I Heard the Bells

I'll start this by saying that sappy, feel-good movies are not my personal taste. Keeping that in mind, this film was a delight. The acting, costuming and script were all meticulous and successful in transporting the viewer to the world of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. While this movie was certainly Christmas-themed, and had moments of sappy merryness, the approach tied in strongly with character development and plot. The strong character development led to multiple tearjerker moments interspersed with a few appropriate moments of lightheartedness. I definitely appreciated the attention to detail present in this film, especially since Christmassy and religious movies often get a pass from viewers because the movie is generally "wholesome" or "Christian". I Heard the Bells definitely benefits from the atmosphere of Christmas but doesn't use it or Jesus in general as a crutch like oh so many other religious movies do. Highly recommended, especially for Christmas movie lovers who despise the genre's predicability and poor character development.

Note for potential viewers: there is roughly 10 minutes of behind-the-scenes footage after the credits.

I knew the story of Longfellow's life and his writing of the poem before seeing the movie, so I was apprehensive about how honestly and accurately they would tell the story. Also as someone who studies material culture of the mid-nineteenth century, I was afraid that obvious inaccuracies would be permitted. Fortunately neither of my fears or apprehensions were realized. The movie honestly shows the doubts and depression Longfellow had. The sets and costumes were more authentic than most big budget Hollywood films. Details like hats and hairstyles as well as the set were all correct. In one scene we noticed a picture had been hung over a modern light switch to make the room authentically 19th century. Kudos for the accuracy and the emotional authenticity.

Such a wonderful film and heartfelt story. There are some scenes that might bring tears as well as a smile. Perfect timing for Christmas.

While, I was familiar with much of Henry Longfellow's majestic poetry, I didn't know much about his personal life. Beautifully filmed and acted with sets and costumes that made it feel like the 1860s. Glad that the production depicted the influence of Christianity and faith which had a profound impact upon his life and his family. Highly recommended for family viewing.

My wife and I enjoyed the movie thoroughly. I hope to see this in future Christmas seasons. I look forward to the movie becoming available for DVD and digital purchase and rent in the near future.

I was going to comment last night but I wanted more time to think on what I wanted to say. So strange that it had an 8.6 rating then and now just a 7.7🤔🤔🤔 No other reviews have been added since!

But anyway...I don't think ANY movie has touched me so deeply. The commonalities to my own made it almost unbearably hard to continue watching. Did some research and the movie was very factual to the accounts I could find. I just wonder if those were actual letters, and if so, are they on display at his home?? (Along with her diary.)🤔 I would only like to know if those letters and her diary are still intact and on display somewhere. Go see this! But take LOTS of tissue!!

I was incredibly surprised at what a great movie this was! Knowing that this was based on fact makes it that much more amazing. Such a incredible story of sadness and faith. I was in tears from the beginning of the movie to the end of the movie. Was cast really well and sets were very authentic looking. I honestly didn't think this was going to be a movie that I would be that interested in, but the ratings were good so we decided to see it. We were not disappointed!! What a nice inspiration of faith to start the Christmas season. One of the most powerful movies I've seen this year. I hope this company continues to produce more of these.