Rise (2014)

Excellent but underrated film

Am i the only one who thinks........Average?

It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.

Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

It's worth mentioning to start that this is a Christian movie. Now, I'm a Christian - I have no problem with Christian movies. Some I like, some I don't - but Christians have a right to make movies that promote Christian faith and spiritual transformation. But I was a bit taken aback to discover that this was a Christian movie - because there's nothing in its description that would make you think it's a Christian movie. Actually, you have to pretty much wait for the closing credits to discover that one organization that appears to have been highly involved in putting this together was a church (whose name I just can't remember) that appears to be an Australian evangelical church. Which, again, is perfectly fair. I just wish it had been stated outright. The story - based apparently on an actual case - that is described sounds interesting. A young man (played by an Australian actor named Nathan Wilson) is falsely accused and convicted of rape and has to find a way to survive in prison while awaiting his appeal. That actually sounds pretty interesting - and it's not at all a bad movie - but once you get into it you discover that it's much more a movie about Christian conversion than surviving prison (not that the two aren't related in this case.) At times, the religious element comes across as a bit forced and unnatural - and there's a weird scene of what seemed to be a kind of forced baptism of another inmate that somehow magically converts him! (If it were that simple we Christians should just go out on the streets with buckets of water and splash unsuspecting people on the head!) So, while I'm all in favour of Christian movies and evangelism, I was just a bit put off by how it was all handled.The story itself seemed a little bit choppy. It starts very abruptly. We learn that Will (Wilson) is a nurse - a pretty good one apparently - who hooks up with a girl at a bar, has sex with her and then has her accuse him of rape. It apparently had something to do with her wanting to get her boyfriend jealous or something. I didn't think the incident was well portrayed or sufficiently explained. But we do know that Will gets convicted and sent to prison. The prison story to me remained choppy and poorly put together. It gave us a taste of what life must be like inside a prison in Australia (and, presumably, most Western countries) but it was only a taste. Will develops relationships with several prisoners who guide him through the experience. To be honest, although he clearly wanted out, it didn't seem as if he had that hard a time on the inside. There was a good performance (maybe the best in the movie) from Martin Sacks as Jimmy Cove - a tough, veteran inmate who befriends Will. Otherwise, the performances were OK, but not spectacular in my opinion.Most of the movie, basically, is the tension of waiting to find out if Will's appeal is going to be successful and he's going to be released. I have to say that this doesn't present a particularly flattering portrayal of the Australian justice system. If the movie is accurate, the evidence against Will was flimsy at best, there was a lot of reason for reasonable doubt and yet still the Crown also appeals the verdict to get his sentence INCREASED. Which means that, knowing that he's innocent, you feel a lot of sympathy for Will, and you want him to get out. So, for that reason alone, the movie does hold your attention. (5/10)

In short... I loved this film! I've seen it numerous times and each time I get something new out of it. It leaves me feeling totally uplifted and moved and reminds me that this could have happened to me, or my brother, or a friend. And the fact that it's based on a true story is very brave of the filmmaker.The acting is believable particularly by the two leads, newcomer Nathan Wilson (Will McIntyre) and veteran legend Martin Sacks, who plays the hardened criminal Jimmy Cove. Wonderful to see Sacks in such a different role to that of PJ from Blue Heelers - I believe people will be totally blown away by his performance, and together, Cove and McIntyre will captivate audiences with their on screen relationship.Given the budget is well below that of other Aussie films (who I believe had industry financial support) I think they have done a great job! And the soundtrack is great too... the right songs in the perfect spot!! I highly recommend this movie to anyone who has had enough of trashy films, and zombies and vampires but wants to see a quality film that really moves you!! I look forward to more movies by Mack Lindon - lifting the bar on Australian film!!

What an absolutely brilliant and powerful film! Its a must see for those who like inspiring and raw, new Aussie films! Great work from all involved, especially with the limited budget. The director/producer has really put a different spin on the life of being incarcerated in an Aussie prison. Also really interesting yet horrifying to see the view point from the wrongly accused. Nathan Wilson was amazing, I was with him at every emotional twist and turn, and how good to see Marty as the tough guy. Its so great to see new Aussie film-makers taking risks and getting their films out there. Cannot wait for the next one from these guys!

I took my wife to see this movie and we were both moved by it. The possibility of humans to redeem themselves is really what the movie is about and it does this admirably well. Other comments have mentioned it has a religious aspect but I hardly noticed because it doesn't push it. It is a heartwarming piece of good Australian film making and worth a look.Martin Sacks was excellent and he did carry the film but it was a great effort by many unknown Australian actors including the lead, Nathan Wilson. I believe it was Mack Lindon's first directorial role and he did a great job. I look forward to seeing future films from him.