and i would help my grandmother take care of him. Know one knows what it is like to know someone that is paralyzed and what they go through until you have been their or you know someone that is paralyzed. It really hit home with me, because now I have a bad back and it could paralyze me if I have the surgery, so I won't have it done. But every time the Brooke Ellison movie is on I watch it no matter what time it is on. Because if she can do all that she has done and accomplished then I can do the same thing. The song that is sung in the movie I would like to know where you can find it and what the name of the song is and who sings it, it is a beautiful song I would love to have that song because when I would feel down I could listen to that song and it would build me back up and make me thank of the movie and make me thank of life more and make me thank of my 2 wonderful boys i have. Thank You Brooke for the courage that you have gave me and many others. Thank You again and God Bless.
AWESOME
Elvis624025 October 2004
This was an excellent story!!! Anyone that missed it should watch for it to be aired again. Truly inspiring and heart-wrenching/warming story all at the same time! Excellent directing by the late Christopher Reeve...God Rest His Soul! Lacey C. did a magnificent job as Brooke! I hate to admit I hadn't heard Brooke's story until tonight. It's truly remarkable! I recommend this TV Movie to anyone. It's one you won't want to pass up watching and you'll be glad you watched it at the end! I am 21, and think teenagers and adults alike would all be inspired by this movie. Brooke's courage to overcome the great odds set before her is amazing. Without giving away details, just keep in mind it's excellent!!
Defeat Was Not Part of their Vocabulary **** Brooke Ellison Story
edwagreen11 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Outstanding film describing how a family came together to sacrifice for their middle daughter who sustained paralysis from a neck injury.
While it is true that the older daughter suffered depression from this ordeal, this is a story of definite perseverance and great fortitude upon the outstanding parents in making sure that their daughter was able to attain her full objective.
It showed you the rehabilitation center that the child was in and how they wanted the parents to accept the girl's fate. It glossed over the bureaucracy of Medicaid, but again perseverance prevailed.
How many mothers would do what the girl's mother did for her? We see community coming together to assist the stricken family.
Finally, we see our paralyzed girl attain love only to find disappointment. Yet, the motivation was there to go on.
An excellent, inspiring film.
While it is true that the older daughter suffered depression from this ordeal, this is a story of definite perseverance and great fortitude upon the outstanding parents in making sure that their daughter was able to attain her full objective.
It showed you the rehabilitation center that the child was in and how they wanted the parents to accept the girl's fate. It glossed over the bureaucracy of Medicaid, but again perseverance prevailed.
How many mothers would do what the girl's mother did for her? We see community coming together to assist the stricken family.
Finally, we see our paralyzed girl attain love only to find disappointment. Yet, the motivation was there to go on.
An excellent, inspiring film.
Extraordinary!
OLYWRITER26 October 2004
Imagine the world if we all demonstrated the kind of dignity, bravery, and integrity that Christopher Reeve showed us. The entire film was a testament to his creative brilliance as a film maker and his personal commitment to give voice to people who live with (not 'suffer from') spinal cord injury. "Contribute to the world or be paralyzed. It's your choice." What a legacy he left for all of us.
Just one thing to add to all the comments: It was not only Brooke's mother who sacrificed and stood by her daughter to help her achieve success: Her father also demonstrated the kind of unwaivering strength and unselfishness we rarely see today. His contributions were every bit as important as his wife's. Mostly, though, it was Brooke's own spirit, determination and, well, GUTS that propelled this story. Cheers to a beautifully executed project and a lasting gift to the world.
Just one thing to add to all the comments: It was not only Brooke's mother who sacrificed and stood by her daughter to help her achieve success: Her father also demonstrated the kind of unwaivering strength and unselfishness we rarely see today. His contributions were every bit as important as his wife's. Mostly, though, it was Brooke's own spirit, determination and, well, GUTS that propelled this story. Cheers to a beautifully executed project and a lasting gift to the world.
Christopher Reeve Best Director
ggoins122314 January 2005
My daughter, Jenson, played young Kysten in "The Brooke Ellison Story". She has the greatest admiration for Christoper Reeve, his family and the Ellison family as I do. They are wonderful people full of love. Jenson certainly had the best experience of her life. My family was so grateful for the opportunity Christopher Reeve and the producers gave Jenson. She made some good friends and every single person on the set was so kind and helpful. I wish everyone we came in contact with a bright and prosperous future. I loved the movie and still can not watch it without crying. I hope Christopher Reeve is nominated for everything he can be for this movie and wins the award. I also thought Mary Elizabeth who played Jean Ellison deserves nominations for her performance.
a beautiful and inspiring film
neel-mehta4 July 2005
The movie is based on the book "Miracles Happen: One Mother, One Daughter, One Journey," by Brooke Ellison and her mother, Jean Ellison. A moving film which is inspiring and ennobling.
The film is about the Ellisons, an average American family which takes extraordinary steps to overcome their daughters disability, without knowing their actions would one day be worthy of film material. Very respectful and honest story telling.
The movies shows you that every person has a choice - they can either blame their circumstances and wallow in mediocrity or have a positive attitude and contribute to society.
Christopher Reeve does an excellent job at directing this movie and so does the rest of the acting staff. Both Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio playing the mother and up and coming John Slattery playing the father were a true delight to watch.
This movie is a must!
The film is about the Ellisons, an average American family which takes extraordinary steps to overcome their daughters disability, without knowing their actions would one day be worthy of film material. Very respectful and honest story telling.
The movies shows you that every person has a choice - they can either blame their circumstances and wallow in mediocrity or have a positive attitude and contribute to society.
Christopher Reeve does an excellent job at directing this movie and so does the rest of the acting staff. Both Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio playing the mother and up and coming John Slattery playing the father were a true delight to watch.
This movie is a must!
Inspirational and Moving
ibewolfett11 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
While I agree that Brooke's determination got her where she is today,her mother is phenomenal. God Blessed this young woman with an outstanding mother. While we all like to think would do it for our kids when you think about Jean Ellison's life it is extremely hard. She must get up at 4:00 AM every morning just to have Brooke ready to get out the door by 8:00 Am. She dresses, feeds and watches over her daughter all day everyday. With all the reality TV out there (really crappy TV at that, they should show what the life of Jean Ellison is like, instead of some bleached blond mobsters daughter. This is a woman who does not contribute to society at large, has no control over her very spoiled,rotten kids,gives them everything they want without lifting a finger,and the main reason she even had a show, was because her father was a mobster. How perverted is society? Jean Ellison and her husband and two other children (as well as the grandmother who contributed, while Jean stayed at school are worth hearing about. I am sure this woman has a special place in God's Kingdom. May he continue to bless her and her remarkable family.
A Very Moving Experience
Campbellmnc25 October 2004
I just got finished watching the Brooke Ellison Story and I have been so touched at the courage that she has. At every obstacle that she faced, she conquered. I just wish that everyone would have the ambition and courage to do so much more.
It also showed how much parents will give up to make sure that their children are happy. Her whole family is full of support for Brooke.
I very good movie, directed by a terrific man, who will be greatly missed by many. Lacey played an excellent part, really made you feel what Brooke felt. I hope that everyone will watch this movie and learn something.
It also showed how much parents will give up to make sure that their children are happy. Her whole family is full of support for Brooke.
I very good movie, directed by a terrific man, who will be greatly missed by many. Lacey played an excellent part, really made you feel what Brooke felt. I hope that everyone will watch this movie and learn something.
I adore this movie
Tokuni8 June 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I absolutely loved this movie! By seeing this movie I thought Brooke was a very talented young lady, I mean, to go to school after what she'd been through was a tough thing to do. So much effort and special attention at the beginning. It was a tad bit depressing when she found out Jan was getting engaged, that was just wrong in my opinion. In the end she accomplished something and that was very terrific! This movie has changed my opinion so much about what could and couldn't happen in my life. I must say that Brooke was a very determined child, she didn't seem to think she was any different from other kids that weren't in her position. That's a very good thing, though. All I can say is that this has been one of the best movies I have seen in a while, I give it a 10!
A brilliantly done film about disabilities
afijamesy2k19 May 2023
This film is just magnificent from beginning to end, the cast deliver great performances throughout, it's a story about a girl who was hit by a car becomes quadriplegic and on a ventilator for life and focuses on the acceptance and the challenges of life as a c1 quadriplegic girl then grows up as a college student and many more, i thought the teleplay was wonderfully done, the writing was crisp and the editing was sharp, it's a shame that the tv movie didn't win any emmy's and was not nominated for it, because this tv movie ranks right up there with the burning bed, roots and other films as an all time classic, thiss movie was directed by the late christopher reeve who starred in the superman movies (the 4th we most likely to forget) is brilliant as well, this is a well made tv movie and it really got me involved.
Lacey's Performance!
racerboy77725 October 2004
I thought the movie was very good, so good that i taped it! From the very beginning i was interested to see, how a quadriplegic person lives their life. I must say that they are very brave, and full of..cant think of the words right now but they are good! The story was good, don't know what to say except that the movie was beyond my expectations! From the accident scene, to her family's reaction, it was all so real. I really think that they chose the right person to do the role of the protagonist. Christopher Reeve's attempt at directing this move was in my opinion a HUGE success! THis movie will remain as one of my favorites for quite some time! Lacey's performance was great, and she was the reason i wanted to watch the movie! She is great!
Josh
Josh
Brooke Ellison Story
libbys-605756 September 2016
I have which the movie and I was upset about Brooke. I would which the movie over and over again. I will say to my Friends about this movie. The movie was so good that I want to get the DVD out it is that good of movie. I will Rate this movie 10 out of 10 it was that good.I was which the movie all morning and I was at school when I was which the movie. I would which the movie when I am in bed at home and I will say to my mum ,dad, my sister and my Friends too. I got a relay under standing of this movie and I will keep on which it. I can not say much more I am blowhen a way about this movie I loved the movie so much I do not no what to say. I loved it so MUCH
Very Good
kmcampbell728 May 2006
This movie was very inspirational. I really like how it showed how the siblings had a hard time adjusting to the family sacrifice for Brooke. I would have liked a little more insight into the struggles the parents went through. That much distance between a husband and wife would have been tough on every aspect of a relationship emotionally, physically, and mentally. I know the story was about the mother and daughter but more of the parents would have been good. Oh the real Brooke Ellison is running for senate in NY State!!! I would vote for her, politics needs more people like her involved. Reeve was a very good director he said he wanted to do a comedy next. It's unfortunate that he never got the chance.
Very moving
bornthequeen4 November 2004
I was very moved by this movie. This movie did show us that Brooke Ellison is an inspiration, but for me Jean Ellison is as much of an inspiration as her daughter, if not more of one. Should I have children, I pray that I can even be half the mother to my children that Jean Ellison is to her children.
Jean Ellison has truly raised the bar on mothering. What's more, is that Brooke appears to see this, and she seems to truly appreciate being blessed with such a wonderful mother.
Lacy portrayed Brooke wonderfully. I am a little peeved that Vanessa (the young Brooke) has not been getting the accolades she deserves. She was amazing!! Such a young person being able to act so well that you can't conceive she's acting and not actually the character she's portraying is simply mind-blowing. I felt the exact same way about Lacy during her years on "Party of Five." The casting director is a genius to have picked Vanessa and Lacy to co-portray Brooke!!
Jean Ellison has truly raised the bar on mothering. What's more, is that Brooke appears to see this, and she seems to truly appreciate being blessed with such a wonderful mother.
Lacy portrayed Brooke wonderfully. I am a little peeved that Vanessa (the young Brooke) has not been getting the accolades she deserves. She was amazing!! Such a young person being able to act so well that you can't conceive she's acting and not actually the character she's portraying is simply mind-blowing. I felt the exact same way about Lacy during her years on "Party of Five." The casting director is a genius to have picked Vanessa and Lacy to co-portray Brooke!!
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