Amy Adler
Michael (Chad Willett) had been taking care of his ailing and dying mother for years, preventing him from working elsewhere. The two couldn't afford other care and Michael wanted to stay with his mother anyway, due to longterm abuse by the father (Terry O'Quinn), no longer around. Now, with his mother deceased, Michael wonders what to do with himself. Happily, a job in a nursing home opens up near him, fitting his skills in patient care. Also, Michael has submitted an application for a major college scholarship. Perhaps, at some near point, Michael can get married to his longtime, beautiful girlfriend, Faye (Marguerite Moreau). Not so fast, alas. One, Faye gets accepted to UCLA medical school, a long distance away from Nevada. Two, and more importantly, Faye's father asks Michael to exit her life, feeling he is not good enough for his little gal. Huh. In the meanwhile, Michael makes friends with a lonely resident, Esther (Vanessa Redgrave), whose will to live is not strong. She has a locket and a tale of lost love in her head, you see. But, Michael succeeds in gaining her trust and affection. The handsome nurse's aid even begins a search for E's former, near-fiancé. Yet, because Faye leaves to go to school and their future is uncertain, Michael accepts a New Year's Eve outing with fellow worker Alice. This young lady is the daughter of the owner and she is being groomed for a leadership position. However, although at times she seems friendly, Michael is aghast to find her abusing a patient, Henry (Brock Peters). All too soon, Michael is framed for murder, instead, for this abuse, as Henry dies soon after. Michael tells his court-appointed attorney that he is innocent. But, wait kind of future awaits this seemingly fine man?This is a lovely film, made with care by the high-standard folks at Hallmark. The cast, including the superb Redgrave and Mary McConnell as the nursing home director, gives the movie a powerful asset, for the story has almost too many matters to lay out. These include spousal abuse, nursing home situations, lost loves, murder, and the more. It's almost too much to fit into one flick! That said, the setting is quite lovely and the direction keeps the tale from becoming totally derailed. Those who like Hallmark films should find this new addition to the Hall of Fame offerings.
Warren Kwek
The Locket is a movie mainly about faith. Michael Keddington lost his mother due to lung cancer which made him devastated...not to mention his alcoholic father...Due to his doctor's advice, he decided to work in White wood, an old-folks home. There he was assigned to take care of a bitter reluctant old woman named Esther Huish. She didn't accept Michael at first but soon she found out that both of them had similar problems in their life. So she befriended him...guiding him in everything. She taught him how to forgive and how to have faith in everything he does. Shortly, after everything Michael was facing was solved, Esther died of old age along with other health problems.This show has proved itself to be a remarkable Hallmark film. When I watched this spectacular movie, I was overwhelmed. It's all about romance, drama, and most importantly...faith. It's almost a crime to miss it. If you're from Malaysia, catch it on Hallmark channel Astro...
orient_celts
The movie opens at the time Michael Keddington is caring for his mother but she eventually passes away, leaving Michael despondent. Taken cue from a doctor-friend's advice, he applies for work at the nursing home. There, he is assigned to take care of Esther and a fledging friendship arise that later becomes a strong bond between them until the end.
There were a lot of favorite parts from the movie but the ones that stood out were: Michael and Esther scenes. To me, those scenes touched me in various levels especially when Esther tells him that she believes in him during his court trial period (Michael felt all parts of his life was tumbling down ie: he broke up with his gf and his scholarship was retracted) when no one else seem to believe that he didn't kill Henry (one of the Nursing home's residents). Esther was also instrumental in leading Faye back to Michael's side. The movie also tells of forgiveness and healing.
allan-81
chad willet and vanessa redgrave are authentic and genuine in this masterpiece which i've seen thrice and gotten tears in my eyes every time - and i am not usually sentimental. the powerful emotions of trust, love, kindness, betrayal are skillfully portrayed and i will be watching this movie over and again over the years.