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IMDb rating 7.4
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Critic rating 8

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Critic Wendy Ide
rated 10

...a sometimes expressionistic, sensually eloquent riff on the source material that draws in the voices of other autistic young people and their carers...

Read full review at The Guardian
Critic Peter Bradshaw
rated 8

...an intriguing and empathic study, which could help all of us to understand.

Read full review at The Guardian
Critic Ian Freer
rated 8

...Jerry Rothwell interprets and riffs on Higashida’s writing, amplifying the ideas in a way that’s at once impressionistic yet lucid.

Read full review at Empire
Critic Matthew Mulcahy
rated 8

...an immersive sensory exploration of non-verbal autism.

Read full review at Little White Lies
Critic Sandie Angulo Chen
rated 8

Director Jerry Rothwell and cinematographer Ruben Woodin Dechamps do an excellent job of chronicling all five of the featured teens and young adults with autism.

Read full review at Common Sense Media

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Frequently asked questions

What is The Reason I Jump about? Toggle content

The Reason I Jump is a powerful and immersive documentary that explores the experiences of non-speaking autistic individuals from around the world. Based on the best-selling book by Naoki Higashida, the film delves into the intense and overwhelming sensory universe of these individuals, showcasing their unique perspectives and experiences. Through a series of intimate portraits, the film reveals the joys, struggles, and triumphs of living with autism, and how it affects each person's perception of the world. The documentary follows a young Japanese man as he embarks on a journey through an epic landscape, reflecting on his thoughts, feelings, impulses, and memories. As he navigates his way through this turbulent inner world, he gradually discovers what his autism means to him, how his perception of the world differs from others, and why he acts in certain ways. Throughout the film, viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of sensory experiences, including vivid visuals, poignant music, and captivating narratives. The filmmaker, Jerry Rothwell, masterfully weaves together these elements to create a cinematic experience that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. Ultimately, The Reason I Jump is a celebration of the human spirit, highlighting the resilience, creativity, and beauty of individuals on the autism spectrum. It is a powerful reminder that, despite our differences, we are all connected through our shared experiences and emotions. The film's central message, "non pouvoir hablar no significa no que se tenga nada que decir" (not being able to speak doesn't mean you have nothing to say), resonates deeply, inspiring empathy and understanding for those who may communicate in ways that are different from our own.

Where can I stream The Reason I Jump? Toggle content

You can stream The Reason I Jump on:

What movies are similar to The Reason I Jump? Toggle content

Some movies that have similar genres and were produced around the same time as The Reason I Jump include Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut, Three Identical Strangers, Take Care of Maya, David Foster: Off the Record, Nǎi Nai & Wài Pó, Ronaldo vs. Messi: Face Off!.

When was The Reason I Jump released in theaters? Toggle content

The Reason I Jump was released in theaters on July 18, 2021.