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Title SpotlightBiography

I Heard the Bells

BiographyDramaFamily

The inspiring story behind the writing of the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Year

2022

Duration

1h 50m

IMDb

6.6

Hero Poster

Cast

Joshua Enck

Director

Stephen Atherholt

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Rachel Day Hughes

Fanny Longfellow

Cast

Joshua Enck

Director

Stephen Atherholt

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Rachel Day Hughes

Fanny Longfellow

Jonathan Blair

Charley Longfellow

ZM

Zach Meeker

Ernest Longfellow

AM

Ava Munn

Alice Mary Longfellow

EM

Eloise McComas

Edith Longfellow

LA

Lucy Amos

Anne Allegra Longfellow

CW

Chris Wert

Thomas Appleton

CF

Chris Faith

Reverend

JR

Johnny Russell

Adjutant General

Syvia Glory

Mary

SL

Shane Litchfield

Elliot Gleason

Daniel Stargel

Senator Charles Sumner

Carl Anderson

Josiah Wilson

Rodney Coe

Banquet Host

JB

Jeff Bender

Commanding Officer

WW

Wes Wise

Richard

SG

Seth G. Antes

Dr. Babayev

Joshua Enck

Writer

JB

Jeff Bender

Writer

Trailer

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Comments

10 Comments

SOLANKI_0284Dec 17, 2023

Was shockingly surprised at the quality of this movie. We have been to Sight and Sound theaters many times, and heard they were making a movie. For a first movie, astounding. For those disliking preachy movies, this is not really that. It was a great story and both the wife and I had to stay over to see the making of the movie. The characters were great, the acting was great. I actually don't remember the song but I guess I now vaguely do. Some of the movie was quite sad. I'd hate for any family to go through some of those hardships. I did think the ending was a little strange but the rest of the movie was so engaging it didn't matter.

Julie Anne San JoseNov 30, 2023

source: I Heard the Bells

Beautiful henryNov 30, 2023

If you are looking for a Christmas movie the entire family can watch, "I Heard the Bells," is an excellent Christmas movie! I taught Longfellow literature to high school students, so I was somewhat prepared for the plot of this movie. However, I was not prepared for the quality found in the writing, the actors, and the cinematography! Wow! I was completely drawn into the Longfellow family. The scenes in the home with the children are heartwarming. The scenes of Charlie with his fellow Civil War soldiers were just enough and not over the top. The church and the bell serve as an incredible centerpiece of the movie, and the love and hope can be felt to the core! This is a movie that can be watched again and again for many Christmas seasons to come!

Sarah.familyNov 30, 2023

IHTB is a simple yet elegant telling of Longfellow's loss of faith, his depth of depression, and his return to faith as the result of the love of others. It is a noble entry into the burgeoning field of quality faith-based films. Longfellow was a brilliant man of letters, languages, and literature. This movie doesn't go far into the scope of his abilities. It limits itself to the pain of the loss of his believed Frances. The cinematography is good as is the acting. This is not a Hallmark-type movie. It is at times heart-breaking. Fortunately, it ends on a high note. The only distraction is that the girls do not age though the movie covers several years.

GIDEON KWABENA APPIAH (GKA)🦍Nov 30, 2023

The story is inspirational. HW Longfellow is a beloved poet and his works reflect a man of faith in God. Longfellow also believed in the value of each person. The poem I Heard The Bells is now a favorite Christmas time song but not technically a hymn. Longfellow, was an abolitionist leading up to the War Between the North and South. After the credits (if you wait for it) is a behind the scenes short documentary. In the short film about the making they mention that the project started as a documentary but morphed into a 110 minute feature. That is where this film slipped up. There is not enough story to make that long a film. Back in the day it would have been an excellent made for TV movie with commercials it would be 90 min. The pace gets to be so slow. First hall is Longfellow and his wife enjoying long moments looking at each other. Ok, we get it, they were really in love. The most dramatic scenes are so easily predictable the tension is not surprising. Other scenes don't make sense why or what they are about. Is there anything surprising? Not a bit. At least it doesn't have the Hollywood stink all over it and yet is very well filmed with just a few moments of incongruity.

Solanki RidhinNov 30, 2023

Loved this movie. We wanted to watch something that wasn't entertaining but would touch us emotionally (in a positive way). This was so good to watch and take in his past and how the song (and the man) came to be. How God isn't gone when things happen you don't want or seen cruel...God is not dead. In the darkness of this fallen world, people need the light of Jesus more than ever! This movie does exactly that, but the acting isn't your 80's Christian movie and the music is very very good. This will be a movie we buy and watch every Christmas and in between. I can't wait to see more from Sights and Sounds studio! 10/10.

Kayl/thalya💭Nov 30, 2023

Excellent movie. My children have been learning about Henry W. Longfellow at school this year. They have studied both "Paul Reveres Ride" and "I Heard the Bells". My children are in 9th, 8th, 4th, and 2nd and sat through the movie with great interest in what was on screen because of what they had learned in school. Even if you aren't a religious or faith person, this movie is worth the watch. The attention to the detail of the Victorian Era was exquisite. The acting was spot on. I will warn you, it is a tear jerker, so be sure to bring some tissues. It was definitely refreshing and so good for a studios first movie production. I look forward to future films from this company.

user5957917554075Nov 30, 2023

A beautiful masterpiece. The acting was superb and storyline tremendous. Not a dry eye in the house. I had no idea of this historical event. They went to great lengths to portray the error and what actually took place so many years ago, no stone was left unturned. Not many movies are as deep and life changing as this one. There were times I was so touched by the content & overcome with emotion that my heart leapt in my chest. There were many a-ha moments for me that I left thinking about for days. I wish every family could see this film with their older children. The content is a bit mature for children under about 12.

Eyoba The GreatNov 30, 2023

This is one I'll rewatch every year. What a touching story told so very well. The production quality was phenomenal, especially considering this is the company's first film. The story was so impactful, and the fact that it is a true story only adds to it's presence. It is full of heart and truth told in such a genuine way. You get sucked in to the film from the outset, and it doesn't let you go until it's pulled you through an emotional rollercoaster to that will leave you thinking and hoping long after you've left. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a truthful, genuine, and hope filling Christmas film.

Abi Nas❤️❤️Nov 30, 2023

I did not know what to expect, at all, when I went to see this movie. It was never slow or boring, steadily paced, with an excellent story line! Most everything was pertinent to the story and it was so well-written. The actors were cast perfectly. The lead actor who played Henry should receive props and accolades for his performance. What a powerful performance he gave. It was the kind of movie that I think anyone who's been through anything difficult will resonate with, so most everyone can relate. If you've ever doubted God's existence or ability to bring beauty from ashes, then this movie is for you!