solitaire-77488 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!

Amy Adler In the English town of Gladbury, there is a legend that, at Christmas, an angel visits the candle maker and blesses one candle. Who ever buys that candle, will receive a miracle. If they are sick, they will be well; if poor, they will become rich and so on. Naturally, the candle maker is highly prized and visited. But, the town is about to experience change, as its the beginning of the twentieth century and electric lights are taking over. Gladbury also needs a new minister and one of the most influential townfolk knows who she wants. He is David Richmond (Hans Matheson) who once gave powerful sermons but has turned to helping the poor in London via the Salvation Army. AFter much discussion, Reverend Richmond agrees to relocate. On his journey, David encounters a lady, Emily Barstow (Samantha Barks) whose carriage horses refuse to pull her out of a stream. Although Miss Barstow initially turns down his aid, there is no other choice so she relents. Its obvious the new minister is struck by this spirited lady. Once in town, Reverend Richmond hears about the candle legend and doesn't like it. In his view, miracles are done by ordinary folks, taking care of their neighbors as Christ would have wanted. He demonstrates this by helping needy families repair homes and survive chaos. Most of all, David wants to light up the church with electric lights, changing things forever. This causes some waves. Especially upset are the candle makers, The Haddingtons, who are dumbstruck to witness the angel's visit but lose the chosen candle in their enormous pile. As a last ditch effort, this couple proceed to give out ALL of their candles to the village residents and hope that a miracle will prove their story. Can it be? This beautiful movie is difficult to encapsulate, as there are several story lines and issues. Nonetheless, it is a very beautiful film with a fine cast, especially Matheson who is wonderful. Susan Boyle is also one of the town's residents and her glorious voice is heard in the movie, from time to time. Then, too, the historic sets, costumes, story and touching direction all combine to produce a lovely movie. Christians will also adore the themes, as the flick is based on a book by Max Lucado. Light up your own movie viewing by finding this one, in season or out.

filmguyCI I saw this film around the holidays with the hope it would help put me in the Christmas spirit. It didn't. Although well intentioned, this film is a huge misfire.Every 25 years, the town candle maker is given (magically?) a candle that grants the wish of the villager who receives it. For the sake of story, why not make it every 5 years because the villagers would likely forget after 25 years....but i digress. The new pastor in town tries to dispute this myth as he has his own reason to not believe in miracles. Sounds good right?Wrong. The story becomes increasingly muddled and boring with side plots of the villagers, each of whom wants the candle for their own reasons. Susan Boyle plays one of the villagers whose husband is ill. If you think Ms. Boyle is awkward in real life, wait till you see her try to act!I hate to be a grinch, but this movie and the sappy conclusion left me cold. On a positive note, nice job with the scenery and capturing the quaintness of a 19th century village.

CometDarner If you like inspiring, hope-filled Christmas movies, then you'll definitely want to see "The Christmas Candle." I was pleasantly surprised at how well the movie was made. It would definitely hold up to any mainstream movie in its genre. The acting was great overall, the costumes were beautiful and it was easy to get drawn into the story. I also really like how they introduced Susan Boyle's character. The characters in the movie deal with real, relatable hardships and disappointments as they all secretly hope for a Christmas miracle. This movie celebrates communities coming together, faith and the true meaning of Christmas. It leaves you with the warm, uplifted feeling you hope to have after watching a Christmas movie.