A Promise to Astrid

This is apparently a true story about a very kind and generous woman. However, the film, like so many Christian films, isn't very well made. The dialog is sometimes stilted and awkwardly delivered, the lighting is rough, and the main character has a bad wig. I thought the big reveal would be that she was a cancer patient, but there was a haircut scene near the end, so I guess it was actually supposed to be her hair. Also, these Christian filmmakers seem confused about denominations. Mike attends a Protestant church with a married minister, but he has a rosary and Catholic art in his house. They cared about this story and wanted to remember a special lady, so I don't want to be too harsh. I watched this because I knew somebody who was in it and I guess I was just expecting something that didn't look so homespun.

For what it is (low budget and a Christian film) it's rather good in my opinion. Not being a Christian myself I'm one of the rare types that still love the books and movies simply for the feel good story telling and those stories about overcoming the odds against you. Astrid was very clearly an amazing woman who touched many lives. If you're looking for great production quality go elsewhere, but if you are the type more interested in just seeing a story of a real life person that will make you smile or tear up this is a good option for you.

Watching this film I was reminded of the old Millionaire series where Marvin Miller kept giving out million dollar checks every week to some lucky soul to do with as they please. Seeing A Promise To Astrid I was thinking how remarkable if true.

Then I see the film was based on a novel and then it was like the old series. Soon enough old John Beresford Tipton would leave his magnificent estate Silverstone for the poorhouse.

Thus it would be for our old lady protagonist Astrid who is constantly looking for people and causes to give money to. The cast whom none of you will know save for Dean Cain from he Lois&Clark series is sincere but working on a project that defies logic.

Charity has its limits.

Clearly not a big budget movie, but it didn't need it. Great story, good acting. Even the wig was perfect. Worth the time.

I watched the movie and then read the book. Yes there was alot of diiferences. However I think that is the way it is most movies based on true stories. Hollywood changes some of the story line to fit into the making of the movie. The young lady playing Cindy Is from the Urkain so her acting maybe a little different than what we are used to in the US. If you read the book the actor portraying and Astrid had a lot in common. I sure hope it will eventually be put on DVD soon so I can give it to friends. I have already passed the book to a couple of my friends. I watched the movie with an open mind with lesson we are supposed to learn from Astrid. She was a special lady with a sweet and kind spirit. We should all follow her example