Hallmark movies tend to be formulaic. Blonde heroine, looking for love, smiling frantically at strong, handsome hero..She flutters her eyelashes just often enough, he remains appealing, but unattainable, she giggles and smiles frantically, he softens, and in the end, all is resolved with a kiss and a staged, contrived, silly-looking Hallmark wedding.
This movie defies all those cliches. .and therein lies its appeal. Both the heroine and the male lead have their own internal conflicts..each one has an ethic about their work and commitments, yet each one with dream that needs manifesting and deserves fulfilling. The conflict in both characters draws them to one another, ..yet there is nothing syrupy or typical in their attraction.
Of course, it's a Hallmark movie..so we know they will end up in each others arms..but the road they take to arrive there is so much more serious and mature than almost any Hallmark movie has dared to present. This film actually defies the typical route Hallmark movies take. For one, each of the leads is a fully mature, successful adult with a responsible work identity and obligations. Each has a personal goal, but obstacles that prevent an easy solution. In their relationship with one another, they find encouragement, and support for those dreams and goals..and this growing support between two people is portrayed in a mature and serious manner. There is no flirting, no silliness, no manipulation of one another.
The additional appeal in this film is the third lead, the 'other woman', who is portrayed as a serious, thoughtful, mature character. Her beauty and her deep, comforting voice make her all the more a realistic character and give her a sympathetic appeal.
This is a movie worth watching twice..There is much to enjoy (including some beautiful professional ballet segments) and, more importantly, much to learn about how to move through a life struggle and find ones dream and passion manifested.
