Surviving

• Director: Waris Hussein
• AMG Rating:
• Genre: Drama
• Movie Type: Psychological Drama, Family Drama
• Themes: Death of a Child, Families in Crisis, Suicide
• Main Cast: Ellen Burstyn, Len Cariou, Zach Galligan, Marsha Mason
• Release Year: 1985
• Country: US
• Run Time: 150 minutes

Plot

Originally telecast in a three-hour network slot, Surviving is virtually two films in one. In the first 90 minutes, we see the identity crises and outside pressures that propel a "normal" teenaged boy (Zach Galligan) and a "disturbed" teenaged girl (Mollie Ringwald) into committing suicide together. The second portion of Surviving explores the emotional residue left behind by the youngsters' deadly pact. Specifically spotlighted are Zach's parents (Len Cariou and Ellen Burstyn), who feel that Molly goaded their boy into killing himself; and Molly's parents (Paul Sorvino, Marsha Mason) who are consumed with guilt over not catching on to the warning signs of their daughter's despair. Though the acting is overly ripe at times, Surviving never loses dramatic focus throughout its 150 minutes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Cast

Ellen Burstyn - Tina Brogan; Len Cariou - David Brogan; Zach Galligan - Rick Brogan; Marsha Mason - Lois; Heather O'Rourke - Sarah Brogan; River Phoenix - Philip Brogan; Molly Ringwald - Lonnie; Paul Sorvino; William Windom

Credit

Waris Hussein - Director, John F. Burnett - Editor, Kurt Bullinger - Editor, Leslie Dennis - Editor, Frank Konigsberg - Executive Producer, Larry Sanitsky - Executive Producer, James Horner - Composer (Music Score), Dan Navarro - Songwriter, Roy Stannard - Production Designer, Alexander Gruszynski - Cinematographer, Hunt Lowry - Producer, Joyce Eliason - Teleplay By

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