Mackenzie Click It's hard to fully develop this type of movie in around 1hr 30mins run time but this movie does a decent enough job. You can see the evolution of an abusive relationship and see how it can be easy to misjudge what's in front of you. The one thing I would have wished took a bit longer was her to get out of the relationship. While some can get out quickly for most it takes time. I have no doubt that actually reading aloud signs of an abusive relationship can trigger a light bulb but it seems unrealistic that this was just so easy for the girl to say "yup we're done (when she meant it for real) and here's the reason why you're an abuser". I think the movie does shed some light on the issue though. The girl had her family to watch over her in the sense that they were aware of when her phone was going off, could tell she was distant with her friends, but was still accountable for her well-being. An adult on the other hand would not necessarily have this making the abusive relationship that much more dangerous.

BreannaBaker While I usually don't like many movies with violence, this is one of the few exceptions. This movie would be great for any teenager to watch. Honestly, I wish I had seen it when I was younger.... before I had my first experience with relationships. "Reviving Ophelia" teaches a great lesson, and could help bring awareness to protect the lives and well-being of those in abusive relationships. When I hear the words "abusive relationship", I think more of adults in their 30's-40's with kids. It was heart-wrenching to be reminded that this also happens to teens. I remember seeing abuse in many forms as a child, and I was always the quiet one. I hope this movie helps to inspire others to stand up for themselves more, and to speak up when they feel that something isn't right.

alex wolfman Elizabeth (Rebecca Williams) is a typical teenager who's found what's seems to be a great guy in her boyfriend Mark (Nick Thurston). The relationship starts to turn sour once Mark starts to be abusive and controlling. Reviving Ophelia is Lifetime movie trying to convey the dark sides and dangers of relationships.I am all for a film trying to show how important to be safe in relationships even if it's only a television film. I think it is important to expose this important issue and in the most serious manner which maybe could even save a life and the Lifetime channel would seem to be the perfect place for a TV film like this. The Lifetime channel seems to have a wide audience and they have made many films.So why then is Reviving Opehia so cheesy when it's dealing with a such touchy and important subject?Even though she is a victim of assault, Elizabeth is hard character to root for because she can get away from her abuser Mark and she is clearly something of a button-pusher. You obviously can't like Mark either because he is a guy beating up a woman and not taking responsibility for his actions. Keil (Carleigh Beverly) Elizabeth cousin, is the character in the middle who's supposed be trying to help Elizabeth get away from Mark but the two unlikable characters are in the way of her character realizing her full potential. Even Jane Kaczmarek as mother Marie Jones, previously known for good stuff like Malcolm in the Middle and Part of Five, falls short and her acting here is far from where it usually is. The cast does have some chemistry though everything is toned down due to this being a TV film. The plot really has only one subject and it really has little substance.Reviving Ophelia is so full of problems that it's main message that "that abuse is bad" gets very lost in the middle of it. After that, it is a bit laughable and you keep watching because you have nothing else to do. We watched this in my high school Relationships class as we spent a whole unit learning about abusive relationships. Frankly, just about whole class laughed at this movie and my buddy next to me cracked some sex jokes and commented about all the attractive actresses that appear in this film. It did make this bad TV film seem more bearable.

Rob Riches This is one excellent movie. The characters have been stretched from real life people towards easily recognizable stereotypes that create an emotional tension which invites audience participation (what would you do?) and which heightens the issues and of teenage infatuation, 'love' as ownership, being overly agreeable as an unworkable position, and the traps that girls fall into by caring too much (among others).The writers were women, so the characterization of the female characters was outstanding, but they clearly don't understand the emotional conflicts experienced by males (who does, actually?), so the male acting was unpotentiated which, if it had been with more emotional beef would have made this a first class movie.