Watch Shattered Spirits

Shattered Spirits is a 1986 emotional drama directed by Robert Greenwald and starring Martin Sheen, Melinda Dillon, and Matthew Labyorteaux. The movie explores the effects of alcoholism on a family and how they attempt to cope with the problem. Martin Sheen portrays Joe, a successful businessman who is also struggling with alcohol addiction. His wife, Annie (Melinda Dillon), is deeply concerned about Joe's behavior and attempts to help him overcome his addiction. Joe's drinking problem is so severe that it is putting a strain on his relationship with his son, Brian (Matthew Labyorteaux).

Brian begins to feel neglected and developed a deep resentment towards his father. At school, he also struggles to fit in and becomes a target of bullies. The situation at home only makes things worse for Brian, and eventually, he turns to alcohol himself.

As the family continues to struggle, they seek help from a rehab center, where Joe undergoes treatment. However, even after completing the program, his addiction lingers, and the family continues to suffer.

Throughout the movie, we see the impact of Joe's addiction on his relationships with his family, as well as the toll it takes on his physical and mental health. We also see the difficulties Annie faces as she tries to provide support for her husband while balancing her responsibilities as a mother.

Shattered Spirits offers a gritty and candid portrayal of alcoholism and how it can affect not only the individual struggling with addiction but also those around them. The movie highlights the challenges of overcoming addiction, and how it requires not only the individual's effort but also the support of their loved ones.

The performances of Martin Sheen and Melinda Dillon are notable, as they provide a heartfelt portrayal of a couple struggling to keep their family together in the face of addiction. Matthew Labyorteaux also delivers a convincing performance as the young son grappling with his own emotions and turmoil.

The film's direction by Robert Greenwald is solid, and he masterfully guides the viewer through the difficult emotional terrain of the story. The film balances moments of heartbreak with moments of hope, capturing the complexity of addiction and recovery.

In conclusion, Shattered Spirits is a compelling movie that offers a powerful exploration of the impact of addiction on a family. The performances are excellent, the storyline is deeply moving, and the direction is solid. This movie is a must-watch for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the complexities of addiction and its effects on those around them.

Shattered Spirits is a 1986 tv movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.