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I Heard the Bells

  • 2022
  • PG
  • 1h 50m
IMDb RATING
6.7/10
1.1K
YOUR RATING
I Heard the Bells (2022)
The inspiring story behind the writing of the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Play trailer2:13
1 Video
14 Photos
Period DramaBiographyDramaFamilyWar

The inspiring story behind the writing of the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.The inspiring story behind the writing of the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.The inspiring story behind the writing of the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

  • Director
    • Joshua Enck
  • Writers
    • Joshua Enck
    • Jeff Bender
  • Stars
    • Stephen Atherholt
    • Rachel Day Hughes
    • Jonathan Blair
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.7/10
    1.1K
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Joshua Enck
    • Writers
      • Joshua Enck
      • Jeff Bender
    • Stars
      • Stephen Atherholt
      • Rachel Day Hughes
      • Jonathan Blair
    • 26User reviews
    • 6Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:13
    Official Trailer

    Photos14

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    Top cast64

    Edit
    Stephen Atherholt
    Stephen Atherholt
    • Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
    Rachel Day Hughes
    Rachel Day Hughes
    • Fanny Longfellow
    Jonathan Blair
    Jonathan Blair
    • Charley Longfellow
    Zach Meeker
    • Ernest Longfellow
    Ava Munn
    • Alice Mary Longfellow
    Eloise McComas
    • Edith Longfellow
    Lucy Amos
    • Anne Allegra Longfellow
    Chris Wert
    • Thomas Appleton
    Chris Faith
    • Reverend
    Johnny Russell
    • Adjutant General
    Syvia Glory
    • Mary
    Shane Litchfield
    • Elliot Gleason
    Daniel Stargel
    Daniel Stargel
    • Senator Charles Sumner
    Carl Anderson
    • Josiah Wilson
    Rodney Coe
    Rodney Coe
    • Banquet Host
    Jeff Bender
    • Commanding Officer
    Wes Wise
    • Richard
    Seth G. Antes
    • Dr. Babayev
    • (as Seth Garrett Antes)
    • Director
      • Joshua Enck
    • Writers
      • Joshua Enck
      • Jeff Bender
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews26

    6.71.1K
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    Featured reviews

    9wagnlaura

    Inspiring

    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.
    10peggysue422

    Magnificent

    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!!
    8ashcatash-39485

    Excellent little film

    I came to the theater with no great expectations and was pleasantly surprised. The story was interesting and the acting was solid. I found myself interested and engaged throughout, plus I learned a lot about the life of Longfellow.

    It's not a stellar blockbuster movie, but I would watch it again at Christmas time because it really does get you in the spirit. I liked how they included Longfellow's other poems throughout the film. And it was religious without being overly preachy or sappy.

    A solid decent film. My mother also enjoyed it, as did the other audience members around me. I give it a happy 8 out of 10.

    Merry Christmas!
    8dowdey-59096

    Authentic in the best way

    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.
    10kyinzara

    A+ performance, historical tear jerker with a happy, inspirational twist!

    I had the pleasure of seeing this movie (which was sold out) on opening night at the big screen with some family. I felt the need to write a review because I was certainly drawn in and engaged the entire movie. Firstly, I had never heard of this particular movie production group so because I was that impressed by their work, I am writing this review. My hope is that people will side step the assumption that because it's low budget, or because the production team is not Hollywood grade, it's not worth seeing. Instead, my hope is they will consider heading to the theaters to give this production group a chance. The acting was amazing, the music was on point and added to the dramatic effect of the movie. The plot line was not rushed or crammed, and faith, religion was included but not overly extensive. I was most impressed with the music, coloring, the landscape and overall the performance of the actors. I loved that the movie centered around Christmas but approached with a different perspective, rather than just the general jolly happy nature that Christmas movies usually display. Be warned, you may feel a rush of emotion due to the sad nature of what inspired this movie to begin with. The fact the team did a fantastic job to even produce emotions in the audience is why it's worth being an addition to your Xmas movie list this year! Great job Sight and Sound I really look forward to more of your work in the near future.

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      A car from the Norfolk & Western rail line appears in the rail yard scene. The N&W didn't come into existence until 1881
    • Quotes

      Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: If God gave me the voice of a poet, then why did he take my poetry from me?

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    FAQ

    • How long is I Heard the Bells?Powered by Alexa

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 1, 2022 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official site
      • Official Site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Çanlar Çalıyor
    • Production company
      • Sight & Sound Films
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Gross US & Canada
      • $5,644,104
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $2,016,504
      • Dec 4, 2022
    • Gross worldwide
      • $5,679,267
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

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    • Runtime
      1 hour 50 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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