Not many movies have made me feel as ignorant as I Heard the Bells! I am a real sucker for a Christmas movie, from a cheesy chick flick, something for kids, or even a horror, if it is themed around Christmas I will give it a chance. That is what led me down the path to watch I Heard the Bells.
How to Download I Heard the Bells
You can download or stream the film from a digital platform. Click on the Download button at the end of this review. If you like Christmas movies check out also The Grinch or The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special.
The Movie Review
I was completely ignorant to the fact that this is based on the Christmas Carol, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day and if I am being 100 percent honest, that is a Christmas Carol I was not familiar with at all. However, it does appear to be an American favorite as it is about the Civil War and was written by American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Now, I came to this movie because I thought it was going to be a Christmas movie and I would have to say that I would not after seeing it say it is a Christmas movie, even though it is about the creation of a beloved Christmas carol. What we have here is a biography-style movie about the life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
It is set during the days of the American Civil War. I love the setting here and the costumes and sets all look great, I get such a kick out of movies that are set during this time period! Henry is an acclaimed poet, but his life has been filled with death and it is like people he cares about just keep on passing away.
Things are well and truly tipped over the edge for him when his son runs off to fight in the Civil War. The thought of his son on the front line in the Civil War fills Henry with dread and he feels like he is always waiting for the news that his son has died. You really do feel for Henry as a father.
It is like all of Henry’s hope is gone. Henry no longer has the heart or desire to write anymore as his heart is too filled with grief and despair. However, after hearing the bells on Christmas day, he gets the inspiration to write again. Look, this movie is decent enough and I found the story of this man’s path to finding his inspiration pretty entertaining.
I do feel that had I been more familiar with the work of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and the actual Christmas carol, I heard the Bells on Christmas day, the movie would have been much more appealing to me. I am sure that those who are fond of this carol will get a great deal of enjoyment out of the movie.
As far as being a biopic style of movie goes, as I am so ignorant of the source material, I cannot say how faithful it is. However, I was entertained by this, even though it was not the kind of “Christmas movie” I thought that it was going to be. Still, I would say, check out the trailer and if you think it looks interesting, give it a try.
