20 reviews
- theinnergeek
- Aug 19, 2007
- Permalink
- SusieSalmonLikeTheFish
- Aug 20, 2014
- Permalink
I really enjoyed this movie a lot. Mel Harris was brilliant and Dwight Schulz well known for his role on Star Trek The Next Generation as insecure Barclay and even more well known for his role with Mr T and co really shows another side to his abilities in this film. He is an amazing actor who shines in any role and is particularly good in these kind of drama movies i have found. In all an Excellent TV movie and just the thing if you enjoy a good drama. Not an Hollywood blockbuster by any stretch of the imagination but its not supposed to be. If your thinking of buying this movie I would definitely suggest watching it first via a rental store or catching it when its on television. Highley recommended for all those lovers of TV drama movies with a real life feel. I would definitely watch it again if it came on TV.
This MFTV movie is based on a true story of Beth (Cat) and her brother John (Eric), whose mother died when Beth was one year old. They were adopted by a religious couple when Beth was 19 months old and John was an infant. The story of the abuse and neglect suffered at the hands of her birth father after the mother died and before they were adopted is mostly true, but the story was produced for television so keep that in mind.
For those interested, read the true story of Beth's experience in the book entitled "Dandelion on My Pillow, Butcher Knife Beneath It" by Nancy Thomas. Beth herself is quoted in the book and helps to tell her own true story. It is not solely a book about Beth, but contains other even more fascinating stories of real children who lived on Nancy's therapeutic ranch in Colorado.
These kids killed and/or tortured animals, murdered someone in their own family, and one was even a serial rapist.
Having read the book, I found and just re-viewed for the first time since it was aired on HBO a video of the special, "Child of Rage: A Story of Abuse" done by Ken Magid. The film, although brilliant, was misleading, according to Nancy and Beth. By the time filming took place, Beth had lived with Nancy for some time and had substantially healed from "baby Beth's" ordeal and was well on her way to recovery. Her interview was a testament to the progress she had already made, and she was simply reciting factually the past events when Dr. Magid explored the incidents with her. Her behavior by then had permanently improved and she was neither violent in any way nor displayed any kind of behavioral problem.
Nancy and her husband were under the impression that they would keep Beth as their own, but the religious adoptive parents had other plans for Beth. Under the guise of a visit to their home on the east coast, the adoptive couple instead put Beth with an Aunt for a while and then turned Beth over to a program created especially for Beth and others like her when the facility was completed. Both Nancy's family and Beth were devastated. Later, the adoptive parents legally abandoned her altogether; however, the setback didn't revert Beth to violence and, in fact, the facility said they had never witnessed any kind of malevolent behavior out of Beth since she was put there.
By the time Nancy and her husband found out where Beth was, they immediately discovered that Beth had been abandoned and rapidly moved to adopt her.
At the writing of Nancy's book, Beth was a college student and said that Beth is a beautiful, happy and completely recovered woman. Thankfully we have people like Nancy out there.
For those interested, read the true story of Beth's experience in the book entitled "Dandelion on My Pillow, Butcher Knife Beneath It" by Nancy Thomas. Beth herself is quoted in the book and helps to tell her own true story. It is not solely a book about Beth, but contains other even more fascinating stories of real children who lived on Nancy's therapeutic ranch in Colorado.
These kids killed and/or tortured animals, murdered someone in their own family, and one was even a serial rapist.
Having read the book, I found and just re-viewed for the first time since it was aired on HBO a video of the special, "Child of Rage: A Story of Abuse" done by Ken Magid. The film, although brilliant, was misleading, according to Nancy and Beth. By the time filming took place, Beth had lived with Nancy for some time and had substantially healed from "baby Beth's" ordeal and was well on her way to recovery. Her interview was a testament to the progress she had already made, and she was simply reciting factually the past events when Dr. Magid explored the incidents with her. Her behavior by then had permanently improved and she was neither violent in any way nor displayed any kind of behavioral problem.
Nancy and her husband were under the impression that they would keep Beth as their own, but the religious adoptive parents had other plans for Beth. Under the guise of a visit to their home on the east coast, the adoptive couple instead put Beth with an Aunt for a while and then turned Beth over to a program created especially for Beth and others like her when the facility was completed. Both Nancy's family and Beth were devastated. Later, the adoptive parents legally abandoned her altogether; however, the setback didn't revert Beth to violence and, in fact, the facility said they had never witnessed any kind of malevolent behavior out of Beth since she was put there.
By the time Nancy and her husband found out where Beth was, they immediately discovered that Beth had been abandoned and rapidly moved to adopt her.
At the writing of Nancy's book, Beth was a college student and said that Beth is a beautiful, happy and completely recovered woman. Thankfully we have people like Nancy out there.
This movie starts out interesting, then devolves into psycho-babble. The Christian preacher never prays or picks up a Bible. Instead, he turns to Freudian psychology (a pseudo-religion that financially bankrupts all those who involve themselves in it). Don't waste your time watching this.
- FloridaFred
- Aug 20, 2018
- Permalink
Ashley Peldon is frighteningly real as "Cat" a child who grew up abused and molested, who is then adopted by Mel Harris and Dwight Schultz. Despite their love and attention, the child gets worse (the scene where she abuses the family dog is rather chilling).
Harris learns that the child had a less than ideal upbringing; again this brings up the nature/nurture debate. Harris finally encounters a therapist (Mariette Hartley) who theorizes that the rage must be tapped into, to find the source of the child's pain.
What is interesting and valuable about this Lifetime movie is that it addresses a particular pathology, how the parents attempt to deal with it, and how the health care and/or social work system cannot or will not.
Mariette Hartley, whose father committed suicide (in real life) is very credible as the therapist, discussing rage and denial issues. With problems such as this, it seems society has only begun to skim the surface. 8/10.
Harris learns that the child had a less than ideal upbringing; again this brings up the nature/nurture debate. Harris finally encounters a therapist (Mariette Hartley) who theorizes that the rage must be tapped into, to find the source of the child's pain.
What is interesting and valuable about this Lifetime movie is that it addresses a particular pathology, how the parents attempt to deal with it, and how the health care and/or social work system cannot or will not.
Mariette Hartley, whose father committed suicide (in real life) is very credible as the therapist, discussing rage and denial issues. With problems such as this, it seems society has only begun to skim the surface. 8/10.
- MarieGabrielle
- Aug 29, 2006
- Permalink
This movie, this EPIC drama is the absolute essence of harsh reality child abuse captured on film. However, thankfully, the audience is not subjected to visual monstrosities, instead to the brutal repercussions, horrible effects on the child's mind. Movies like this one, which was written and produced with "eyes wide open" if you get my meaning, are of course under-appreciated and naturally unpopular because it is extremely emotionally intense. This film deals directly with and delivers the raw, pure evil that can so easily be created and begotten simply by other evil-- what and who children become of being brutally abused, alienated, neglected. I've seen this film twice within five years and both times cried during several parts and bawled after the end... for I can only and completely feel the outrage and true crime of what psychosis does to children, hence deep sadness of the reality of what people are and do. So, obviously, FAINTHEARTED & EMOTIONAL -BEWARE. One important thing though! This movie is not a complete depressant and downer. It teaches the lesson of hope and the power of love as Catherine and her brother are luckily sent to live and grow up with a caring, loving Christian family who doesn't give up on them when Cat's rage emerges with a passion and helps her deal with and heal her severely disturbed mind. That part of the story was mostly unrealistic, but beneficial and justified. It gave us what we wanted to see-- a basically good ending. All in all? This movie is awesome in the serious issues department. Thorough, informative, heart-wrenching, fairly realistic, profound and IMPORTANT. The main cast did a great job, *especially* and foremost Ashley Peldon (Cat). It will either frustrate, anger and sadden you and/or inspire you to help kids & be part of the solution, not the problem. This film deserves an award. Thank you. (Yes, I'm *finally* DONE! wHeW) =+)
A loving couple adopts two children, both who are seemingly sweet but just a little bit odd. The younger boy, Eric, seems quiet, withdrawn and just sort of walks around in a daze all've the time. The older girl, Catherine or "Cat", seems nice and helpful, but every now and then she has these...mood swings. Nobody can explain them, but suddenly Cat is constantly tearing apart the house, beating her brother, sticking the dog with needles, threatening to kill her parents, and on and on. Her mother and father are desperate to find somebody who can explain this "rage" that comes upon Cat. Finally, they somewhat succeed by confronting her mother (why she wasn't with her kids or in jail though is beyond me)and by seeking a psychiatrist. Nevertheless, Cat's rage "rages" on and causes the family much struggle. Interesting, if you like to see little kids run around and scream. It's nice how they happened to choose a name that perfectly rhymed with "brat."
This movie was by far one of the best movies aired on the Lifetime Movie Channel. It does a great job depicting the effects of child abuse and sexual trauma on young children. This movie will leave you at the edge of your seat hugging your pillow wondering what will become of little "Cat". I love the way little "Cat" is portrayed throughout the movie as the innocent child with a dark secret. The end is very inspirational as to the efforts of psychologists and their aid in helping children dealing with PTSD. Anyone who has been abused as a child will understand the hidden meaning behind this movie and understand what little "Cat" had to go through. Watch this movie with an open mind and understand the reasons behind "Cat's" mood swings and tell me if you still think she is a "brat". I don't think so.
An abominable, disgusting, unimaginable story, poor little girl, it's just not worse because we know she won in life, and became a successful professional, but I can't measure the pain he felt, all the suffering that was inflicted on him and that later he transmitted it to those who loved her ... sad story, beautiful film...
- RosanaBotafogo
- May 22, 2020
- Permalink
- alliesmom97
- Jul 18, 2003
- Permalink
I would consider this an actual, real horror movie. Everything here is amazing. There isn't a single time i got bored during the movie. I can safely tell you that i wasn't bored during this entire movie.
What makes this whole movie so terrifying is the fact that it's based on actual events. We are actually watching something that did occur. In the start, you will kinda hate Kat, but then as the movie progresses you will just feel devestated, and just embrace the fact what she went through and how it truly affected her whole life...
My eyes did burn during this, and i barely managed not to watch without tears. I do not recall a movie moving me this much, since Triangle and Grave of the Fireflies, and both of those movies are just as devestating as this movie is.
This is what horror is. This is what suffering is i loved every second of this movie. This is extremely underrated movie that deserves to be watched and put in the same boat as similar movies such as Lilya-4Ever, Your Name Was Justine, Mysterious Skin, Celebration and a few others that very maturely deal with such devestatig disgusting cases...
What makes this whole movie so terrifying is the fact that it's based on actual events. We are actually watching something that did occur. In the start, you will kinda hate Kat, but then as the movie progresses you will just feel devestated, and just embrace the fact what she went through and how it truly affected her whole life...
My eyes did burn during this, and i barely managed not to watch without tears. I do not recall a movie moving me this much, since Triangle and Grave of the Fireflies, and both of those movies are just as devestating as this movie is.
This is what horror is. This is what suffering is i loved every second of this movie. This is extremely underrated movie that deserves to be watched and put in the same boat as similar movies such as Lilya-4Ever, Your Name Was Justine, Mysterious Skin, Celebration and a few others that very maturely deal with such devestatig disgusting cases...
- DarkSpotOn
- Dec 13, 2023
- Permalink
Our children are like our most precious natural resource. We live in a society that is so hardened and callous in so many ways, but crimes against children is still something that hits us right in the gut and sickens our soul as a people and as a nation. Child Of Rage may be one of the hardest films to watch, but you need to watch it. It is hard-hitting and realistic and based on a true story. People have often spoken about how Hollywood is so cynical about religion of any kind. They usually portray "church people" as corrupt crazy or both. I like that fact that in this tv film, a minister and his wife who adopt these two children are portrayed as the most wonderful people. They are good and kind and loving and nothing is presented that would suggest otherwise. Mel Harris is a fine actress who never has gotten just credit. She is wonderful as this loving woman who tries to reach this tortured little girl who has been thru hell. People who only know Dwight Shultz for his role as that crazy pilot on that stupid and ridiculous tv show "The A-Team" would really be shocked if they could see his wonderful and sensitive performance as a true man of God in this film. The best scene for him is in the end when he gives a sermon about children in pain and talks of his own ordeal. It is a truly moving speech indeed. It would take someone utterly without a heart not to be moved by it. There are so many other real-life Catherines in this world who are abused and tortured and hurt and this film makes you realize that. I had never heard of the little actress who plays Catherine in this film, but she is incredible. you feel so bad for her, but it is also chilling how cruel she is when she attacks her little brother and tries to stab her parents, when she stabs the family dog, throws fits, attacks a classmate and fondles her poor grandfather. You just want to look away watching this but cannot. Mariette Hartley is a wonderful actress and gives a great performance as an understanding psychiatrist. The scenes in this film that are hardest to watch are when they use the "holding" technique with the little girl. Where they hold her and make her explode in rage. It is sort of like watching The Exorcist the way she acts. This is a first-rate tv film with fine performances all around. It may not be a pleasant story to watch, but it is one that needs to be told. I felt so bad for little Catherine and I wondered how she turned out in the end if she was ever able to live a normal life. The little actress who played her made her seem so real to me that it haunted me long after the final credits. I guess that is the greatest compliment you could pay an actor. They need to make this film available on video or DVD.
Okay, so this review comes several years after the movie aired, but after reading the other comments, I had to say something. First off, it seems only Mr. Puskar knows the story behind this movie. Yes, it was based on a true story. It originally aired as an HBO documentary back in 1989. It interviewed the real Catherine (Cat), and the foster parents. To Marcella, who said it was "fairly realistic", well I hope so, since it actually happened! But then when true stories are "Hollywoodized"... And for Melissa, who apparently didn't pay much attention to the movie, they didn't "choose a name that rhymed with brat", Cat was the girl's real name (obviously short for Catherine). Didn't the movie, at one point, state that it was based on a true story? I seem to remember that. Anyway, the original HBO presentation was just incredible, it left a lasting impression on me. Although, the movie didn't come close to the documentary, it was still pretty good.
- keithwhitacre
- Jan 27, 2002
- Permalink
The hammy acting, the artistic license taken with the story, the goody-two shoes couple who are so full of Christian love, they won't give up on their demonic brat, Cat. The almost-murders (accompanied by "tension" music), the cheesy strip club (with one of the background strippers decked out in a grandma bikini) and the ummm...oh yes, the kids who scream a lot. This film is tedious.
The good son and child of rage are the same movie, only this is the good daughter, but this girl was abused by a drunken tyrant of a father. Maybe they should tell us what little Cathrine grew up to be. If everyone were like her, all the jails would be full. I want information on how that girl's doing, since this was a true story and all. YES, it is a chick flick, so what? Lifetime is a women's network. I hope her sessions worked out OK, and I hope her brother isn't afraid of her anymore. Unlike the good son, her mom doesn't drop her off a cliff. Child of rage is boring, but parents really need to see it and get help for their raging kids.
Interesting: based on a true story....it was like "The Bad Seed" but with logical explanation given for the Child's behavior. Kind of left you hanging at the end". I give it two stars.