The Christmas Candle

I went to watch this movie knowing it was a tale about hope, inspiration and people. I was not disappointed, enjoyed the characters and message from beginning to end. It is the absolute opposite from zombies, explosions, murder and mayhem, and is all the better for it. Not sure if the movie is true to every historical aspect of the time portrayed, but that is not the point. While the audience was small, there were applause at the end, and some folks wiping their eyes and not rushing to get out of the theater. Beware the onion ninjas when watching. Watch this movie with an appreciation for the human spirit and faith, you will not be disappointed and wish we had more movies like this to watch instead of the normal trashy Hollywood fare.

Cute old time Christmas movie with the possibility of miracles. Many reviews complain about the religious aspect of this film. There's definitely a message in the movie it's too bad those who couldn't see past the Christian theme didn't understand it.

Plot In A Paragraph: In the heart of the English countryside lies the village of Gladbury. Legend has it every 25 years an angel visits the village candlemaker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end. When David Richmond (Hans Matheson), a young minister, arrives in Gladbury, the villagers discover a new formula for miracles: good deeds and acts of kindness. While David's quest to modernize Gladbury sets him at odds with the old world candlemaker (Sylvester McCoy) he finds an unlikely ally in the lovely skeptic, Emily Barstow (Samantha Barks). Now, the fiery candlemaker must fight to preserve the legacy of the Christmas Candle.

Not sure why I've read so much hate about this movie, it has some good performances especially Barks, McCoy and John Hannah. Susan Boyle is here too, and she performs admirably. It's far from perfect but it was a pleasant way to spend a cold winters afternoon.

I have loved Samantha Barks since I first seen her in "Les Miserables" I think she is both gorgeous and talented, and will continue to look out for her work.

One of the best Christmas movies! Has romance without being a "rom-com". Sentimental without being cheesy. Faith filled without being preachy. Some predictability but some sweet surprises too.

Great message, great theme, great movie! At a time when the country is down, this movie provides the inspiration of faith - faith in God and faith in our common man, and provides insights int the moral high ground, which is so desperately needed in today's society. Some critics would endeavor to apply some sort of anal-retentive logic, which, if otherwise applied to any current Hollywood movie, would deem them absurd, at best. This movie effuses the smell of ambrosial roses when compared to the wreaking odor of the garbage that currently comes out of Hollywood. Many critics miss the striking symbolism and moral overtones involved in this movie, and they fail to elucidate on the natural emotive response that the audience is sure to feel during this wonderful drama.