Fantastic!

Don't listen to the negative reviews

As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

This film was beautifully written and well acted. I normally don't leave reviews but I saw that Lesley Manville complained about Susan Boyle being chosen for a role as she felt she could only sing and not act, so I felt compelled to put in my own opinion.First of all, Ms. Boyle has a truly angelic voice. But she thoroughly surprised me by being a very good actress who is a pure natural in this film. She speaks and acts as if this is a real life situation and pulls the viewer into the film. She is not trying to gain accolades or steal the screen from anyone...she is simply doing her job. And what a wonderful job she did, especially for it being her very first time! What a very humble woman she is, indeed. Perhaps Lesley Manville could use a lesson or two in manners and humility?Having said that, all in all, this film is a breath of fresh air compared to all of the rubbish being shown these days. Your children could watch this and not leave you worrying about nudity, violence or foul language. It opens up all sorts of possibilities for children to ask genuine questions about their own beliefs and for adults to ponder things such as faith, hope and...dare we even think it?...Miracles! I give it 10 stars b/c ALL the actors did a wonderful job at pulling the viewer into the story and holding our attention in a very comfortable way. The world needs more films like this that are clean and refreshing. Well done everyone! And thank you!

This movie is truly a family Christmas movie for all ages. It was very refreshing. The characters were really fun and the cinematography was really beautiful! The film's message is all about hope and loving others well. I fully enjoyed it.Susan Boyle's singing in the film was really beautiful. As far as her acting, unfortunately, I was unimpressed. However, all the other characters were believable and lovable. I was equally impressed by the costumes.I feel the story might have fallen apart a little towards the end, but all in all, not enough to destroy the film nor the message. There will definitely be some religious humor that younger audiences probably won't understand, but the humor throughout the film is never crass or inappropriate by any standard. If you are looking for a family friendly or simply a positive clean film, this is one to put on the list. Enjoy!

This was a wonderful Christmas movie that focuses on the true meaning of Christmas - helping each other and making our own miracles happen. This is a story about a minister who has had his faith shaken after a tragedy in his personal life. It was engaging as he made discoveries in himself while attempting to help a town that was obsessed with the "Christmas candle" legend. Both the minister and the town learn from each other. The surprise ending was a perfect way to wrap up the story. The acting was great and the costumes, scenery and cinematography were beautiful. We went as a family with teenagers and grandparents. It was enjoyed by young and old. Highly recommend this movie for Christians especially.

This movie is a must-see heart-warming quality movie this holiday. It tells of an old English village's tradition and how vibrant hope becomes contagious, as doubts are addressed and worked out. In effect, the community learns to look outside their problems, embrace community, and renew hope. This movie features Susan Boyle's delicate and angelic voice, and despite her green acting, it was a sweet touch. It's cruel for reviewers to rate this movie so low as this IS a great film. Yes it may be a "cutesie" Christmas movie, but defiantly not cheesy! Perhaps the content is the primary offense for those rating anything below a 5. I imagine the criteria for anything lower than a 5 would be spotty acting, horrible editing, music and a pathetic, non- entertaining plot. Everything from the lighting, screen writing and flow is solid. I suggest seeing this movie for yourself. No doubt placing first time actors on the screen can alter its ratings, but I don't see how some justify their "1/10" or even "4/10" ratings. Although it doesn't have a complete 3-D sensory overload, ground-breaking techniques or Oscar-winning performances by all cast, it is great movie.I appreciate that Hans Matheson and Samantha Barks characters flesh out deep pains, and express their doubts. There are beautiful twists in the movie, and despite the "religious" message, hope itself is a breath of fresh air. So, just for the sheer psychological, emotional and mental benefits this is a great movie to see during this season (studies prove that even the idea of hope itself can promote healing and happiness http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/11/health/hope-healing-enayati/).I've rated this movie at a 10, as despite it being a niche, genre holiday movie, it contains all aspects needed to entertain, encourage and inspire viewers with the "Christmas spirit". This is a kid-friendly movie and good traditional movie, that I hope becomes a classic. It disappoints me that viewers critiques is so low, therefore I rated this the highest possible as there must be a true balance to all those posting "1/10". I encourage you to see the Christmas Candle to judge for yourself.