Customer Reviews

Rising Place [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A RISING PLACE is a fine film, one that explores many aspects of adolescent America. By 'adolescent' I refer to the age of innocence in the 1940s when life in America moved slowly, emotions were tested by racism, the Pearl Harbor bombing alert and subsequent World War II, single motherhood, death of friends/loved ones, among other challenges. Director and screenwriter Rice has capably re-created the languid misty afternoons in Mississippi rural towns, finding actors who appear so natural in their roles that the film feels more like a memory that a story.

Through a series of flashbacks from the present to 1940 we are introduced to a beautiful young woman who falls in love with a pilot, becomes pregnant, is ostracized by the community for her indiscretion and finds solace in the strong friendship with a bright, knowledgeable African American woman unafraid of the racist slurs and 'enter through the back door' milieu of this town. The two girls align with another young male 'rebel' who is searching for his own identity in this stew pot of life. Slowly we discover that the story is that of one Aunt Millie who is failing and whose life comes floating to the surface to her niece as Millie approaches death. The background includes redneck white extremists, hatred of anything foreign (e.g. the Japanese invasion, whites mixing with blacks, unwed motherhood) and it is against this background that the three main characters search for and find the meaning of friendship, forgiveness, and equality.

Yes, stories such as this are familiar, but rarely has a director found a cast so strong, visuals so hauntingly beautiful, and a composer so in tune with the message of the movie. The members of the cast - all superb - include many well known actors as well as introducing some new faces whose presence is indelibly fine. Singling them out would be inappropriate in an ensemble effort as excellent as this.

The DVD includes an alternate ending and deleted scenes. View these, as it seems that the deleted scenes should have been included, so very fine are these moments. This is a beautifully touching film that deserves a wide audience. Perhaps that will come with the welcome release of this DVD.

Tom Rice and (the author of the original book) have captured a period, a place and a feeling that will take you back in time. A seemingly simpler place with the amazingly similar concerns of today. The relationship of two women portrays what is missing in all of us, and those too willing to judge our shortcomings.
With an amazing cast and wonderful period piece settings, the only thing lacking in this film was greater box office success. This movie shows that passion can more than offset a limited budget, with a resultingly wondrful postcard from the past.

I enjoyed this movie and particularly enjoyed that I could watch it with an elderly person without being embarassed.
Although the movie was good it could have been better. In watching the deleted scenes I think if those had been added we would have had a better picture of the father, played by Gary Cole. His part was largely cut out.
Music is good, too.
Watching the alternate ending, I feel the best ending was selected.

The rising place took us by surprise with its all star cast. David Armstrong's story drawns on his Misssissippi roots and touches the heart cords of friendship and love. Tom Rice and his cast capture the reality of southern existence and its way of life in the 40's. Each of us in our life experience the same emotions and uncontrolled situations, even though its a different era. We are thankful for the story, the Director and the all star cast.

One of the best movies I've seen in a long, long time. Very moving and beautifully filmed. Excellent. A must get and see.

If you liked "Fried Green Tomatoes" and "To Kill a Mockingbird," you will love "The Rising Place." In addition to its compelling story and beautiful cinematography, this character driven movie really showcases the talents of supporting actresses such as Frances Fisher (Titanic) and S. Epatha Merkerson (Law & Order). The soundtrack is also excellent, and this debut film by Director Tom Rice may some day be a collector's edition.

I loved watching "The Rising Place". It is very well-done, with great casting and scenery. I especially loved the music. I even bought the CD of the soundtrack! I look forward to seeing more from this director!

I bought this film as a fan of Billy Campbell's and was prepared for the 2nd rate kind of film that he unfortunately lands parts in! This film was different though. Very much of it's genre but well written and acted. A rather sweet, sad and poignant film and the hanky will be needed by some. If you are in the mood for some Easy Watching then I'd recommend this film.

I saw this movie at our film festival and it was superb. Everything from the directing, production, acting, and videography was simply awesome. It sold out about every night. We were fortunate to meet the director and some cast members and really look forward to seeing more productions by Tom Rice.

Yes, I love the Rising Place. I grew up with Tom Rice and he has always been talented. I am so excited over this movie and all that he will do in the future.