Saint Ralph

2005 "He's hoping for a miracle. He doesn't have a prayer."
7.3| 1h35m| PG-13| en| More Info
Released: 05 August 2005 Released
Producted By: Alliance Atlantis
Country: Canada
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
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Synopsis

This Canadian made comedy/drama, set in Hamilton, Ontario in 1954, is a sweet and - at times - goofy story that becomes increasingly poignant as the minutes tick by. It's the fictional tale of a wayward 9th grader, Ralph (Adam Butcher), who is secretly living on his own while his widowed, hospitalized mother remains immersed in a coma. Frequently in trouble with Father Fitzpatrick (Gordon Pinsent), the principal of his all-boys, Catholic school, Ralph is considered something of a joke among peers until he decides to pull off a miracle that could save his mother, i.e., winning the Boston Marathon. Coached by a younger priest and former runner, Father Hibbert (Campbell Scott), whose cynicism has been lifted by the boy's pure hope, Ralph applies himself to his unlikely mission, fending off naysayers and getting help along a very challenging path from sundry allies and friends.

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Reviews

alexandershekhtman I read many reviews on this movie, however, I could not find one that speaks about life lessons. One life lesson is sometimes certain people are just dismissed and/or waived off as though they are not important or will never amount to anything. The principal of Ralph's school seemed way too strict to the point of crushing the soul of anyone who exhibited individuality or a passion for succeeding at something. Another life lesson is that sometimes one has to place his own existence and well-being on the line for another. One of the teachers went against the principal's "command" not to be involved with Ralph's "dreams" and "miracle searching." Another life lesson is you never know what a person is really like on the inside until you talk with them about their hopes, dreams, passions, etc. Ralph seemed like the typical trouble maker, but deep down inside all he ever wanted was for his mom to get out of her coma and eventually out of the hospital. If Ralph existed in real life, and I was a teen, I would welcome him as a close friend, who I could trust with my deepest thoughts. As a final comment, if you look at the birth date of Butcher, it would make him 16 during the filming of Saint Ralph. He looks very young for 16, but I still prefer the age of the character to be the same age in real life.
jotix100 Ralph Walker, the young man at the center of this story, gets more than his share of bad situations at a tender age. Ralph, who has lost his father, sees his own mother struck by a serious illness and watches her go into a coma. Ralph's spirit is never broken and never questions his bad luck the way some other teen would. Ralph is never given to despair, or emotional outbursts when he can't do much to help the situations he is thrown into. Ultimately, Ralph is a real winner, not only because he decides to do something about his life, but because he is an optimist at heart who will never be defeated.Michael McGowan, the Canadian creator of this enormously appealing film has gathered the right elements to make us go with him in this fantastic voyage that shows us the positive side of life. Mr. McGowan was lucky in getting Adam Kutcher to portray Ralph Walker. This young actor shows us he is a natural who under the guidance of the director, gives a tremendous performance and steals our hearts in the process."Saint Ralph" is one of the best things that have come out of Canada in recent years. Campbell Scott gives a good performance as Father Hibbert, the man who guides Ralph in the right direction. The excellent Gordon Pinsent, makes the perfect head master Father Fitzpatrick, a man who is never in touch with the young people he is supposed to lead and help shape their minds into being good citizens. Jennifer Tilly, Tamara Hope, Shauna MacDonald, and Michael Kaney, are also seen in key minor roles.The film is highly recommended because it gives the viewer a positive take on life. Michael McGowan must be congratulated in giving us a movie that will be hard to forget because it feels real from beginning to end.
ninoguapo I really liked "Saint Ralph ". It is great movie full with inspiration. Ralph is a fourteen years old teenager who chooses to chase his own miracle – winning the Boston's marathon. He believes that since people say that such achievement will be a miracle – his mother will wake up from the coma. It is a drama movie and as such there are quite a few scenes which can evoke emotions in its viewers.The movie starts with a fun scene in which Ralph is having something to confess – what – well he is a teen and have teen " sins " . I like the attitude of Ralph – the way he handles girls for example, or accusations …etc. He is a cute kid as well – and probably one of the reasons for me liking this movie is that I somehow relate to him.After all I have been in the Cross Country Team while studding in the States and when I was his age I took part in many running competitions. You should have seen me watching this movie, as another reviewer (samurai2347) wrote "I was cheering Ralph on as much as the other characters in the film were." The soundtrack was really good – and the music contributed to the overall good impression that the movie leaves. Looking at the storyline – I find similarities with Billy Elliot, trough of course this movie has its own uniqueness.
dlowery This is simply a beautiful movie of a 14 year old boy, dealing with some huge life problems. It centers around his love for his mother, and for the Catholics in the audience, a nostalgic trip back to problem resolution in the 50's Catholic church.This picture is a gem for those who want to feel good about life after watching it. The casting is wonderful, and photography tops. The screenplay perfectly captures and illuminates the many complexities of growing up. My wife and I have watched it twice, and cried each time. Simply a wonderful movie.