Edge of the Garden

This Hallmark romance is notable for its fantasy elements that relate to an aberration in the time continuum. That aspect reminds me of "Somewhere in Time."

Brian Connor (Rob Estes) temporarily relocates in Maine for a business assignment. He is a no nonsense kind of guy. A local real estate agent suggests he buy a neglected cottage rather than lease a modern, urban space. Though it is against his nature, something about the property draws him in. And in the process of renovation, he finds a locket that triggers a mysterious adventure that has romantic consequences.

The story holds up despite the complications of time displacement. And the transformation of Brian's personality is believable. This is a different kind of romance, but most Hallmark fans should enjoy it.

The plot was fairly well done and the characters wholly believable for a fantasy! I like Rob Estes acting alot and always feel he is underrated. The setting was perfect for a fantasy, reminding me somewhat of the Enchanted Cottage, a very old movie based on fantasy also. It moved along well, even though it jumped back and forth - which it really had to in order to tell the story from both historic and contemporary period. I didn't care for the paramour of his and felt her acting was beneath others. Too "cookie cutter" for me. I loved the ending which tied it ALL together and was a 'win win' for those of us who appreciate the hard work of life that LEADS to an actual, "happy ending" with wisdom of age prevailing and an understanding and empathy of how things were vs. How things are.

For those curious, this reviewer has been quite harsh in discussion of Canadian films, especially those pretending to be about somewhere else, or someone else, or anything else than what the film actually is.

This could be the exception that proves the rule. On the surface a typical low budget Canuck flick shot in BC but (astonishingly) pretending to take place in Maine, chockablock with delightful Canadian small town sets, starring actors you may never see again in your lifetime, many of whom have not quite managed to hide that distinctive Canuck accent.

So aside from lack of pretence, what is there to actually recommend this film? A really neat story, mainly. Similar perhaps to some of the "time travel" romance movies that have been done before (the classic is Matheson's BID TIME RETURN, filmed under a different name) but yet different enough to be entertaining and still hold the attention.

Yes, Hollywood could do a better job. But this one 'aint bad at all.

If you suspend belief and just let yourself be entertained by it's simple,heart-warming message,you will be transported back to a more innocent time and place..in your heart and mind. Another reviewer asked if it was possible for hyacinths and roses to be flowering at the same time. In the north,yes.Both bloom in the spring,hyacinths in early spring and roses in mid-spring.. with that said nothing should detract from simply enjoying this as a simple romantic pleasure with a twist..Don't worry about endings or plausibility.Simply let yourself enjoy the period dialogue,mannerisms,cars,and great performances by the two lead characters. Anyone who became a romantic fan of Somewhere in Time or The Love Letter will find enjoyment in the adaption of impossible love..somewhere in the garden.Highly encourage you to see this.

The Edge of the Garden (2011)

Looking for a fun romantic fantasy for an evening together with a loved one.

Light and easy to follow has all the needed elements an unhappily married woman. A gardener who understands the stress of moving from the city to Maineand tries to help the wife emotionally deal with a demanding husband. A young urban professional who's new job takes him to Maine and purchases the Maine home nearly 50 years after the original couple had abandoned the home.

I think you would be delighted. Add to the fantasy a Maine ghostly mystery that transverses three generations and I think this movie will keep your attention.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.