All the Rage (2016) User Reviews

A wild ride of discovery of what can cure our back pain epidemic. Must-see viewing for anyone suffering from back pain, and a deep personal look at dealing with such issues.

[danielelliotgoldstein · 9/10 · 22 May 2017]

All the Rage is a must see movie for the timely, true life, personal tale it tells of how we deal with our physical pains. Through the personal experience of the director we discover that there is an holistic way to approach physical pain that focuses on the entire person rather than unhelpful surgery or drugs.

Through the journey we discover the iconoclastic and courageous back doctor -- Dr. Sarno whose ideas on healing back pain, while controversial, are successful. His cure is not as easy as popping a pill or signing up for surgery, but they are effective and long lasting.

While the subject may sound dry, the personal documentary style allows you to go through the emotions when suffering back pain and the required self-examination to heal it.

This move will help cure such sufferers; to that end it is critical viewing for anyone suffering back pain and those who love them.

Timely and terrific exploration of pain and what we can do about it

[sasha-waters-freyer · 9/10 · 23 May 2017]

All the Rage is a film like nothing else out there - a personal essay on love and family; a compelling portrait of Dr. Sarno; a thoroughly researched and data-driven investigation into our individual and collective pain as humans in the world, in this moment, pain that is physical, psychic and emotional. That pain is real, we know. We feel it, and we see the havoc it is wreaking on a social fabric frayed by increasing anxiety, mental illness, opioid abuse - these traumas of contemporary life. With bravery, insight, compassion and self-compassion, Michael Galinsky and Suki Hawley have crafted an amazing film that will change the way you think about pain and recovery. Personally, I watched this film after severely straining my back, while I was confined to bed, and by that night felt 1,000 better!

Am emotional trip...

[Erre · 9/10 · 19 May 2017]

I saw a screening of the movie during the BAFICI and was very moved by it. It is a documentary alright, but it has the emotional power of any other fictional movies you can see. The filmmakers put their heart out to do this film about how back pain problems can be related to childhood issues or repressed feelings or words that don't come out as it should. It is a journey around Dr. Sarno's life and Michael Galinsky's personal back pains. It is a must!

Moving & transformative

[ewadubinsky · 10/10 · 22 May 2017]

I had the privilege of seeing this film when it premiered at the Doc NY film festival this fall. Since then, I've been waiting for it to come out so I can share it with my family and friends. It is powerful, engaging, informative and beautifully filmed. To me, the strength of the film lies in its storytelling- the story of the connection between the mind & body/repressed emotions & chronic pain, the story of a revolutionary doctor, a hero to his patients but struggling for acceptance in the medical world, the film maker's own story & multiple fragments of other stories. It seems like required viewing for anyone who has experienced chronic pain, coped with stress or been hit with loss, which means for just about everyone. Highly recommended.

important film

[blythe17 · 10/10 · 26 May 2017]

Dr. John Sarno has long been a pioneer in his field, never out to make money or take the easy road. Spending decades of his life encouraging people to look within to find the cause of their pain has not made him rich, but has improved countless lives. The filmmakers shine a much-needed light on Dr. Sarno and his work, and Galinsky also makes it personal, putting himself and his family in the film, and showing the far-reaching effects of Dr. Sarno's work. The filmmaking is done with a steady hand, taking us on this journey in a compelling and emotional way. I truly believe this is required viewing. An excellent documentary on a very important subject.

A bold and personal challenge to establishment medicine

[mtworkman · 10/10 · 22 May 2017]

ALL THE RAGE is a compelling personal narrative that challenges establishment medicine's treatment of chronic pain. Galinsky weaves his own story into the film showing his struggle with chronic pain. The film's lead protagonist fights against his fellow practitioner and you are pulled into his struggle. The film is a provocative, emotional, and challenging journey. It successfully makes the argument that we do not fully understand the source of chronic pain and it may very likely be more linked to our emotions that many want to believe. Not only is the argument compelling the story is well told with fully developed characters.

Well needed light on life-saving subjects and discussions...

[hotmetaldobermans · 10/10 · 22 May 2017]

Chronic pain is one of the worst things on the planet. My mom has been sick for a long time. Fibromyalgia. Chronic Fatigue. IBS. She lives in a small town, and the doctors are useless to help her, really. She's been at her wits end for a long time. I saw my mother in this film, just as Michael Galinsky saw himself on every page of Sarno's books.

As I watched this film, I wept. I ordered my parents the books, and called them to tell them I'll be sending them this film as soon as possible.

As I dug into Sarno's teaching, surely there are many who won't "take to" or let their brains accept a lot of this information. Surely, it won't work for everybody.

However, what Michael has done is shined a light on an option. Sometimes, it's only an option, that somebody needs. To change their life forever. To get better enough to make that one change that turns things the way they need.

It's about hope. It's about life. It's about how powerful emotions can be.

My story is a long one, but one thing is clear. Watch this movie when you can.

It should be required viewing for anyone in school, or the medical field.

Take care.

The most important film of the century

[kbarlow-58996 · 10/10 · 26 September 2017]

This story is screaming to be told and what better way to tell it. I am in awe of Dr Sarno and every other TMS crusader. It must be hard being ignored and even ridiculed by mainstream medicine but they have stood by what they believe in and fought for this story to get out into the world. After all, its what mankind has known for years.

It all makes sense and what better way to sum it up than the opening quote from Mr Holmes (which I won't spoil). I remember the last time I visited the Consultant Urologist and he told me the only thing he could do for me was surgically remove my bladder. I knew deep down inside that there was something else going on so I told the Consultant that I knew my body more than he did and I never saw him again. That was nearly 3 years ago. Since then I discovered Dr Sarno and I owe him my life, I swear I do. So if you cant seem to get an answer for your pain, please watch this. It will change you life.

Excellent Film for Anyone Seeking Relief from Chronic Pain

[AmyScatliff · 10/10 · 28 May 2017]

Having lived with chronic pain for 20+ years, the last thing I wanted to hear was that it was 'all in my head'. I organize groups for people living with chronic pain from Lyme disease and many people feel the same way I do.

This film shows a different approach to thinking about the power of the mind and illness. It is presented in a way that people can trust that the pain experienced from their illnesses is taken seriously. I did not know about Dr. Saarno before seeing this film. I had heard of the Mindbody Prescription but assumed it was just for back pain and that it did not relate to me. It does relate however because Sarno takes a much broader approach to chronic pain, beyond the back.

This film got me to seriously look into the mind again as a way to address chronic pain, in a way that other films, books, and speakers have not. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a powerful addition to their current treatment plan.

Fantastic - must see

[cab-66483 · 10/10 · 10 June 2017]

This documentary is incredible - one of the best things I've seen in theater, ever, hands down. Every person who has ever experienced pain of any kind or knows someone who has, every doctor of healthcare professional, basically every person that exists should see this. Going again later this week and inviting every person I know to come with. THANK YOU to the filmmakers for working tirelessly on this.

Great introduction to Sarno

[darcytulip · 5 March 2019]

Dr. Sarno's books have saved me from surgery, and I've gotten past chronic pain that has plagued me for years.

This documentary gave me some new insights as well as somewhere to send my friends who are reluctant to read Sarno's books.

I am so grateful that the film makers managed to get such great footage of Dr. Sarno himself. Plus, of course other experts and patients (including Galinsky). This is important information given in a very entertaining, easy to understand format. It's a personal documentary that is universal to anyone who has felt physical pain.

Dr.Sarno is amazing the movie is ok as a one persons story, but doesnt do him or his message justice

[leonadonaghy · 3/10 · 12 January 2018]

Whilst I am hugely grateful to Dr.Sarno for bringing his work to the world and I realise this filmmaker also shares this gratitude, in order to spread the practical advice and healing message of Dr.Sarno we really need a practical yet entertaining film that inspires and speaks to the individual sufferer of TMS in all its forms. This really should be more in the format of a cinematic film in the style of Love Actually which ran a theme through personal stories rather than the personal story dominating and totally losing the theme in the way this movie does. The best bits of this are the clips of the 20 20 documentary which was an excellent documentary and the clips with the senate which are both freely available on YouTube and very powerful. This really could have been made by anyone on their personal story (filmaker or not and may well have been better) and doesn't speak to anyone as much as it graves me to be critical of something which should convey such an important message it is because of this that I felt compelled to write this. If you have not yet purchased this film, please save your money and purchase one of Dr. Sarnos books and await a better film on this to come out. Dr. Sarno is a legend this film doesn't do him justice. I hope the filmmaker takes another look, saves it in his personal family films where it belongs and collaborates with some of the great success stories to makes real inspiring film about this or someone else does as the world is crying out for it. Whilst I am sure Dr. Sarnos family is glad of the personal aspects including the memory of him closing his practice etc. notes at the beginning and then end of this dedicating it to him and a more powerful film spreading his message and lifes work in more depth is badly needed.

Watch This Film Before Filling That Prescription

[mollygarrett-32621 · 10/10 · 29 May 2017]

All The Rage (Saved by Sarno) is a must-see film for anyone suffering from chronic pain or anyone who knows someone suffering from chronic pain (which is pretty much everyone). After watching my ex-husband go through hell with chronic back pain, numbness in his left leg, sciatica, etc. and plummet down the traditional pain management rabbit hole, I only wish this film had come out sooner. It was obvious to me that his stress and anxiety caused the pain to worsen - I could actually see the mind-body connection at work but felt helpless to do anything about it. The multitude of medications prescribed to him, some of which caused suicidal thoughts and massive withdrawal symptoms, led to lost jobs, a car accident, and ultimately a failed marriage.

Dr. Sarno's work could change the lives of countless people who suffer by allowing them to get to the root cause of the problem which is most often not physical. So glad this information has finally come to light - bravo!

Excellent

[betsymonroe · 10/10 · 22 May 2017]

Deeply and beautifully personal, moving, interesting and informative... all wrapped up in one film, which is not an easy task to achieve. I recommend this documentary for anyone interested in the mind/emotions and body connection in healing pain. This is an excellent, well-done film.

Transform your Mind, Body and Soul!

[drgaryaltheim · 10/10 · 22 May 2017]

I am a Clinical Psychologist, Activist, and Motivational Speaker. I can tell you with great confidence that this is a must-see film that can help you begin the process of transforming your life; your Mind, Body, and Soul. Dr. Sarno literally saved my life and this movie is the million-dollar gift that keeps giving. All great Artists are Activists. Michael Galinsky and his team have produced an Oscar Award winning film in this production. All the Rage educates us about Willful Blindness, the truth about back pain, and the secret to pain-relief. I had back pain for 20 years; I eventually became crippled, paralyzed and could not walk. I was getting ready for surgery and then I met Dr. Sarno and Dr. Eric Sherman. Six months later I was skiing and climbing mountains. To this day I am pain-free. I wish I had this movie a decade ago but I know Michael was busy making it for 10 years so I am not angry at him. Go SEE ALL the Rage, it is a life-changing experience. Thank you, Dr. Sarno, Michael Galinksy and all that made this film possible. Namaste.

Life-changing potential through revolutionary challenge to the medical establishment

[awanning · 10/10 · 24 May 2017]

This film has the potential to change thousands of lives for the better. It follows the story of Dr. John Sarno, an independent- minded doctor who has a remarkably good record treating back pain following the simple idea that our emotional state is closely related to our physical state. Unfortunately his ideas and methods, while seemingly employing common sense, are incompatible with the modern medical establishment (with rare exceptions), and he is shunned by his colleagues. Nevertheless, hundreds of patients, including director Michael Galinsky - whose own cringe-inducing back pain is treated by Dr. Sarno during the film - make their way to his office and are overwhelmingly pleased with the life-changing, pain- reducing results. This story, and the excellent, provocative filmmaking, makes a compelling case that modern medicine has failed us in this area; at the very least, Dr. Sarno's ideas should be taken much more seriously by the medical establishment. If they don't, they will be left behind, as books and movies like this show the path to ever-more patients to seek out the next generation of Dr. Sarnos.

engaging and a must see journey of work that challenges us to shift the narrative

[anastasiaw-47834 · 10/10 · 28 May 2017]

"What do you mean it's in my head? I feel the pain. It's very real!"... or something like that spoken by Larry David was my sentiment as well. It IS very real, yet All the Rage is on task and delivers in portraying the mind-body pain connection and Dr. Sarno's life's work in chronic back pain. All the Rage presents a sound, scientific journey of his work, its successes, and the push-back. This film is engaging from beginning to end and opens the door to discussion of what medical traditions we accept at face value, why we do, and our ability to shift the narrative.

Really worth seeing, and emotionally moving film

[axelbank · 10/10 · 21 May 2017]

As a psychologist who regularly works with people who are suffering with chronic pain, I found this movie to be quite relevant. It outlines a way for people to truly cure (note: not just "manage") their pain. But aside from all that, it's just a great movie! Captures your attention early, and you can really feel the filmmaker's inner struggle as he wrestles with some inner demons to get to the source of his pain.

So I will recommend this film to, not only my chronic pain patients, but to all my friends because it's just a good movie!

Stress and Emotions can cause pain and other symptoms

[DrDave-620-880159 · 10/10 · 29 May 2017]

Most people, physicians included, believe that physical symptoms are nearly always caused by organ disease or structural abnormalities. But it turns out that about one adult in six suffers pain or other forms of illness due only to stress and/or emotions. Often these issues are not fully recognized by the sufferer. This offers great hope since these problems can be diagnosed and treated as successfully as any other form of illness. In my 25 years practicing gastroenterology I helped over 7000 people with this condition. (Full disclosure: I agreed to be interviewed for this film and appear briefly in it).

One of the first physicians to recognize all this was John Sarno, a physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) at NYU. This film focuses on his ideas and those of many other professionals who have independently reached the same conclusions. Serving as the Everyman who suffers excruciating, disabling episodes of pain is the film's director Michael Galinsky. We follow his journey as he looks for solutions that bring him to Dr Sarno's office. As he learns, so does the viewer.

The film is lively, informative, moving, deeply personal yet universal and far more entertaining than any film about this subject has a right to be. If you or a loved one has ever suffered from a condition that left physicians scratching their heads, you won't find a better way to spend 90 minutes.

It's an urgent message about healthcare

[wolfshipon · 24 December 2017]

This is an important film for any consumer of healthcare services or a person related to one, so really, everyone.

I'm sharing what I wrote to the director.

Dr. Shipon

Hi Michael,

I wanted to thank you for your incredible movie. I am a person with chronic autoimmune issues and pain, and I am now taking a great interest in the work of Dr. Sarno.

I have ordered one of his more recent books.

I owe a debt of gratitude to you and your family.

Your own generous storytelling, as well as the way that you put together in this movie with some great personalities such as Larry David and Howard Stern, really helped me connect with the material.

As a psychologist, I had heard about Dr. Sarno from some of his adherents and I had always thought that it was, rather than testimonials to the value of the work, the musings of groupies or devotees.

I now see that I could not have been further from the mark, and I would like to learn more, especially because the work could tie into my own well-being and the well-being of so many of the people who come to see me for chronic pain issues through the modalities of clinical hypnotherapy, neurolinguistic programming, dialectical behavior therapy, and even cognitive behavioral therapy.

I was even delighted to see that Reiki, which got me into psychology because I was trained in that prior to anything else, was featured in your film.

Thanks again. Dr Randolph Shipon Author, Reiki Psychology Author, One Minute Healing

Misleads by omission - read for example the Vitamin D books first

[peterquennell · 1/10 · 22 July 2017]

I see with good reason negative reviews in the NY Times, Village Voice and NYC Movie Guru. All found Sarno's rage hypothesis interesting but far from proved, way too little time given to proving or disproving it, and way too much time given to the director and (bizarrely) his wedding and his acupuncture.

Lower back pain is a classic symptom of vitamin D deficiency - which is rampant in northern populations throughout the world, try googling it - and chronic sufferers should get a blood test, or simply try some D & K, before getting your hopes up via this film. "Cures" can happen in hours, not the pedantic waste of serious time shown in this film.

Critically Important Film

[josephchristie-95342 · 10/10 · 15 January 2019]

Any film that discusses the revolutionary capacity of one's own body to heal itself when given the right information, let alone one that is by a patient of Dr. Sarno himself, is critically important for our evolution. Watch it as you build your own internal strength to live a full, vibrant, healthy life.

For pain sufferers not helped by conventional Western medicine

[steven-leibson · 8/10 · 12 June 2017]

An engrossing look at a doctor who has committed his life to curing people with severe pain who have not been helped by conventional Western medicine. There's still a lot that the medical community/medical industry does not know. One thing we do know is that the brain and amygdala make all sorts of body-regulating chemicals, of which we have only a partial understanding. That Dr. Sarno's approach has helped many people makes it worthy of study. If people can feel better by reading his book, that's great. Just as it's great if people feel better when stuck with pins by an acupuncturist. Getting back to the movie, I'm not sure how I feel by seeing Larry David and Howard Stern appear as providers of testimonials. They're popular, but I'm not a big fan. I'm also not a fan of celebrity testimonials for medical treatments, as they are grossly overused by purveyors of elective surgeries and fringe nutritional treatments. Whether these help or hurt overall, I can't say.

Life changing film!

[kathleen-14655 · 10/10 · 20 October 2017]

I loved this film and Dr Sarno! It inspired me to take inventory of my emotions and how they are contributing to my back pain. Dr. Sarno's mind body approach to healing pain, makes perfect sense to me and will continue to help me throughout my lifetime. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who has pain or someone in their life with pain. Thank you to the filmmakers for sharing Dr Sarno's life saving work!

Excellent Film

[jenniferlmc-21944 · 10/10 · 13 July 2017]

This is an excellent film that everyone needs to see and seriously consider long after the lights go down. It clearly shows the passion of one man, Dr. Sarno, and his efforts to help those with chronic ailments, especially crippling back pain. The film introduces the idea that trapped emotions, particularly rage, starve the tissues of oxygen and lead to deep-seated pain in the body. Once one is able to effectively deal with the emotions, as the movie demonstrates, one's pain resolves. The ideas and testimonies presented are powerful, and I left the theater with a great deal to think about - the past is not necessarily the past. I am reminded of the book "The Body Keeps the Score," and indeed it does.