Watch Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love

Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love is a touching movie from 1979 that tells the story of a young couple, Barry and Suzie Kaufman, who are struggling to raise their son, Raun. Raun is autistic and has many challenges in connecting with the world around him. The movie is based on the true story of Barry and Suzie Kaufman, who pioneered an innovative therapy for autism that came to be known as the Son-Rise program.

The movie opens with Raun's birth and the couple's joy and hope for their future. However, as Raun grows older, it becomes clear that something is not right. Raun doesn't make eye contact, doesn't respond to his name, and seems lost in his own world. The doctors tell Barry and Suzie that their son has autism and that there is little hope for improvement. The couple is devastated but refuses to give up on their son. They are determined to find a way to reach him and help him connect with the world around him.

Barry and Suzie are introduced to a group of unconventional therapists who believe that they can help Raun. They organize a retreat where the family can work with the therapists, and the Son-Rise program is born. The program is based on the idea that autism is a communication problem and that the child can be taught to reach out and connect with the world. The therapy involves intensive one-on-one interaction with the child, where the therapist follows the child's lead and enters his or her world, gradually introducing elements from the outside world.

The movie follows the evolution of the Son-Rise program, as Barry and Suzie work tirelessly to connect with Raun and help him make progress. The program is not without its setbacks, and the family faces many challenges along the way. There are moments of frustration, doubt, and despair, but through it all, the family remains determined and hopeful.

One of the strengths of the movie is the way it shows autism from the perspective of the child. The audience is invited to see the world through Raun's eyes, and we get a glimpse of what it might feel like to be trapped in a world where communication is difficult. The movie does an excellent job of portraying the struggles and frustrations that Raun and his family face, and it shows how the Son-Rise program provides a way out.

The acting in the movie is superb, with James Farentino and Kathryn Harrold delivering powerful performances as Barry and Suzie. They convey the anguish and frustration of parents who are trying to help their child, as well as the moments of joy and hope that come with progress. Stephen Elliott is also excellent as the unconventional therapist who leads the Son-Rise program.

The movie is beautifully shot, with scenes of the family working together against a breathtaking backdrop of rolling hills and beautiful countryside. The cinematography captures the beauty of the natural world, as well as the intimacy of the family's interactions. The music is also superb, with a haunting score that underscores the emotional depth of the story.

Overall, Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love is a beautiful and inspiring movie that tells a captivating story of love, perseverance, and hope. It shows how a family's determination and willingness to try new things can bring about profound changes in the life of a child with autism. The movie is a testament to the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a must-see for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of autism and the challenges that families face in dealing with this condition.

Son-Rise: A Miracle of Love is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.