This is a powerful film with many scenes that stir the emotions.

Edna McCauley (Ellen Burstyn) receives seemingly supernatural or maybe even divine powers after an accident. Unlike the powers that Sissy Spacek received in "Carrie", and that many others have received – mainly in horror movies – Edna uses them to heal. In fact, the only person her unique gift hurts is herself; her life is overwhelmed by the effect her power has on others.

The film hasn't really dated, I remember seeing it on TV in the early 80's and I have never really forgotten it. It is gripping from start to finish and has more than one scene that will leave a lump in your throat.

This brilliantly original story explores Edna's relationship with her father and those closest to her. However, all her relationships become influenced by her mysterious and unasked for power. In fact, it seems as though the only person who keeps their balance as the story unfolds is Edna herself.

Set in a farming community in Kansas, her family, friends and neighbours are fairly religious by nature, but Edna attracts just as many sceptics as believers. Eventually, after things spiral out of control, she is forced to make a difficult decision about her future.

The production values of the film are functional more than inspired, however Maurice Jarre contributed a very good score; a return to form really, which along with "The Man Who Would Be King", "Witness" and "Moon Over Parador", is a step above his typical by-the-numbers scores of the 70's and 80's.

But the performances make this film. Ellyn Burstyn is brilliant – her performance allows Edna to be a woman first, a fact which is lost on nearly everyone who only see her great power as she lays her hands upon the afflicted to heal them. The other standout in the cast is Eva Le Gallienne as the wise and loving Grandma Pearl – the first to realise Edna's special gift. Sam Shepard adds an edgy element as Edna's unlikely lover, Cal, who can't come to terms with her power.

This film stays with you, and has an ending that is a choke-back-the-emotions moment if ever there was one, capping a unique movie experience.

A woman suffers a nearly fatal automobile accident and loses her husband. In her recovery, she discovers miraculous healing powers. "Resurrection" does not directly address the scientific or the spiritual explanations of faith healing. Rather, it focuses on the healing properties of love.

While there is much to say about the powerful message of "Resurrection," this review will focus primarily on the acting. The entire cast effortlessly and perfectly portray their characters even in the smaller roles. Ellen Burstyn, Sam Shepard, Richard Farnsworth, Roberts Blossom, and Eva Le Gallienne evoke especially memorable performances that ring true emotionally with many layers of raw feeling exposed.

Twenty-five years have passed since the release of "Resurrection." It is especially instructive to compare this film with movies in the twenty-first century that are action-intensive with sound tracks that overwhelm both the drama and the spoken word. In "Resurrection," it is refreshing to hear every word and syllable articulated so clearly by the performers. Eva Le Gallienne, a luminary of the American theatre, is a revelation in her small role, with beautiful, crisp speech along with powerful emotional nuances.

The healing scenes in the film were sensitively portrayed. Director Daniel Petrie and screenwriter Lewis John Carlino deserve kudos for this work. However, their contributions would not be realized without the incandescent performance of Ellen Burstyn. Again, it was her sensitive vocal characterization that was so effective in the powerful moments of healing. Her character Edna Mae was able to reach out to people and to make deep personal connections primary through her vocal inflections and her powerful aura of love.

When this film first appeared on the big screen in 1980, it did not receive much acclaim. And through the years, it has been difficult even to locate a copy on video. But "Resurrection" is a minor masterpiece and in its message of love, it is a film for the ages.

Edna (Ellen Burstyn) experiences the afterlife after a deadly car crash that killed her husband. She's paralysed and returns to her family in rural Kansas. There she finds she has an ability to heal and other supernatural powers. She's lauded for her healing powers. She's hounded by Cal (Sam Shepard) and she falls for him. Cal's father is a firebrand who accuses her the work of the devil. Edna's father calls her trash and whore, and kicks her out. But the biggest blow may come from Cal.

Ellen Burstyn is the master of her craft. She embraces this character without any limitations. I wish she had one guy in her life who isn't batcrap crazy. Her character is more compelling than the story. The story meanders as she deals with one crazy outburst after another. The religious tone is interesting but maybe upsetting to some. More balance with a lead character who isn't crazy would help.