Customer Reviews

Love Comes Softly

5 star:		(194)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I saw this film on the Hallmark Channel, and TIVO'd it to watch: I have since watched it a few times and will buy the DVD when it's released! Based on a novel by Christian historical fiction writer Janette Oke, "Love Comes Softly," centers on Marty, a young woman who travels West with her husband. When tragedy strikes this newly married couple, grief-striken Marty must find a way to survive the harsh land that she is surrounded by.

For those of you worried about content: this is a family-friendly film! There is no language that I can recall, no violence, and no adult themes. There is one scene where a man accidentally walks in on a woman taking a bath (nothing is shown), some squabbling between two people, and a woman preparing a live chicken for a meal, but other than that, I could not find anything objectionable.

This is a cute and family-friendly story, that promotes the themes of morality, love, honor, courage, faith, etc.

"Love Comes Softly," based on a Janette Oke novel, is a heartwarming 19th century tale that will use up several hankies. Marty and her husband travel west, searching for the perfect place to raise a family; when her husband has a fatal accident, Marty finds herself alone, with winter coming, and with no way of getting home. She enters into a marriage of convenience, and faces many trials as she gets used to her new environment and the strangers in her life.

Katherine Heigl is lovely as Marty, and Dale Midkiff excellent as Clark, the older, strong Christian man she marries. As his daughter Missie, Skye McCole Bartusian is an exceptional little actress, and in smaller parts, Theresa Russell and Corbin Bensen are terrific as the kind of stalwart people that pioneered this nation. Written and directed by Michael Landon Jr. for Hallmark, this is a way above average film made for the small screen, with endearing characters, and spectacular scenery, shot on location in El Dorado County, California, by cinematographer James Wrenn.

A scene that is memorable is when Clark takes Marty to his "church," a bench that faces a beautiful view, and explains his faith to her. It is so well written, and truly the core of this award-winning film. Total running time is 88 minutes, and the DVD gives one the option of full screen or widescreen. A sequel was made to this story, "Love's Enduring Promise," in 2004.
"The truth of God's love is not that He allows bad things to happen; it's His promise He'll be there with us, when they do."

This was the most refreshing love story that I have seen in a very long time. I don't know when I have enjoyed a movie as much. I have viewed it 3 times and wait anxiously to see it again with my friend. The story line was just excellent, a woman who lost all her dreams and a man with such a tender heart. No sex, no violence, no cursing, just pure and refreshing. Wow. I thouroughly enjoyed this lovely film.

When I was a child, my grandmother gave me a book by Janette Oke named "Love Comes Softly". This began a shared love for her stories. When each new book came out, we would read it and call each other up so we could talk about it. We both agreed that her stories are full of memorable characters that you instantly fall in love with and relate to. When I saw this movie on the shelf at Blockbuster I almost fell over because I was so excited. When I watched it, I became even more elated. The movie is well acted and true to the book it was based on. Even more rare in films these days, it depicts the Christian faith without falling into stereotyping, prejudice or creating one-dimensional characters. My only criticism would be, it was TOO SHORT! And my only disappointment is that my grandmother is no longer on this earth to enjoy it too.

Trust me, you're going to love this movie. It is perfectly wonderful. It has all the goodies of a fine romance novel as well as a delicious dose of laughter at times when you can't seem to see the screen from the tears in your eyes. I loved this movie as well as I did the book and we all know how hard it is to love both. They missed nothing in this movie. Janette Oke must be standing beside the director on this one. I hope they do the whole Love Comes Softly Series! This is a surprise 5 stars! It will hit you hard, where it counts...in the heart.

This is one that I can watch over and over. It leaves you feeling optimistic and hopeful. Tender love story, with the lead man being strong, and with strong spiritual principals. I wish movie makers would wake up, and realize there is a huge population of people that would love more movies like this.

Since substantive TV shows such as Christy, Little House on the Prairie and Touched by an Angel no longer exist, there aren't many options for family oriented viewing. This warm and wonderful film from Hallmark Entertainment and Faith and Values Media is a huge exception. Based on a book by Janette Oke and adapted to film by Cindy Kelley and Michael Landon Jr., who also directed, this film fills the void left on television now that the aforementioned have passed into TV heaven.

Beautifully shot by James Wren in various areas of California, it is warm and touching, and has humor as well. It seems to be nothing special for the first 15 minutes or so, but becomes much more as time goes by. Sometimes love is not fireworks, but something that comes softly, and that exact statement from this Hallmark presentation could be said to apply to the film itself. This is a film the entire family can enjoy, but it also has substance and an important message given in a quiet and unobtrusive manner.

Katherine Heigl is terrific as the young bride, Marty, heading west with her new husband to make a life. She has brought her books and dresses to remind her of the culture she is leaving behind. A world of opportunity is in front of the young couple until a tragic accident takes the life of her husband before their dreams together can be realized. Dale Midkiff is also quite good as the young widower, Clark, with a daughter in need of more than her father can provide for her. Clark strikes a bargain with the heartbroken Marty and a marriage of convenience ensues. In the spring, Marty will return to her home back east at Clark's expense. The young loving father Clark will give his daughter what she needs and Marty will have a home and shelter through the winter, as well as passage back home once the blossoms arrive.

You have probably guessed the rest, but this story is told with warmth and humor, and is engrossing. Skye McCole Bartusiak gives a memorable performance as Clark's young daughter, Missie, a tomboy who misses her mother more than she lets on. She and Marty clash at first, of course, but one of Marty's dresses will bring them closer and be the bridge to a bond between the two. Numb at first, Marty slowly feels a warmth again, not realizing that love is different every time you feel it. It is Theresa Russell as her kind and wise neighbor who will open her eyes to just what is happening. Russell is excellent in a role that is quite unexpected and far removed from her usual ones. Corbin Bernsen is also good in his brief time as Russell's second husband, whom she loves dearly.

There is some wholesome humor, such as Marty attempting to make fried chicken from scratch, and a scene where Clark accidentally walks in on Marty taking a bath. The latter is quite hilarious, Clark ending up out cold on the floor in an attempt to escape! A skunk in the barn will also bring some chuckles.

But there is a tenderness here also. Marty's young husband has left her a gift to remember her by. As she is won over by Clark's quiet goodness and his understanding, and spring approaches, she must decide which direction to take her life. A conversation with Clark during "church" will help her come to terms with all that has happened and help her to make her decision. Her happiness is fleeting, however, dashed when Clark does not get her note and is reluctant to ask her to stay, afraid her answer will hurt him more than her leaving.

This is a warm and wonderful film I came across through a friend's recommendation. It is tender, funny, and substantive. This is one film the entire family can enjoy together and I highly recommend it also. Those who miss this type of entertainment on television will hold this one dear.

This movie is simply so beautiful in every way. It will make you smile and warm your heart. Starring Katherine Heigl, Skye Mcole Bartusiak, Theresa Russel and Dale Midkiff. After Marty (Heigl) is widowed, Clarke Davis (Midkiff) asks her to marry him so he can have a mother for his daughter and he to provide Marty with a home. But it is all strictly buisness till they start to fall in love with each other. This Hallmark movie like all Hallmark movies is a must see!

i have watched this movie many times and it is excellent. i would recomend it to everybody it holds your attention and is just great. i give it 5 stars.there is a movie to follow it is called loves induring promise also by micheal landon jr if it is as good as this one it will be great also...barbara miller from oklahoma....

The film 'Love Comes Softly' was well thought out and followed its book counterpart closely. Definitely a much watch for those who desire a movie without foul language or sex--good for the pure of heart.