Lift

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2:21

Lift

PG-13

2023

1h 27m

Documentary

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

82%

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Over a decade in the making, LIFT follows children impacted by homelessness as they discover the magic of self-expression through dance. Guided by mentor Steven Melendez, whose journey leads back to his childhood shelter, their path within a remarkable ballet program becomes a celebration of joy and triumph in the face of adversity.

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Claire Shaffer

New York Times

09/14/2023

Petersen’s bare-bones, on-the-ground production works well for a story like this, highlighting how vital these small workshops in homeless shelters and community centers can be.

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Dwight Brown

DwightBrownInk.com

06/21/2022

3/4

Keep a hanky close. Tears will swell in your eyes, not from grief, but from inspiration.

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Sandie Angulo Chen

Common Sense Media

10/04/2023

4/5

LIFT is a tribute to this important program, but it also shows how uncomfortable and triggering it can be for Melendez to revisit the trauma of his own childhood -- and how LIFT, while empowering, isn't enough to undo the impact of systemic oppression.

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Joey Moser

Awards Daily

09/25/2023

Lift soars because of its raging, exuberant heart.

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Todd Jorgenson

Cinemalogue

09/15/2023

Following a familiar crowd-pleasing template, this documentary about a ballet program for at-risk children finds its stride due to its charismatic subjects.

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Avi Offer

NYC Movie Guru

09/14/2023

A heartfelt and inspirational documentary.

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Robin C

@RT91281596 12/24/2024

This film is very powerful as an inspirational story, especially in a time when it is hard to find anyone talking about thriving and loving communities in our current world. It renewed some of my faith in Humanity and the POV method and shooting style that David Peterson used to tell this story is very effective. He really nailed it - drawing the audience into the rooms where the action takes place. I look forward to the next Peterson film.

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Drift B

@RT07925457 01/13/2024

Not gonna lie this movie feels kinda weird and soulless and weird that it's so highly rated

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Greg R

@itsgregsworld 12/03/2023

Incredibly inspirational

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Rebecca R

@RT55422185 09/22/2023

incredible, inspirational true story of strength and perseverance

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Danny C

@RT38848973 09/19/2023

IT was kinda mid, I liked the part where the boy fell over, it wasnt inspirational for me ngl

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David Petersen

Director

Victor Abreu

Self

Steven Melendez

Self

Mary Recine

Producer

David Petersen

Producer

Misty Copeland

Executive Producer

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Lift: Trailer 1

2:21

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Synopsis

Over a decade in the making, LIFT follows children impacted by homelessness as they discover the magic of self-expression through dance. Guided by mentor Steven Melendez, whose journey leads back to his childhood shelter, their path within a remarkable ballet program becomes a celebration of joy and triumph in the face of adversity.

Director: David Petersen
Producer: Mary Recine, David Petersen
Distributor: Paramount Global Content Distribution
Production Co: Vulcan Productions, Beaufort 9 Films, Republic Pictures (I)
Rating: PG-13 (Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 15, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 22, 2023
Runtime: 1h 27m

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