The Blessing Bracelet

8.0 stars.

As it got underway I could see this was going to be a special film. It's nice to have a story that is not totally outrageous with the miracles and the fluffy Christianity from a ridiculous perspective. A lot of Hallmark movies overstate these "miracles", making them out to be modern fairy tales. Yes, I believe in miracles, but how can we rightly believe that God will answer every little question or request by sending a fantastical set of signs and wonders? I would be in the majority who find those sorts of movies to be unconvincing.

'The Blessing Bracelet' is an understated version of an inspirational film, a tale of a woman who resorts to prayer to reconstruct a devastated life. Her husband disappeared 3 years ago leaving her and their son alone with massive debts. She is about to lose the house and she's in a very grim state trying to pick up the pieces of her life and learn to gain trust in men and life in general. God answers her prayers in a subtle yet undeniable way, and she builds her life once again until she is now in a better place than she was before. It's quite an endearing story of redemption, community and charity.

I came to this film because it stars Amanda Schull, a delightful actress whose career I have followed since she first appeared in film, playing Jody in "Center Stage". Here, she plays Dawn, a divorced mother with a son, who is facing foreclosure on the family home. She is desperately looking for a second job, hoping to pull herself out of the financial morass that her ex-husband left her.

This Hallmark film leaves little doubt about its main theme. The word "believe" runs all through the dialogue. It leans heavily on a faith-based approach to life, as symbolized by the church. But the primary lesson Dawn learns is to believe in herself; and that belief allows her to stop dwelling on the past and doubting her future.

The story is good for the Easter season-another religious aspect of the film. But the holiday of Easter arose from pagan traditions that celebrated the vernal equinox and the renewals of Spring, the hope for rebirth and fertility.

There is a romance within this story. It develops rather routinely, along Hallmarkian lines. It even includes the eleventh hour conflict that threatens the romance. Does anyone else think many of these conflicts are dubious at best?

Besides the theme of "belief", there are other reminders to celebrate and give small gifts. That, in itself, is another good reason to enjoy this touching film.

This is the story of Dawn a divorced single mom who is on the verge of having her home foreclosed upon by the bank. Her ex-husband has skipped out after putting his wife and son in a pretty big financial hole. Dawn, who already has a job at the local vet gets a second job waitressing at a local restaurant. Through faith or luck she meets Ben and starts selling these blessing bracelets that she used to make in high school. The bracelets take off, just like her relationship with Ben and his dog Lollie.

The two leads in this faith based romance had wonderful on screen chemistry and great actors, Carlo Marks and Amanda Schull. I appreciated that both Ben and Dawn still had both their parents and they were supportive...as was their local church community.

Normally I would complain about yet another divorce storyline on Hallmark, but I think this one was handled well and didn't bother me with this overall sad theme. In fact quite the reverse the overall message was one of hope. The Easter festivities were a highlight and it was fun to see all of the pastel colors, eggs and flowers.

I highly recommend this to fans of romance and faith based tv.

I like it for fair exploration of sensitive themes. For nice simplicity of bracelets. For the fair reference to faith, God, comunity solidarity. For dog and for return of husband and for trust problem.

Each of them just mazzers because ech Hallmark romance, having same recipe, can be interesting only for smart use of spices. In this case, sure, in old dusty formulas, the touch of religious area is inspired option.

In rest, familiar things, from single mother to the secret of her boyfriend, to the nice work of supporting actors - Marilyn Norry is the revelation of film, offering the so useful - realistic portrait of Pearl - and the boy working for his mom happiness.

In short, just beautiful surprising.

I was drawn to this movie because of the casting directors. Jackie Lind and Penny Perry are two of the top casting executives in the world. It has been a while since I have seen them team up because every time they did I loved the movie. I know it may be stupid to an average viewer, but these two are like Batman and Robin. They just never go wrong. Their movies are classic Hallmark.

I was absolutely shocked that Hallmark would return to a faith based movie. Hallmark has returned to a wholesome show. To be honest, I have turned off many a recent Hallmark movie within the first 15 minutes. The chemistry between the two leads is excellent, and the supporting cast fills in many of the lulls between the lead interactions. To hear Hallmark mentioned the word God unabashedly is absolutely fundamental for those of us who remember and wish Hallmark would return to the good all days.

I don't review movies to tell you what to expect and give a synopsis of the show. I did enjoy the show and would recommend it.