This movie is about a child suffering from the aftermath of sexual abuse. It's very graphic and disturbing, but it's an accurate depiction of what some children go through when they are sexually abused. For anyone who is in the mental health field or who works with children who have been sexually abused, I would recommend this movie to learn more about child sexual abuse. This movie provides an extreme case, however most of it is fairly accurate depictions of the flashbacks, sensory triggers, and other symptoms that occur when a child has been sexually abused. I don't recommend this movie for entertainment because it's very disturbing, but it's a great educational tool.
20 Reviews
Disturbing and Shocking....
SusieSalmonLikeTheFish21 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
There are tons of slasher films out there like the Paperboy (1994), Mikey (1992), the Bad Seed (1956) and the Good Son (1993), movies featuring supposedly sweet and charming children who kill and do sneaky and sadistic acts... but a true story? Child of Rage introduces us to Rob (a priest) and Jill )his wife). They are unable to conceive and decide to adopt Eric and Cathrine, two young children from the foster care system. When they arrive they both seem sweet and friendly, but in the night Cathrine kills all the baby birds in a next in the tree by the house that Eric had loved. She then proceeds to beat up her brother, stab the family dog with a sewing needle, hiding a large kitchen knife inside her stuffed teddy bear and nearly cutting out a fellow student's eye in class.
Wondering what is wrong with her, Jill seeks out Cathrine's parents with the help of Doris, the social worker. Doris breaks down and tells the story of the parents... the mother is dead, the father was an alcoholic. Doris found the two children abandoned at home in near-dead conditions. They also find an older sister, Stephanie, an exotic dancer and teen prostitute who informs Jill that the father was also a pedophile, repeatedly raping her and molesting Cathrine as a baby. He passed out drunk and Stephanie had to pull him off of her. With the help of an advanced doctor who deals with "kids who kill", Jill and Rob try to help Cathrine overcome the abuse and rage.
When Cathrine stabbed the dog, I thought it was very cruel and sadistic and that she was a brat, but she was doing all these horrible things as it turned out to deal with the abuse she suffered. This is a very disturbing movie, especially since it's a true story. The acting was exceptional, especially from Ashley Peldon, who played the childhood role of Cathrine. The only issues with it was that Cathrine was having memories of getting raped as a baby; people rarely, if ever, remember things from when they were a baby, it's near-impossible. But that one factual inconsistency could be overlooked. Also I understand the adoptive dad was a priest, but bringing the Christian-babble into the movie was unnecessary and irrelevant to the plot. I'm not against Christianity but I'm not religious and see no reason why it was in this movie.
That being said, it's a very thought-provoking movie with some good acting and soundtrack, doing its best to show a true story. The real Cathrine is grown up now, she was a real child. Strangely enough this movie was filmed in Canada. It's totally worth watching, a very inspirational and shocking story.
Wondering what is wrong with her, Jill seeks out Cathrine's parents with the help of Doris, the social worker. Doris breaks down and tells the story of the parents... the mother is dead, the father was an alcoholic. Doris found the two children abandoned at home in near-dead conditions. They also find an older sister, Stephanie, an exotic dancer and teen prostitute who informs Jill that the father was also a pedophile, repeatedly raping her and molesting Cathrine as a baby. He passed out drunk and Stephanie had to pull him off of her. With the help of an advanced doctor who deals with "kids who kill", Jill and Rob try to help Cathrine overcome the abuse and rage.
When Cathrine stabbed the dog, I thought it was very cruel and sadistic and that she was a brat, but she was doing all these horrible things as it turned out to deal with the abuse she suffered. This is a very disturbing movie, especially since it's a true story. The acting was exceptional, especially from Ashley Peldon, who played the childhood role of Cathrine. The only issues with it was that Cathrine was having memories of getting raped as a baby; people rarely, if ever, remember things from when they were a baby, it's near-impossible. But that one factual inconsistency could be overlooked. Also I understand the adoptive dad was a priest, but bringing the Christian-babble into the movie was unnecessary and irrelevant to the plot. I'm not against Christianity but I'm not religious and see no reason why it was in this movie.
That being said, it's a very thought-provoking movie with some good acting and soundtrack, doing its best to show a true story. The real Cathrine is grown up now, she was a real child. Strangely enough this movie was filmed in Canada. It's totally worth watching, a very inspirational and shocking story.
Good drama
jayne-1627 November 2005
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.
An abused toddler becomes a predator as she grows up
raroberts18 November 2004
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.
The Funniest LifeTime Movie I Ever Saw
hendrixy626 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is far and beyond one of the most melodramatic pile of steaming cow intestines that I have ever seen. All Life Time movies are melodramatic , over acted, badly directed, and star at least one badly washed up actor. In the old days washed up actors went to do bad television movies to die. Today they go to reality television. Personally, melodramatic crap like this is far superior to reality television. The movie is fairly simple. Two white-bread Christians adopt two children. One is good and one is bad. It is blatantly obvious to anyone with any foresight that this child has been sexually abused. The only thing you don't know is how they are going to tell you this. They do it with two stuffed animals and some of the sickest and funniest puppet work ever. Also, these rotten adoptive parents use a ridiculous liberal P.C. psychotherapy to unleash her rage so she can find her love. During one of these brilliantly overacted scenes, the little bitch Goddess child repeats " I hate you, you old ugly bitch!" She also has some other fine insults to spew out at her eventual saviors. If that isn't enough how about quality violence? Still not convinced to waste two hours of your life? Well, how about a tear jerking ending with such lines as "Tears for baby cat?" "Yes, dear." "Don't cry mommy." If you still are not convinced to watch this take into consideration; Murdoch from the A-Team plays the Preacher Christian Adoptive father with a heart of gold and a will power as strong as tempered steel. Not to mention crap loads of money for a preacher. He must be good at swindling parishioners . This apparently really happened. That sucks. Child abuse is only kind of funny. Like in this movie for instance. They meant well. But, Christ did they miss the mark and hit my funny bone.
Helps Understand Psychological Disorders
marushia29 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Barely a spoiler. Just telling the diagnosis of the child in the movie.
Obviously not a cinematic masterpiece, but would great for people trying to understand "problem children" even though this is an extreme case of attachment disorder. Great for parents to learn about the importance of attachment, security, bonding, etc. for babies. This would also be a great movie for psychology students or families dealing with adoption, foster care, and children who act out. If you know someone who can relate to the child or parents in the movie this mat give them a clue as to what kinds of treatment or discussions to seek with psychiatrists and psychologists.
I'm not trying to equate children with other less severe attachment disorders with the girl seen in the movie, but if parents realize that the child may have been sexually abused, or maybe a parent was sick or died when he/she was young, the child felt abandoned when a new sibling was born (beyond normal reactions), or if the child was in a hospital or separated from the parents as a newborn, toddler, or in early childhood you may want to study possible causes of attachment disorder and common signs to see if any of it sounds familiar. I don't mean the child or person is violent, but a child, teenager, or adult child refuses to be responsible for their actions or taking care of themselves (he may often ask/manipulate others for money, without any concern for how it impacts those he is asking/taking it from) or is violent or very manipulative and tries to force the parent to do what they want using anger or inducing guilt (everyone else's parents buy them a car/pay for college and you didn't so you owe me) or using childhood traumas as excuses for their behavior because they know the parent feels guilty about it. An example would be a grown child saying "I didn't have a Dad so I never learned what I'm supposed to do." If this was really the case he probably wouldn't use it for personal gain or would figure out other ways to learn the skills they need. When your child says you "owe" them because there wasn't much money when they were growing up, or is constantly obsessed with what others have or attention they get, my feeling is that there is some component of attachment disorder there. I am not a doctor so just use this to look into it yourself, but this movie really illustrated very clearly that what happens to us from 0-6 yrs old especially can really cause major issues later in life. If you're thinking of fostering or adopting you may want to watch this and study the topic so you can get them treatment quickly and make sure you're seeing the right doctors who won't be manipulated by these children who are often very good at knowing what to say when to avoid anyone knowing their true nature. This movie simplifies the treatment and recovery, but it's a start for understanding!
Obviously not a cinematic masterpiece, but would great for people trying to understand "problem children" even though this is an extreme case of attachment disorder. Great for parents to learn about the importance of attachment, security, bonding, etc. for babies. This would also be a great movie for psychology students or families dealing with adoption, foster care, and children who act out. If you know someone who can relate to the child or parents in the movie this mat give them a clue as to what kinds of treatment or discussions to seek with psychiatrists and psychologists.
I'm not trying to equate children with other less severe attachment disorders with the girl seen in the movie, but if parents realize that the child may have been sexually abused, or maybe a parent was sick or died when he/she was young, the child felt abandoned when a new sibling was born (beyond normal reactions), or if the child was in a hospital or separated from the parents as a newborn, toddler, or in early childhood you may want to study possible causes of attachment disorder and common signs to see if any of it sounds familiar. I don't mean the child or person is violent, but a child, teenager, or adult child refuses to be responsible for their actions or taking care of themselves (he may often ask/manipulate others for money, without any concern for how it impacts those he is asking/taking it from) or is violent or very manipulative and tries to force the parent to do what they want using anger or inducing guilt (everyone else's parents buy them a car/pay for college and you didn't so you owe me) or using childhood traumas as excuses for their behavior because they know the parent feels guilty about it. An example would be a grown child saying "I didn't have a Dad so I never learned what I'm supposed to do." If this was really the case he probably wouldn't use it for personal gain or would figure out other ways to learn the skills they need. When your child says you "owe" them because there wasn't much money when they were growing up, or is constantly obsessed with what others have or attention they get, my feeling is that there is some component of attachment disorder there. I am not a doctor so just use this to look into it yourself, but this movie really illustrated very clearly that what happens to us from 0-6 yrs old especially can really cause major issues later in life. If you're thinking of fostering or adopting you may want to watch this and study the topic so you can get them treatment quickly and make sure you're seeing the right doctors who won't be manipulated by these children who are often very good at knowing what to say when to avoid anyone knowing their true nature. This movie simplifies the treatment and recovery, but it's a start for understanding!
What do you do if a child is diagnosed as homicidal?
MarieGabrielle30 August 2006
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.
The Christian faith is not the answer. Psychology is the answer.
FloridaFred21 August 2018
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.
Realistic and Indeed Important to View
kosbabce17 August 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I won't repeat the good comments that summarized and characterized this movie so well. I think those who wrote "spoilers" were really more disturbed by the content of the movie. If I remember correctly, "viewer discretion" was advised just before airing. Yes, the movie is very emotionally intense, but depicting the reality of severely abused children with RAD is not rosy or uplifting. If it were Hollywoodized in order to make it friendly to viewers like those who wrote such comments (e.g., spoilers), then it would not be real and would do a terrible injustice to all of the children who have had similar experiences and those who work with them. Anything less than this movie would be outright total blasphemy of these children's experiences. Having worked with children who have been prostituted out by their parents for drug money, experienced severe abuse, neglect, multiple foster placements, psychiatric hospitalizations, and do things like set fires, stab teachers, beat peers, attempt suicide (as early or even earlier than age 7), I can say that not only should all graduate students in clinical disciplines (PhD, PsyD, MFT, MSW) watch this movie, but so should anyone who works with children in any setting (teachers, day care providers, summer camp staff, social services, etc.), and anyone who wants to say they have a clue about what happens in this world. Compassion is unrest at the suffering of others resulting in motivation to intervene to reduce and/or eliminate that suffering. Children do not engage in these behaviors without severe experiences that are unthinkable for 99.9% of the population (until you work with them). It doesn't take a child psychologist to see that (even though I am one).
It was a movie of the week (what else can I say?)
Goon-28 February 1999
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."
A great representation
jenny_t16 November 2004
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.
Understanding here requires true caring
Quirkess19 March 1999
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) =+)
Sad story, beautiful film...
RosanaBotafogo23 May 2020
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...
The most awful part was that it was true...
alliesmom9719 July 2003
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILER ALERT
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I can't say I enjoyed this movie--it was far to disturbing to be enjoyable. But it was an excellent movie. Based on a true story, it tells of a minister and his wife who adopt a young brother and sister. It quickly becomes apparent that the little girl has some serious problems--she is cruel to animals, attacks a classmate, and becomes increasingly violent toward her brother. With the help of the social worker who arranged the adoption, and by talking to the children's much older sibling (it was their sister, not their mother, as another reviewer stated) the parents learn about the horrific abuse that Cat (the little girl) suffered at the hands of their father, and seek out help so that she can learn to relate to, trust and love other people.
Fortunately we do not witness any actual abuse--Cat's flashbacks are filmed in a distorted manner and stop short of showing any specifics. Visuals are not necessary as we are left with no doubt what is going on.
The ending leaves us with hope that this poor child was able to have some sort of normal life. I wish I could find out what had happened to her.
***********************************************************************
I can't say I enjoyed this movie--it was far to disturbing to be enjoyable. But it was an excellent movie. Based on a true story, it tells of a minister and his wife who adopt a young brother and sister. It quickly becomes apparent that the little girl has some serious problems--she is cruel to animals, attacks a classmate, and becomes increasingly violent toward her brother. With the help of the social worker who arranged the adoption, and by talking to the children's much older sibling (it was their sister, not their mother, as another reviewer stated) the parents learn about the horrific abuse that Cat (the little girl) suffered at the hands of their father, and seek out help so that she can learn to relate to, trust and love other people.
Fortunately we do not witness any actual abuse--Cat's flashbacks are filmed in a distorted manner and stop short of showing any specifics. Visuals are not necessary as we are left with no doubt what is going on.
The ending leaves us with hope that this poor child was able to have some sort of normal life. I wish I could find out what had happened to her.
Must watch.
DarkSpotOn14 December 2023
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...
An important film but hard to watch
dtucker8612 September 2003
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.
Based on a true story...
keithwhitacre28 January 2002
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.
Typical LIFETIME Crap
fugu_28628 July 2002
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.
There are real cases like that....in fact that's a true story about a girl with no apathy....kind of like that movie the good son.
Trishagan12 July 2004
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.
"The Bad Seed" with psychological accompaniment
moocher19 March 1999
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