A Reason to Live Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 17, 2026
Movie Overview: A Reason to Live
| Movie | A Reason to Live |
| Release Year | 1985 |
| Director | Peter Levin |
| Genre | Drama / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 96 minutes (1h 36m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is A Reason to Live (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in A Reason to Live are led by Rick Schroder . The supporting cast, including Peter Fonda and Deidre Hall , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While A Reason to Live does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, A Reason to Live has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: A Reason to Live
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, A Reason to Live is a Drama, TV Movie film directed by Peter Levin, written by Robert Lewin. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Rick Schroder as Alex Stewart.
Ending Explained: A Reason to Live
A Reason to Live Ending Explained: When Gus Stewart's wife announces that she wants to divorce him, he starts thinking about committing suicide. Directed by Peter Levin, this 1985 drama film stars Rick Schroder (Alex Stewart), alongside Peter Fonda as Gus Stewart, Deidre Hall as Delores Stewart, Tracey Gold as Ellen Maynes. Rated 5.5/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of A Reason to Live?
When Gus Stewart's wife announces that she wants to divorce him, he starts thinking about committing suicide. His 14-year-old son Alex notices this and desperately tries to prevent him from doing so and to give his father a reason to live.
Peter Levin's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Rick Schroder (Alex Stewart)'s journey. His 14-year-old son Alex notices this and desperately tries to prevent him from doing so and to give his father a reason to live.
How Does Rick Schroder (Alex Stewart)'s Story End?
- Rick Schroder: Rick Schroder's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Peter Fonda (Gus Stewart): Peter Fonda's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Deidre Hall (Delores Stewart): Deidre Hall's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of A Reason to Live Mean?
The ending of A Reason to Live brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Rick Schroder's story may not satisfy all audiences.
A Reason to Live Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is A Reason to Live Based on a True Story?
No, A Reason to Live is a work of fiction. While the drama, tv movie film directed by Peter Levin and starring Rick Schroder may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch A Reason to Live?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
A Reason to Live Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about A Reason to Live age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of A Reason to Live (1985) is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Directed by Peter Levin, the film runs for 96 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, A Reason to Live is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Reason to Live worth watching?
A Reason to Live is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find A Reason to Live parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for A Reason to Live identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of A Reason to Live (1985)?
The runtime of A Reason to Live (1985) is 96 minutes (approximately 1h 36m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
