Love Lives On (1985 TV Movie) User Reviews

Based on a true story

[handbagshoes · 6/10 · 24 March 2007]

I'm not really into these slash wrist type movies and as a general rule, I normally tend to avoid. But this morning on True Movies 2, I was caught of guard watching this as I could not find the remote to turn the T.V over.

I must say, watching this film did give me food for thought. It is based on a true story about Susan at 14 was out of control. Her parents force her into a drug rehab program to recover. They also uncover that she is suffering from cancer, and by 15, she has met and fallen in love with Brian.

It is a very tangled and not straight forward love story, especially when Susan becomes pregnant and her cancer seems to be spreading, and her and Brian having to make difficult decisions.

It is very heartbreaking, and I must say, the acting from Mary Stuart Masterson, prompted me to look on IMDb to see who she is.

It did not cry as I have a very hard exterior, but for most this would be a tearjerker.

Expect The Obvious

[LovelyLabrys · 7/10 · 22 July 2011]

As soon as we see the outcome of her fall in the lake we can guess the rest of the story. From the moment Brian lifts his head from under the bonnet of the car, we know that we were right.

It is a plot that we have seen on TV dramas, soaps and chat shows probably hundreds of times but this was one of the earlier instances, and probably less predictable on it's initial showing.

Despite knowing where the plot is leading us, the journey is no less interesting or entertaining (if that is the correct word). It raises several moral dilemmas but does so without being judgemental or dogmatic.

The acting is exceptional from some really classy leads and this raises it above 'movie of the week' fare. However, there are two things that fight to bring it down again. One is the completely unsubtle use of the oversentimental music. At times it is like being screamed at to CRY NOW! The other is the films descent into all out schmaltz towards the end. It made the scenes feel like it was just following the formula for 'weepies'. It would have been far more moving to have left us with a raw and realistic ending - though in the 80s, TV filmmakers were less likely to take those risks.

Classic 1980s TV movie

[HotToastyRag · 7/10 · 22 October 2017]

Mary Stuart Masterson is a mess. She's on drugs and her parents are upset, not only because she's still in high school, but also because she seems to have inherited her addictive personality from her father, who used to be an alcoholic. Christine Lahti and Sam Waterston send Mary to rehab, but when she gets out, she doesn't feel well. It turns out she has a rare form of cancer, and even though Mary doesn't want any outside substances in her body, she decides to take chemotherapy. But that's just the beginning of this illness-of-the-week television movie. . .

Anyone whose guilty pleasure is watching 1980s TV-movies on Saturday afternoons has to rent Love Lives On. It has everything: addiction, heartache, teenage pregnancy, illness, and the perfect amount of cheese. Of all these types of movies—and yes, there've been tons—this is a classic representation of the era. Mary Stuart Masterson gives a surprisingly good performance, and April Smith has written some very touching scenes between her and her parents. Buy another box of Kleenex, pop a fresh batch of corn, and cuddle up with your mom. You'll both be blubbering like babies by the time the credits roll, but you'll probably recommend it to your friends afterwards!

Heartwarming

[bgasa · 10/10 · 4 May 2005]

This movie had to be one of the best tear-jerker's I have ever seen. I watched it over ten years ago and have not been able to get it out of my mind since. I have also not been able to find it, but then I was looking for the name "Baby Brian". I will most definitely try to find a copy to keep, and so that I can watch it over again. It is heartwarming, sad, emotional and will most definitely touch something in all who have ever loved anyone. I know, with my mum now battling with cancer, it will touch even deeper. It shows the true value of a mothers love, and Mary Stuart Masterson become one of my favorite actresses because of this movie. I am just surprised I never see this movie around anymore, and pray I can go out and get myself a copy now that I have the correct title. Trust me, its a must-see even for the most soft at heart. Just have a box of tissues because you will not just tear up...you will literally sob!!!

an awesome movie

[jspoto · 10/10 · 29 December 2006]

I didn't just weep I cried for days, and even more now that I have children I always think about this movie and how had that have been me, I taped it from T.V. when it was on it's not the perfect copy and it is about 15 years old but I watch when I need a good cry and I hold my babies near and tight, I believe it was Mary Stuarts first movie, it was in this movie that you knew she would be going further than love lives on, the entire cast was awesome and the soundtrack is to die for, if you can get a hold of a copy, watch it love lives on is a great movie, a sad tear jerker and the best performance from actors I've ever seen.

the most heartbreaking tear jerker i've ever seen

[Kristaleyes1 · 10/10 · 7 May 2007]

I watched this movie first as a child and recently saw it again on true movies on sky TV. I would love to be able to watch it again and again but after searching for weeks i still can't find where i can buy it. If anyone could help me out i would be eternally grateful. I don't care if it's on DVD or video i would be happy with either. Anybody that has watched this movie and says they didn't cry must be lying or has a heart of stone. If you know where i can get hold of this movie, please contact me at [e-mail], i would be very happy to hear from you. I check my e-mails daily and i would be sure to let you know if and when i get successful. Thank you for taking the time to read this and i hope to hear from you soon.