User reviews

Ordinary woman, recently paralyzed in a car accident that left her husband dead, drives with her father through the California desert and meets a wily, warm old coot running a service station; he introduces her to his two-headed snake and then, without provocation, touches the top of her head affectionately. Soon thereafter, she finds she can heal the ailing--including herself--which frightens her distant father as well as the new man in her love-life. Occasionally overwrought or slow, "Resurrection" has a solid screenplay to fall back on, and a terrific actress in the leading role. Ellen Burstyn, feisty, flawed and fed up, creates a three-dimensional character here who often makes bad choices but never loses our respect. Fighting with her father for the last time, she tells him, "I am sick...to...death...of trying to get you to love me." Fine supporting performances by Eva Le Gallienne, Richard Farnsworth and Lois Smith, but Sam Shepherd isn't well cast as the new love-interest (he's supposed to be a sexy bad boy, but instead he just seems villainous, in a perpetual foul mood). The movie lays on the hick-charm a bit heavily (our heroine is Edna Mae, her grandmother is Grandma Pearl), but it has a great deal of heart and some very moving, sensitive moments. *** from ****

Edna (Ellen Burstyn) experiences the afterlife after a deadly car crash that killed her husband. She's paralysed and returns to her family in rural Kansas. There she finds she has an ability to heal and other supernatural powers. She's lauded for her healing powers. She's hounded by Cal (Sam Shepard) and she falls for him. Cal's father is a firebrand who accuses her the work of the devil. Edna's father calls her trash and whore, and kicks her out. But the biggest blow may come from Cal.

Ellen Burstyn is the master of her craft. She embraces this character without any limitations. I wish she had one guy in her life who isn't batcrap crazy. Her character is more compelling than the story. The story meanders as she deals with one crazy outburst after another. The religious tone is interesting but maybe upsetting to some. More balance with a lead character who isn't crazy would help.

A woman suffers a nearly fatal automobile accident and loses her husband. In her recovery, she discovers miraculous healing powers. "Resurrection" does not directly address the scientific or the spiritual explanations of faith healing. Rather, it focuses on the healing properties of love.

While there is much to say about the powerful message of "Resurrection," this review will focus primarily on the acting. The entire cast effortlessly and perfectly portray their characters even in the smaller roles. Ellen Burstyn, Sam Shepard, Richard Farnsworth, Roberts Blossom, and Eva Le Gallienne evoke especially memorable performances that ring true emotionally with many layers of raw feeling exposed.

Twenty-five years have passed since the release of "Resurrection." It is especially instructive to compare this film with movies in the twenty-first century that are action-intensive with sound tracks that overwhelm both the drama and the spoken word. In "Resurrection," it is refreshing to hear every word and syllable articulated so clearly by the performers. Eva Le Gallienne, a luminary of the American theatre, is a revelation in her small role, with beautiful, crisp speech along with powerful emotional nuances.

The healing scenes in the film were sensitively portrayed. Director Daniel Petrie and screenwriter Lewis John Carlino deserve kudos for this work. However, their contributions would not be realized without the incandescent performance of Ellen Burstyn. Again, it was her sensitive vocal characterization that was so effective in the powerful moments of healing. Her character Edna Mae was able to reach out to people and to make deep personal connections primary through her vocal inflections and her powerful aura of love.

When this film first appeared on the big screen in 1980, it did not receive much acclaim. And through the years, it has been difficult even to locate a copy on video. But "Resurrection" is a minor masterpiece and in its message of love, it is a film for the ages.

This movie has been a favorite of mine since it came out. I find it very moving, and inspirational, and I am such a SUCKER for movies that have an ending where the last two minutes hit you right in the heart, or the head, or both. (RE: Shawshank Redemption and Working Girl as two examples)

See this movie! I am sure it will hold different pleasures and bring different insights for different people, but no one will NOT feel something. Wonderful performances by all, and sadly this is truly an underrated and little known film. I hope this will come out on DVD someday.

I think I am going to go hunt up my nearly worn out VHS version and watch it again today. Oh, and when you do get a chance to see it, make sure you share it with a friend. This is a great movie for discussion after. I think you, like me, will want to see it again.

After a horrible accident a woman (Ellen Burstyn) has a vague life-after-death experience and soon discovers that she has healing powers, which results in conflicting reactions from people. Sam Shepard plays her beau, Eva Le Gallienne her loving grandma and Richard Farnsworth a charismatic old man living in the desert.

"Resurrection" (1980) explores a concept that was addressed a dozen years earlier in the Star Trek episode "The Empath" except that the story takes place in present-day America (which would be 1979 when the film was shot). How would people in the breadbasket of America take a woman who has the power to heal? The theme would be explored further 15 years later in "Powder" (1995) and "Phenomenon" (1996). I think "Powder" is the most moving of the three and at least touches greatness, although this one has its moments.

What hinders it is a little too much boring drama and, worst of all, an eye-rolling scene of a guy with a rifle on a motorcycle. While that part of the story reflects real-life to some degree, it could've been better written and executed. By "reflecting real-life" I'm talking about those troubled souls who suddenly have a religious epiphany and start engulfing the Scriptures; within mere days - VOILA - they're a veritable Bible scholar, running off halfcocked with loudmouthed blatherings and the corresponding antics. It's all unbalanced, legalistic zeal with no wisdom.

The movie brings up interesting issues and is effective for the most part with a few highlights, but it basks in its ambiguities and grey areas to the point of idiocy. For instance, is the laconic father so evil for not wanting his daughter to "shack up" on his own property (even though she's about 40 years-old)? If she wanted to "live in sin" she could've simply moved out. This way she wouldn't disrespect her dad's obvious moral position. You would think that Edna's experiences after the accident would've inspired some spiritual common sense.

The film runs 1 hour, 43 minutes, and was shot on the prairie east of San Antonio, Texas (Goliad, Shiner, Gonzales, Fabens & Kyle), with some sequences done in Valencia & Los Angeles, California, as well as Fabens in west Texas, southeast of El Paso.

GRADE: B-/C+

Ellen Burstyn is one of my favorite actresses, and this is the film that did it for me. The simplicity and power of her performance is staggering.

I was a little disappointed to see this had been remade - I didn't watch it - and even more disappointed to read that it is not yet out on DVD. This movie is a must-see.

Burstyn plays Edna McCauley, an ordinary woman who is clinically dead for several minutes after a horrific auto accident that kills her husband. Crippled, she returns to the home where she was born with her nearly silent, cold father. During a family picnic, a hemophiliac starts to bleed and Edna is able to stop the bleeding. Her grandmother (the great Eva LaGalliene) recognizes that Edna now has the power to heal. Edna is then able to heal herself. Not being a very religious person, she tells her grandmother that she doesn't know much about God, but if the power she has comes from love, that's good enough for her. Unfortunately, it's not enough for one of the townsman, who believes her healing power comes from the devil. His son (Sam Shepard), with whom Edna becomes romantically involved, has more and more trouble coping with her gift as time goes on, and it can't heal the rift between her and her father, the reason for which is not revealed until nearly the end of the film.

My favorite part is the ending - it might be my favorite ending of any film. It is there that Burstyn shows how she becomes a character - she doesn't act, she just IS this woman. She takes the character through the journey of learning how best to deal with her life and power as only she can. It's one of the most mesmerizing moments in cinema.

Made in 1980, today "Resurrection" looks like one of the many independent films being made now - small in scope and a little off-beat. It holds up magnificently as the story and performances are timeless.

There are some roles that I think are perfect fits for their portrayers - Robert Preston in Music Man, Katharine Hepburn in Lion in Winter - and Ellen Burstyn in Resurrection. A beautiful film, a great cast, see it! You'll never forget it.

Ellen Burstyn has an accident and is paralyzed. Moves home with crotchety Father. Continues to develops her healing power. She heals self. Has conflicts with traditional religious beliefs. As she heals self and develops she continues to be free of prior hangups. Heals someone and they develop into lovers. Very hard to figure out why the two would become lovers..but the flick makes you think and wonder about a lot of things. As her power continue to develop she become a local faith healer. The romantic slant continues to wreak havoc in her life. She continues to grow and develop expanding her horizons. Religious issues develop as the boyfriend is a hell and damnation type - opposed to love truth and spiritual healing. Makes for a good look at opposite views. Ellens character preserves and the movie has a feel good ending. Enjoy it for an attempt to free thinking and open minded view. I liked this movie and it is fun to watch once a year or so. Ellen was nominated for an Oscar. Good thought provoking movie to enjoy.

This beautiful movie is a wonder to watch...After a near-death experience, Ellen Burstyn discovers she has healing powers and proceeds to do good work in a quiet, unassuming way...which, nevertheless, gets her into trouble.

It is odd that I would like this film so well since 1) I am an atheist with zero belief in an afterlife; and 2) had my own near-death experience where I saw nothing...no light, no tunnel...just nothing. Still, this film taps into my spiritual side...whatever that is...perhaps the acceptance that things go bump in the night for no good reason.

My pleasure in watching this film is enhanced by it's firm insistence that the gift of healing is not rooted in any one religion or even in religion itself. In these troubled times where religion often does more harm than good, the message of this film is both rewarding and healthy. Couple this with fine performances and slow, but well-paced direction, and you have an unusual movie which can movie even the most jaded of viewers (me!)

There are many scenes in this movie that moved me to tears. I do sort of wish the main character had sided with God as the reason for her talents. She never said it wasn't God though. I really enjoyed this film. Watch for the scenes in which Burstyn's character heals the twisted form of on woman in front of disbelievers and the viewers own eyes. The scene in the end of the film with a little boy having cancer unattended briefly in his car is also moving. This movie made me recall parts of Elmer Gantry for some reason while I was watching. I am glad that Burstyn chose not to make it in the vein of The Exorcist but more uplifting and spiritual. I cannot believe at this time its not out on DVD. What are the producers and DVD makers waiting for?

I still remember being impressed, when I first saw Resurrection, at the way Ellen Burstyn and the rest of the cast soldier on through bad line after bad line. One is almost persuaded--though not quite--to ignore the dreadfulness of the lines. Alas, Burstyn and Sam Shepard as her goofy lover have no chemistry. Many sub-plots seem underdeveloped and generic. There is too much melodrama. Eva LeGallienne is worth seeing as is Burstyn. Just don't get your hopes up, for the whole effect is disappointing. The violent climax is badly staged and pointless besides. Why does her would-be assassin find Edna warming up her audience with jokes? That is frankly dumb. The 1999 TV remake recognizes the possibility of doing better but ultimately fails, as well. I rate the original version higher by one point only because of the occasionally remarkable acting, made more remarkable by the low quality of the material.

I can't believe anyone would see this film for anything more than it is: a study in the demands of social expectation/responsibility and personal integrity/commitment. The beauty of the film is that these issues are seamlessly laid out and left open to debate. Perhaps it is not the "perfect" script by the standards of McKee or Field, but it is a script which advances according to its premise, that power is something one doesn't ultimately always have control over, be it personal or public power. The healing power that Burstyn acquires becomes both the road to salvation or the road to damnation.

I believe it is one of Burstyn greatest performances. I believe every one of the supporting roles works beautifully to the advance the story, without being tritely melodramatic. (Think Elmer Gantry, which remains a great film in spite of its melodrama.)

And I will always remember the final scene as one of the most honestly affecting moments in my film experience. Few scenes have played so simply and purely to my memory... yes, it tugged the heart strings, but which one of us in her shoes would not have done the exact same thing.

If you haven't seen this film, it is one of the best, purely as entertainment. But it is also a deeply arresting and thought provoking film about human nature and the unexplainable.

After watching this movie but mostly after reading the reviews I have to say I'm very surprised the high ratings Resurrection gets. Surprised yes, because it's a mediocre boring movie, and surprised no, because there are so many religious idiots that will probably see something beautiful in this kind of crap. What surprised me the most though is that this movie got nominated for two Oscars. I guess the standards for the Oscars were not that high in 1980. Ellen Burstyn was nominated for the Best Actress In A Leading Role, and I can only take this as a joke. I thought her acting wasn't believable at all, in some scenes she even acted below average. As for the story, well it's easy to write about that. It's repetitive, all you see is dumb scenes of so called healing by touching, yes the same kind of idiotic beliefs that make dumb people gather in tents somewhere in the middle of nowhere where education isn't a priority. That's what the whole movie is about, in other words the ultimate borefest. I score it a three because I feel generous.

I recently rediscovered this brilliant film. I saw it when it was released in 1980 and had not seen it since. I was taken aback at how well it has held up to the test of cinematic time. Melodrama, to be sure! Offbeat, yes a little. But when all is said and done the performances of Ellen Burstyn and the great Eva La Gallienne stun! Many films have visited this subject matter, but none with the emotional impact that we recieve from the climax of RESURRECTION. The last scene is worth the view.

After so many years (last saw it in 1980) and thousands of films later, I still recall scenes - usually triggered by some circumstance - and wish I could see the film again. Because of my background in film and television, I can say I have seen an above average amount of films and I can state that this is one of those films that stay engraved in your memory in a very specific way, like very few films do or ever will.

Sappy, mush-minded handling of a potentially awesome subject. There's too much time devoted to holiness and Americana and not enough to Ellen Burstyn's (presumed) simple, human feelings of awe and wonderment regarding her amazing healing powers; she just says "it's the power of love" or something, and moves along. The film is boosted a bit by good performances (with one exception: the horribly stagy Eva Le Galliene), but it could have been much better. (**1/2)

Always give the glory to God. If He gives you the gift, give him the credit. Ellen is a fine actress in this movie that is middle ground production quality.

And that's saying a lot since I adore Ellen Burstyn and her work but I was deeply moved by her extraordinary performance in 1981's Resurrection, based on the true story of Edna Mae McCauley, a woman who gets into a horrific car accident which she barely survives (a journey which includes an out of body experience to the white light), but upon her return to the living, she is shocked to discover she has the ability to heal people with terminal illnesses and handicaps. Burstyn manages to imbue Edna with this lovely humanity which never allows her to exploit or take advantage of her special gift. Burstyn is so special in this film, she gives the character so much heart and makes her achingly real, despite her special gift. There is one amazing scene, which is burned in my memory forever, where she heals someone of a disfiguring illness and allows the illness to enter her own body and temporarily inhabit her own body. Burstyn commits so completely to this scene and it's harrowing to watch. Resurrection is a very special movie experience.

"In Daniel Petrie's RESURRECTION, Ellen Burstyn plays Edna Mae, the bona-fide miracle worker, who has to take the shaft of being resistant to drag the Deity into her newfound vocation. Earning her fourth Oscar nomination, Burstyn steely puts her foot down in the sense that her Edna Mae is anything but a damsel-in-distress or patsy. After losing her husband Joe (DeMunn) in the opening car crash, Edna Mae doesn't linger too long in remorse (the automobile is her birthday gift to Joe) or grief (not much tea and sympathy is thrown to her either), and when her first impulse to perform a styptic miracle hits, she acts immediately (though the whole act looks clumsily staged), to say nothing of involving herself in a sexual relationship with Cal (Shepard), a man much younger than her, and whose religious fundamentalism will soon catch up with their burgeoning romance."

read the full review on my blog: cinema omnivore, thanks

At best - I could only rank "Resurrection" (from 1980) with just an average 2-star rating.

This film's story concerns an unexceptional woman who, following a serious car accident, dies at the hospital only to quickly return to life, discovering that she can now heal others simply by her touch.

Unfortunately, I found that "Resurrection's" story left far too many questions that start with either the word "Why?" or "How?" left unanswered.

And, with that said - I clearly felt that there was something truly unfulfilling about this film's story which inevitably rendered it as being unsatisfactory entertainment.

I remember seeing this film in the theatre - a wonderfully mind altering experience! Burstyn's acting is Oscar quality, and her transformation throughout the film is truly remarkable. If you have seen and enjoyed "Brainstorm" with Natalie Wood, this makes one of the best companion pieces to it. I guess you know you've seen a great film when it makes you suspend your disbelief while the lights are out in the theatre, and then changes your beliefs forever after it is over. We have all seen movies that featured psychic experiences that have ranged from the weird to the simply unbelievable. Ellen Burstyn starts out a non-believer, but is converted by her experiences. The film also neatly plays upon the elements of faith-healing and the role of the believer in any mental experience. A finely nuanced and rewarding film - I hope someone wakes up and issues this GEM on DVD sometime soon!

Ellen Burstyn demonstrates why she's one of the best. She plays a widow who cures herself of paralyzed feet until she walks again. The self-curing is a gift for healing she gained when she came awake from her devastating car accident that took her husband and her ability to walk. She cures everyone she can until she can't stand what it causes outside of the healing.

Read the reviews giving glowing praise of "Resurrection" and you'll get an idea of the only kind of audience that will enjoy this movie because, while the plot device sounds interesting, the execution falls flat.

There's no character development arc for the protagonist of this movie despite losing her husband, recovering from critical injuries, gaining powers, and experiencing more should-be significant events that she barely registers. Even the stereotypical close-nit devout rural community that provides the setting for the bulk of this film seems to just take it all in stride. It's as if the director put the entire script on Prozac.

Only one supporting character experiences any kind of growth but the movie glosses over his final transformation and fails to explain the radical choice he ultimately makes. There's a single outburst from a religious fanatic who you expect to become the antagonist but he's never heard from again, some scientific research that comes and goes, and a single interaction with the protagonist's father that provides the only meaningful dialogue in the entire movie.

While this is far from the worst movie I've ever seen it will certainly fall short of most people's expectations despite the glowing reviews from a select few.