Breaking Through (1996) (TV)

User Rating:

6.6/10   

Director:

Fred Gerber

Writer (WGA):

Vivienne Radkoff (written by)

Release Date:

30 December 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Laura is a 20 year old deaf girl who has never been taught sign language. She is rescued from neglect and physical abuse by Pam, a social worker. Pam teaches her how to communicate and uncovers Laura's true personality.

Plot Keywords:

Social Worker | Sign Language | Deaf | Teenager

Cast

JoBeth Williams	...	Pam Willis (as Jobeth Williams)
Kellie Martin	...	Laura Keyes
Alan Rosenberg	...	Ned Burkett
Aaron Kubey	...	Doug
Thomas Kopache	...	Ray Keyes
Billy Jayne	...	Mike
Donna Bullock	...	Amy
Jennifer Delora	...	Sister Anne
Sal Lopez	...	John Sanchez
S. Epatha Merkerson	...	Barbara
John Apicella	...	Pool Hall Manager
Mark Arnott	...	Joe, Amy's Husband
Kathy Buckley	...	Principal
Erika Lynn Dickson	...	Margie
Maggie Fleming	...	Paula

Also Known As:

After the Silence (UK)
Breaking Free (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English | American Sign Language

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Australia:M

Company:

Grossbart Barnett Productions

Touching

I've seen this kind of movie before, but there was a focus, an intensity in this one that made me watch it all the way through. You do get some dreadful gaping holes in some TV movies (and I usually switch off when I just can't stand the illogic any more) but this was OK; good acting from the main character (the mute illiterate), plausible emotions from the main carer who is putting her job on the line, and from the support cast, including the abusive parents. An hour and a half you'd be challenged to assemble a decent sandwich in.