“You weren't an accident. You weren't mass produced. You aren't an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman.”
― Max Lucado, The Christmas Candle
I went to watch this film confident in the knowledge that I would probably enjoy it, but without (what I thought were) unrealistic expectations.
I was very pleasantly surprised to see Susan appear within the first few minutes of the start of the film, singing in the church! The acoustics were made for it, of course....
The story line was a little predictable, certainly, but I loved the ambience of the setting, and there are some very good actors in the film: James Cosby, John Hannah, Sylvester McCoy, Barbara Flynn and Lesley Manville - all well respected actors over here.
My one criticism would be concerning the two young leads, Samantha Barks and Hans Matheson who failed to convince me they were from the era in question. A little more attention to accent and mode of speech would have helped immensely. There was a little too much of the 20th/21st century in their pronunciation. That would, perhaps, be more obvious to us on this side of the Pond than in the U.S.
Susan's acting actually impressed me far more than I thought it would! Her expressions spoke volumes; the accusatory, condemning stares after her husband's death said it all, and in the graveside scene, Susan literally looked ashen and in shock. I found the scene very powerful.
I think that the fact that Susan spoke her parts naturally in the film was far more difficult than it would have been to overplay her part. We should remember that in the 1890s, generally speaking, men were very much in charge of the household. Women played a far more subservient role.
The other point I feel I should make is that in the Victorian era (and beyond) the Church and Chapels played an integral role in the lives of small villages! I think it would have been very difficult to produce a film like The Christmas Candle without the religious aspect.
Of course the story line was a bit 'sappy'. This is a feel-good Christmas film that has been produced from a not-very-good novelette! But, at Christmas, I do enjoy this sort of film! Admittedly, it was necessary to focus on the details to follow the story and ultimately 'connect the dots' but it came together well enough in the end.
The baby was adorable! Who could fail to smile when he made an appearance? Of course, the story of his birth echoed that of the nativity in many ways, but I'm a sucker for happy endings. I'm being deliberately vague on all details here, so as not to spoil it for would-be viewers.
Even Susan/Eleanor and the vicar made their peace. I suppose the moral was that Eleanor's faith proved stronger than her grief.....
I also liked the light-hearted moments; the vicar learning to knit, to answer the prayer of the lady who prayed for a companion to knit with. I loved how each village member or family in some way helped meet the needs of a neighbour, and reaped benefit themselves in the process. What goes round, comes round, as the old adage goes!
I think I might buy the video when it comes out, to play at Christmas. I really did enjoy it.
Susan appeared a lot more than I expected her to, as well. That was an added bonus!
I would recommend anyone to go watch this film. Ignore the cynics. If you enjoy films like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street" you'll enjoy The Christmas Candle. It's not going to nominated for any Oscars, but it's a watchable, enjoyable old-fashioned Christmas film. I wish there were more like it.
I was very pleasantly surprised to see Susan appear within the first few minutes of the start of the film, singing in the church! The acoustics were made for it, of course....
The story line was a little predictable, certainly, but I loved the ambience of the setting, and there are some very good actors in the film: James Cosby, John Hannah, Sylvester McCoy, Barbara Flynn and Lesley Manville - all well respected actors over here.
My one criticism would be concerning the two young leads, Samantha Barks and Hans Matheson who failed to convince me they were from the era in question. A little more attention to accent and mode of speech would have helped immensely. There was a little too much of the 20th/21st century in their pronunciation. That would, perhaps, be more obvious to us on this side of the Pond than in the U.S.
Susan's acting actually impressed me far more than I thought it would! Her expressions spoke volumes; the accusatory, condemning stares after her husband's death said it all, and in the graveside scene, Susan literally looked ashen and in shock. I found the scene very powerful.
I think that the fact that Susan spoke her parts naturally in the film was far more difficult than it would have been to overplay her part. We should remember that in the 1890s, generally speaking, men were very much in charge of the household. Women played a far more subservient role.
The other point I feel I should make is that in the Victorian era (and beyond) the Church and Chapels played an integral role in the lives of small villages! I think it would have been very difficult to produce a film like The Christmas Candle without the religious aspect.
Of course the story line was a bit 'sappy'. This is a feel-good Christmas film that has been produced from a not-very-good novelette! But, at Christmas, I do enjoy this sort of film! Admittedly, it was necessary to focus on the details to follow the story and ultimately 'connect the dots' but it came together well enough in the end.
The baby was adorable! Who could fail to smile when he made an appearance? Of course, the story of his birth echoed that of the nativity in many ways, but I'm a sucker for happy endings. I'm being deliberately vague on all details here, so as not to spoil it for would-be viewers.
Even Susan/Eleanor and the vicar made their peace. I suppose the moral was that Eleanor's faith proved stronger than her grief.....
I also liked the light-hearted moments; the vicar learning to knit, to answer the prayer of the lady who prayed for a companion to knit with. I loved how each village member or family in some way helped meet the needs of a neighbour, and reaped benefit themselves in the process. What goes round, comes round, as the old adage goes!
I think I might buy the video when it comes out, to play at Christmas. I really did enjoy it.
Susan appeared a lot more than I expected her to, as well. That was an added bonus!
I would recommend anyone to go watch this film. Ignore the cynics. If you enjoy films like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Miracle on 34th Street" you'll enjoy The Christmas Candle. It's not going to nominated for any Oscars, but it's a watchable, enjoyable old-fashioned Christmas film. I wish there were more like it.
