Quest: The Truth Always Rises (I) (2017) User Reviews

Brilliant...

[larsrandolph · 10/10 · 17 September 2017]

I've watched the world premiere of this wonderful movie during the "International Filmfest Oldenburg 2017". Director Santiago Rizzo and actor Lou Diamond Phillips were special guests and presented the movie to the audience. A touching story and brilliant actors - especially Gregory Kasyan and Lou Diamond Phillips - turned this evening into a reminding event.

"Quest" is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Go and watch it!

Quest is the Best

[k_imdb-173-177874 · 10/10 · 31 January 2018]

If there's one film you should see at Slamdance or Sundance check out Quest. The film is based on a true story and stars Dash Mihok as Berkeley teacher Tim Moellering who steps up to help an abused 12-year-old graffiti addict play brilliantly by new comer @gregkasyan The film has a nice balance of humorous and sad scenes. @santi_rizzo does an amazing job in his directorial debut and made the film to honor the middle-school teacher who refused to give up on him. Highly recommend it to anyone but especially teachers and youth mentors. Check out this gem at Slamdance

Hit me like American History X.... must see! Love heals

[sensinger · 10/10 · 5 May 2018]

It was my honor to meet Santiago Rizzo and then to see his movie QUEST. Words can not adequately express the awful beauty of this movie. An unflinching view of child abuse, reality that for many children the streets are safer than their own lives and the gift of love can transform lives. #questthemovie #thetruthalwaysrises #trustyourstruggle

TIM'S TOP 10 RULES TO LIVE BY

Have empathy for everyone.

Put yourself in someone else's skin and walk around in it.

Tell the truth.

You'll have less to remember. You know you never lied and eventually people will trust you.

Be Reliable.

Do what you say you were going to do. Even if it means showing up on time. People will trust you.

Assume Positive Intent.

If they are incompetent, so be it, but it doesn't hurt you to assume they are doing their best.

Be Physically Active.

It's better than any drug. It's fun and can be a boon to your social life. If you are running an errand, walk or ride a bike because you'll feel better. It may not be obvious at first but it adds up.

Just do it.

If the choice is between sitting around and doing nothing or doing something, do something every single time.

Don't blame anyone.

No one is to blame for anything. Only you can change what you do. If you blame someone else, you can't solve the problem. Instead, you are telling someone else to solve the problem. If you don't blame then you will be able to take control.

Your possessions can be replaced.

People are obsessed with their possessions. Letting your possessions control you is a terrible way of living. When you can let them go, you become free. There's little relationship between wealth and happiness.

Carpe Diem.

Seize the Day. Accomplish something everyday. Otherwise you're wasting time. There's always something wonderful to experience. Go do it.

Solve your problems.

Some people like to have problems so they have something to complain about. Don't waste time. It also gives you something to do. Something to strive for.

Heart and Soul

[shellander · 10/10 · 17 October 2017]

This film is full of heart, soul and reality. How lucky we are to have shared this world with someone who gave so much and wanted so little. How sad that any child should have a heartbeat without the very basic human needs of love and respect.

Please post the organizations listed in the credits that help children in similar situations.

This movie is the pulse for humanity.

[kortneysommer · 10/10 · 6 January 2019]

Quest quite literally changed my life forever. It can be used as a guide, a guru and as "medicine" to keep returning to again and again. It's a moral compass for humanity and it brought out the truth in me that was yearning to be unveiled. It's a movie about healing and coming together with love and empathy.

Exceptional in every way

[jschraider · 10/10 · 10 April 2018]

Quest is likely the Best movie I have ever seen. Real, real, real. Intense, engaging, and ultimately about love, the thing we all so desperately need. We can all learn from this movie, a must see! James Schraider

Incredibly touching

[julia_sirbu · 10/10 · 22 December 2017]

I had the opportunity to watch a screening of this movie in Guatemala and I could have never prepared myself for such a beautifully executed movie. I cried (mostly), I laughed, I was in awe and I went through every feeling...especially because it made me go back in time, to my childhood...

All I have to say is.... WOW.

Watch it! But be prepared to cry and have your whole world change after watching it !

Moving, inspirational, thought-provoking

[sarahjordan-01157 · 10/10 · 17 June 2018]

Getting to watch this amazing film, an autobiographical story of the director, is a journey through the struggles of life to finding redemptive role models and searching for truth and peace. Great story for all generations and backgrounds.

Quest: Heartwarming, Enjoyable, and Surprisingly Accomplished

[bigtunaonfilm · 9/10 · 27 March 2018]

Quest was a film that I saw on a whim at the Gasparilla International Film Festival. It fit into my schedule, and had Lakeith Stanfield in a supporting role, so I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad that I did.

This film is about so much more than the synopsis would make you think. It's a story that needs to be heard because of how impactful it can be to youth who need guidance. The film is based on true events. It's the semi-autobiographical story of the director/co-writer. The character development in the film is amazing. All of the main cast is given extreme depth and humanity that makes the characters come to life.

I was really surprised to learn in the post-film Q&A that Rizzo was a first-time filmmaker because it is so well-filmed. The cinematography is really beautiful. The framing is excellent and the movements are fluid. The editing is also very good. I also loved the film's production design with all of the graffiti that had to be created for the film. It is designed perfectly to either create an emotional response or deliver the film's messaging. The cast is wonderful, too. The child actor, Gregory Kasyan, who plays the protagonist has a lot of talent. He is able to give the role the humanity it demands. Dash Mihok and Lakeith Stanfield are great in the two mentor roles. Each of them brings their unique qualities to the role, and it works. Lou Diamond Phillips is also wonderful in his role.

Overall, I really loved Quest. It's a great story that needs to be heard. It's a shame that it hasn't picked up distribution yet because it is a wonderful story that needs to be heard by as many people as possible. If you get the chance to see it, I highly recommend it.

Raw, honest, and full of heart

[davidwfoulds · 10/10 · 19 June 2018]

Here is a passionate filmmaker who gives us a look at the power of a dedicated mentor who looks out for a 'troubled' kid. Looks past all those stereotypes to reveal that what we all really want is connection. And is an homage to the teaching profession and a teacher who refuses to give up when all other adults seem to. A powerful, tense, amazing performance by young Gregory Kasyan as Mills and a frightening, honest portrayal by Lou Diamond Phillips. Best film I've seen all year, and I spend my life studying and teaching film history and filmmaking. A24, pick up this film!!!

Truly heartfelt, and honest

[darrenlevenberg · 10/10 · 11 October 2018]

I saw this movie as part of a school event, where the director himself came in to show his film, and talk about it. This is a true story about the director's life, and it holds nothing back from the viewer. It's darkly brutal, but above all, it has a real heart at its core, and a message of empathy that anyone can understand. This is definitely a hard film to watch, but it deserves your full attention.

The story of a young boy struggling to overcome terrible circumstances. Based on a true story and a story we have not seen before.

[savingsophie · 10/10 · 14 November 2017]

QUEST is a beautiful film. Amazing to learn this is the director's directorial debut as the film is deeply moving, well conceived, and beautifully executed. The performances, by actors we know and love, and actors we are just meeting in this film, are all very strong and believable. The film is incredibly visual. The world is specific and authentic.

I saw QUEST at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival and I hope more festivals and audiences will embrace this incredible film. Bravo to the writer/director, cast, crew, and all who collaborated to bring this story to life.

Raw truth

[endigomantolla · 10/10 · 3 June 2018]

Quest is the kind of story that breaks us down so we can build ourselves up, better than before. It is a story of a man who was not afraid to reach out to someone in need, didn't hide behind "It's not my responsibility" and loved fiercely.

This is not a feel good movie. It is a get off your ass and change the world movie; not the whole world, all at once, like a superhero, but bit by bit, one compassionate word and generous act at a time.

Go see it and bring everyone you know!

Exceptional Film you will remember. Won the most awards at Napa Film Festival

[richpm-1 · 10/10 · 11 November 2017]

Great acting and story based on the life of the director. I saw this at the NAPA Film Festival in Nov 2017. It was the most talked about film of the Festival - I never heard any comments that did not praise Quest.

The movie presents great insights into the lives of people in difficult situations and how other people should work with and communicate with them.

A beautiful call to empathy for everyone

[vvotin · 10/10 · 17 June 2018]

This film comes from amazing compassion for how everyone has suffered and deserves a special mentor that heals by seeing the best. It is based on the true story of the first-time producer and director, who was called to share how a teacher/coach who stood up for him changed his life. The young main actor is so real as an abused child with really no choice but to get into mischief. It is heart-wrenching to see his inherent goodness shine through with his younger brother and unlikely friends but only really recognized by his mentor. Appropriately pretty or gritty scenery around Berkeley and witty, touching conversation make the timeless story even more enticing. Recommended for everyone, especially anyone dealing with children or childhood issues.