MOVIE
REVIEW
“The Christmas Candle
is an instant holiday classic.”
Title:
THE CHRISTMAS CANDLE
Rating:
Starring:
Hans Matheson, Samantha
Barks, Lesley Manville,
Sylvester McCoy, John
Hannah, Susan Boyle.
Written by:
Candace Lee, Eric Newman,
based on the novel by Max
Lucado
Directed by:
John Stephenson
Genre:
Christmas, Drama
Running Time:
100 minutes
MPAA Rating:
PG
Production Company:
Pinewood Studios, Big Book
Media, Impact Productions
LLC
Released by:
EchoLight
Reviewed by:
Leah St John
20 > CHRISTIAN REVIEW
E
very 25 years, an angel visits the
Gladbury candlery, and a single
candle is blessed. This candle is
given to a special individual, and when lit a
miracle occurs. However, Gladbury's new
young minister, Daniel Richmond, is more
than a little suspicious about the truth of
The Christmas Candle. Times are changing,
and with the advancement of electricity
and light bulbs, candles are becoming
unnecessary. And so Daniel sets out to
prove to the villagers, and himself, that
they don’t need The Christmas Candle to
have a miraculous Christmas.
But when things in Gladbury take a turn for
the worst, he and the villagers just might
need the miracle of The Christmas Candle
after all.
The Christmas Candle is a fantastic movie.
Based on best-selling author Max Lucado’s
novel of the same name, it truly captures
the Spirit of Christmas. This film grabs your
attention and heart right from the get-go,
and through all of the drama, good-natured
humor, and both sad and inspirational
moments, it instills a sense of hope.
Hans Matheson brilliantly plays the
compassionate yet conflicted David
Richmond, and the rest of the cast follow
suit, bringing their A-game to their
respective roles. Also worth noting is that
The Christmas Candle is Susan Boyle’s
feature film debut. She has a wonderful
screen presence, backed up by her
beautiful, almost angelic singing, which is
featured throughout the film.
The cinematography throughout is
wonderful, and the costumes and setting in
a small English village truly capture the
tone/ambiance of 19th century England.
Not only does the film feel authentic, but
the visual aspects aid in making the central
theme of the film - to let Christ shine
through your works and be a light in the
darkness - that much more poignant.
Additionally, the musical score and songs
throughout are wonderful.
From beginning to end, The Christmas
Candle is an utterly captivating and inspired
piece of filmmaking. Anyone who loves
Christmas movies should add this feelgood, inspirational, hope filled holiday
drama to their Christmas movie collection.