Watch Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story
- TV-14
- 2003
- 1 hr 28 min
-
7.1 (4,368)
Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story is a 2003 American biographical drama film based on the true story of Liz Murray, played by Thora Birch. The movie portrays Murray's journey from being a homeless teenager to graduating from Harvard University. Michael Riley and Robert Bockstael play Liz's parents, who struggle with drug addiction and homelessness.
The film begins with a young Liz Murray living with her parents and sister Lisa in a rundown New York City apartment. Her parents are both drug addicts and she is often left to fend for herself. Liz's school attendance is irregular, and her grades suffer. Her mother dies of AIDS when Liz is fifteen. Her father prioritizes buying drugs over their apartment, and the family eventually becomes homeless.
Liz begins to have a desire to change her life when she sees other people from her school heading off to college. She starts attending a school for homeless children and earns a scholarship to attend a summer school program. During this program, she meets people who inspire her to pursue her education. She continues to achieve good grades and wants to attend college, but her father tells her that she is a loser.
Despite this, she continues to pursue her education and makes friends with some of the other homeless teenagers she meets at school. She discovers that one of them is able to go to college thanks to a scholarship, and she decides to follow in their footsteps. She studies as hard as she can and earns a scholarship to Harvard University, one of the most prestigious schools in the country.
The movie highlights the struggles Liz faced, such as having to deal with her parent's drug addiction and being homeless, all while trying to make it through school. She has to learn how to lean on others when she is in need, even when they have their own struggles. She also has to face her own insecurities, such as being afraid people will think she's not good enough for Harvard.
The film ends with Liz entering Harvard, having overcome many obstacles to get there. She has learned that education is the key to changing her life, and she is determined to achieve whatever she sets her mind to.
Overall, Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story is an inspiring film about overcoming adversity and achieving one's dreams. Thora Birch does an excellent job portraying Liz Murray's determination and perseverance, and the film does a good job of showing the struggles that many homeless children face in trying to get an education. It is a story that will leave viewers feeling inspired and hopeful.
In conclusion, Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story is an inspiring biopic film that depicts the journey of a homeless teenager who defied all odds to receive education at Harvard. The film showcases the immense determination, grit, and perseverance of Liz. It is a must-watch for anyone who has ever faced adversity and come out on the other side.
Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story is a 2003 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.