Hello again! Yes, it's been a few weeks, but things are very busy here, so no real time for films. However, this week we have the opportunity to settle down and watch a film and as it is only six more Tuesdays until Christmas, why not watch a Christmas movie?
Stop moaning! You love Christmas!
Anyway, tonight we are shutting out the cold, huddling under the blanket and watching;
The Christmas Candle
We have been neglecting our film duties recently, so to come back and straight into a Christmas film is a bit of a challenge. Luckily The Christmas Candle has stood up to the test. The one thing that it has going for it is the fact it is a British film and British Christmas films have been very sparse of late. Also it is a simple and traditional story, just what you want in an uncomplicated feelgood festive film.
Set in the 1890s, The Christmas Candle is centred on the small village of Gladbury, where a legend tells of Christmas miracles that occur every 25 years, when an angel appears and blesses a candle at the local chandlery. Whoever receives the candle, lights it and prays, will be bestowed with a Christmas miracle.
Stick with the fanciful plot, the whole point of these films is to bestow the warmth of the Christmas season on the viewer, so allow the magic of the story in, it'll be worth it.
The Haddingtons have run the chandlery for many years and it is currently in the hands of Edward Haddington, played absolutely superbly by ex Doctor Who; Sylvester McCoy. Unfortunately it looks like the run of Haddingtons making candles in Gladbury will stop, as the Haddington's son is making his living running an electric light company in London. So the candles are out and the electric light is in. That is one thread of the plot to follow.
The main attention of the film is upon the Reverend David Richmond (Hans Matheson), an up and coming vicar, renowned for his inspirational sermons, who is invited to Gladbury to become the local vicar. He accepts the invitation, but soon discovers the legend of the Christmas candle and is aghast that the locals hang their hopes upon such a ridiculous notion. He wants to turn the village around and use his style to promote a more traditional and religious ideal, rather than rely on false hopes.
There is quite a lot more to the story than this brief synopsis, but to say too much will perhaps tarnish some of that Christmas sparkle that you should get from watching this heartwarming tale. Hans Matheson is particularly well cast as the fresh faced vicar, keen to make the wishes of his parish come true, without having to rely on Christmas candle miracles. Samantha Barks is also well cast as Emily Barstow, a love interest for our young vicar, who clearly cannot resist her beautiful dimples. Other notable luminaries in this quaint story are Barbara Flynn and John Hannah who add some class to the cast.
Rounding off the cast is an unusual, but inspired piece of casting - if only for her singing voice. The Christmas Candle provides a vehicle for Susan Boyle's first outing as an actor. Judging by her acting prowess, it may well be her last! Wooden is not the word. At least it provided some moments of levity, albeit ones that were not in the story. She was in fine voice for the singing though, to be fair to her and all joking aside, it was good to see her give acting a go.
As a Christmas film it ticks all the boxes and more. It is heartwarming, it is traditional. It isn't overtly religious, but does promote the real Christmas values, from the real Christmas story. There's no Santa Claus or Father Christmas, just traditional Victorian Christmas themes, one could almost say Dickensian. All of which are plus points.
Definitely a winning combination that was enjoyed by all of us here. Add it to your list of Christmas films to watch!
TNiFN Rating 80%
IMDB Link
No comments:
Post a Comment