Running on Empty

Released 1988
Stars Christine Lahti, River Phoenix, Judd Hirsch, Jonas Abry, Martha Plimpton
Directed by Sidney Lumet

The movie is about the Popes, a couple who have been underground since the 1960s, and about their children. They were involved with radical politics, and they blew up a building, maiming a janitor. They've been on the run ever since. Danny (River Phoenix) is a gifted piano player, and through one of his teachers he gets a scholarship to Juilliard. But he can't claim it unless he produces his high school transcripts, which are scattered in many towns under many different names. The movie's about the family's fierce dependence and reliance upon each other, and the need to let the children go.

Summary by Roger Ebert

Click here for my review: http://geocities.datacellar.net/walward/Rvw_RunningOnEmpty.html