The Brooke Ellison Story - A Movie Review

No matter what obstacles you face, never give up.

The Brooke Ellison Story is a 2004 movie based on the extraordinary life of Brooke Ellison. After a horrible accident that paralyzed her, Brooke fights to continue on with her education. With her loyal mother by her side, Brooke is offered an opportunity that could change her pathway in education.

Until I viewed this movie I never knew who Brooke Ellison was. Now, I am so honored that I know her inspiring story. The Brooke Ellison Story is an impactful movie that changes your outlook. Instead of letting her disability define her, Brooke Ellison contributed to the world and fights to help others overcome. Don’t ever let a disability get in your way from achieving your goals.

The cast for The Brooke Ellison Story was stupendous each delivering a genuine performance. I have to be honest to say that I actually thought I was watching the real story instead of a movie. Actors dedicated their hard work to bring out this important story to the world.

Vanessa Marano and Lacey Chabert had the opportunity to play Brooke Ellison as a child and then later as a young adult. I was very impressed with Marano’s work. This challenging role required them to be immobile in a chair for almost the entirety of the film. Marano’s focus, concentration, and incredible perseverance was a highlight.

While Marano shares the story of eleven-year-old Brooke’s first recounts of her accident, Chabert takes viewers on a new narrative. Having adjusted to her new life, Brooke struggles with a social life in college. And also with love. Marano and Chabert equally did an outstanding job.

Recently, I came across Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio’s incredible acting abilities in The Abyss. I could not be more thankful that she plays the mother of Brooke Ellison. Fighting to sustain a smile throughout this difficult time, Jean is nothing but loyal to her daughter, knowing when to give space. Jean Ellison is an inspiring figure, too helping her daughter achieve in her education.

I fell in love with the mother-daughter relationship in The Brooke Ellison Story. The film showed every moment of their relationship including the dark moments. That is authentic. Relationships between the mother and daughter are complex.

Other acting credits include John Slattery, Jenson Goins, Lauren Barret, Ryan P. Hudson, Luke Flynn, Terrence Gibney, Sabah, and Jerry Leigh Leeton. The story’s main focus is on Brooke and her journey, but I like how we focus on other characters.

Kindness is one of the best traits the world has to offer. Everyone gave a helping hand. Never judge a person before you get to know them, which includes those who work in hospital settings. No matter the obstacle, always try.

For example, Kysten, the oldest sibling of the Ellison’s has an important arc about how she negatively adjusted to her sister’s accident. Her reactions were relatable. It’s true that an illness or an injury affects everyone in the family. The Brooke Ellison Story explores boundaries and hits the mark with pure emotion.

The incredible Christopher Reeve directed The Brooke Ellison Story. In his final project before his untimely death, Reeve brought out the story of a young girl who lived on to tell an inspiring tale. It’s important to note Reeve’s own personal experience that positively affects the message behind this story.

The Brooke Ellison Story is a remarkable well-acted film. It is touching, emotional, and it will melt your heart. I am so glad that I came across this movie that gave me a completely different perspective than what I considered before about those who are disabled.