Fluentiama
Perfect cast and a good story
Reptileenbu
Did you people see the same film I saw?
Fleur
Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.
Majikat
The shocking true story of a man falsely accused of convicted of rape, having to deal with a crime he did not commit, the prison systems and some pretty hardened criminals. Down to earth, one man's story, to find justice and peace.
sddavis63
It's worth mentioning to start that this is a Christian movie. Now, I'm a Christian - I have no problem with Christian movies. Some I like, some I don't - but Christians have a right to make movies that promote Christian faith and spiritual transformation. But I was a bit taken aback to discover that this was a Christian movie - because there's nothing in its description that would make you think it's a Christian movie. Actually, you have to pretty much wait for the closing credits to discover that one organization that appears to have been highly involved in putting this together was a church (whose name I just can't remember) that appears to be an Australian evangelical church. Which, again, is perfectly fair. I just wish it had been stated outright. The story - based apparently on an actual case - that is described sounds interesting. A young man (played by an Australian actor named Nathan Wilson) is falsely accused and convicted of rape and has to find a way to survive in prison while awaiting his appeal. That actually sounds pretty interesting - and it's not at all a bad movie - but once you get into it you discover that it's much more a movie about Christian conversion than surviving prison (not that the two aren't related in this case.) At times, the religious element comes across as a bit forced and unnatural - and there's a weird scene of what seemed to be a kind of forced baptism of another inmate that somehow magically converts him! (If it were that simple we Christians should just go out on the streets with buckets of water and splash unsuspecting people on the head!) So, while I'm all in favour of Christian movies and evangelism, I was just a bit put off by how it was all handled.The story itself seemed a little bit choppy. It starts very abruptly. We learn that Will (Wilson) is a nurse - a pretty good one apparently - who hooks up with a girl at a bar, has sex with her and then has her accuse him of rape. It apparently had something to do with her wanting to get her boyfriend jealous or something. I didn't think the incident was well portrayed or sufficiently explained. But we do know that Will gets convicted and sent to prison. The prison story to me remained choppy and poorly put together. It gave us a taste of what life must be like inside a prison in Australia (and, presumably, most Western countries) but it was only a taste. Will develops relationships with several prisoners who guide him through the experience. To be honest, although he clearly wanted out, it didn't seem as if he had that hard a time on the inside. There was a good performance (maybe the best in the movie) from Martin Sacks as Jimmy Cove - a tough, veteran inmate who befriends Will. Otherwise, the performances were OK, but not spectacular in my opinion.Most of the movie, basically, is the tension of waiting to find out if Will's appeal is going to be successful and he's going to be released. I have to say that this doesn't present a particularly flattering portrayal of the Australian justice system. If the movie is accurate, the evidence against Will was flimsy at best, there was a lot of reason for reasonable doubt and yet still the Crown also appeals the verdict to get his sentence INCREASED. Which means that, knowing that he's innocent, you feel a lot of sympathy for Will, and you want him to get out. So, for that reason alone, the movie does hold your attention. (5/10)
emma-212-302982
In short... I loved this film! I've seen it numerous times and each time I get something new out of it. It leaves me feeling totally uplifted and moved and reminds me that this could have happened to me, or my brother, or a friend. And the fact that it's based on a true story is very brave of the filmmaker.The acting is believable particularly by the two leads, newcomer Nathan Wilson (Will McIntyre) and veteran legend Martin Sacks, who plays the hardened criminal Jimmy Cove. Wonderful to see Sacks in such a different role to that of PJ from Blue Heelers - I believe people will be totally blown away by his performance, and together, Cove and McIntyre will captivate audiences with their on screen relationship.Given the budget is well below that of other Aussie films (who I believe had industry financial support) I think they have done a great job! And the soundtrack is great too... the right songs in the perfect spot!! I highly recommend this movie to anyone who has had enough of trashy films, and zombies and vampires but wants to see a quality film that really moves you!! I look forward to more movies by Mack Lindon - lifting the bar on Australian film!!
hobbsey123
This movie is extremely touching. I've never left a cinema feeling more rewarded! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND watching RISE to anybody needing to be uplifted. A few laughs, tears and a sense of walking out taller than when you walked in. With a budget this small, I'm blown away that not only was there quality talent but the music choice was perfectly placed to compliment the emotions for each scene. Well done to Nathan Wilson (Will McIntyre) and Martin Sacks (Jimmy Cove) Nathan Wilson - an up and comer set to reach some height in the entertainment industry. Congratulations! On another note, it makes you remember that not everyone who goes to jail is guilty. So often it appears people are 'guilty until proved innocent' rather than the other way round. My hope is that people in all walks of life will be positively impacted by this story. The world needs more uplifting films like RISE and I'm not surprised that this film has ruffled the feathers of people who would prefer to watch films that promote hopelessness, death and zombies.
