I Heard the Bells

I loved that Hollywood stayed out of it it was such a beautifully family movie wish there were more like it

I wasn’t sure about viewing this movie but after doing so found myself transfixed by the force of its inspiring true story and awed by the circumstances surrounding creation of the beloved Christmas carol written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

GREAT MOVIE IN EVERY WAY. WE WISH THERE WAS MORE MEANINGFUL MOVIES THAT A FAMILY CAN ENJOY.

I do not go to many movies, but I am glad I saw this one. It is a good movie that I recommend to you this Christmas season. I Heard the Bells tells the story of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882), an American poet that rose to national prominence before the Civil War. The movie tells the story of his life just before and during the war, plus a brief scene years later. Its focus is his poem, written in 1863, the year of bloody battles at Chancellorsville, Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, and Chattanooga. Much later, it was put to music as the Christmas carol we hear and sing today. Before going to the movie, I knew little about Longfellow. Afterwards, I looked into him a bit, and it appears that the movie was quite faithful to his life and events through the time covered. Not knowing about him, the opening scenes seemed a bit overdone to me, but I now accept them as a reflection of Longfellow's wealth and esteemed place in Massachusetts society. Christian movies have a reputation for poor quality, but I Heard the Bells was, to my eye, well done. The Longfellow household is shown as a place where faith in Christ is both real and important in life, but it does not sugarcoat the tragedies of this sinful world. Reality in this life is well-expressed by Longfellow's words in an opening scene: “Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and oftentimes we call a man cold when he is only sad.” Unusually, the final movie credits were followed by information on its production by Sight & Sound Films, which has been making Christian films and other products since 1976. I never heard of any of them, but based on I Heard the Bells, I left the theater hoping the movie is a box office success, giving the company resources for future movies. Otherwise, I was pleased to leave behind the other shows, with their godless stories of this or that. Ugh.

True story of Henry Longfellow’s work as a poet. Great movie to watch for Christmas.

What a masterpiece! Poignant portrayals and compelling storytelling. Thoroughly got caught up in this inspirational period piece brought to life and the big screen. So glad I went and experienced it! Look forward to more from Sight & Sound!

So refreshing to see a Christian based movie in our theaters...please do not miss this wonderful movie. A true story and perfect for this time of the year!!

Thank you for showing this tremendous movie in our little town. It has such a message that God is not dead and there is hope when things go wrong and our plans are crushed. God loves us and will save us😇

I enjoyed the authentic, believeable depiction of this movie! When I saw the trailer, it looked good BUT when I SAW THE MOVIE, I was awed! The love, tragedy & healing in this movie was so inspiring! I want this one on DVD!!! Nothing like seeing it on the BIG SCREEN!!! It is the story behind the making of this song, I Heard the Bells! Excellent!!! A must see!

Very slow. Probably better viewed at home on Masterpiece Theater on television.

What a wonderful story for the Christmas Season. The actors were breathtaking. I plan to go again.

Wow! So glad I saw this. I'm not a fan of poetry and don't really know this poet's work, but I love the line "writers ramble on, poets ramble on in rhyme". What a beautiful family, what a horrible tragedy and paralyzing grief, but what amazing love and redemption and healing. Full range of emotions, for sure. Exceptional movie and life. Now I'll have to go look up his works. Thanks!

This was cast well, directed well, had gorgeous period costumes and drew you into the Longfellow family dynamics. I laughed. I cried. I winced. I cheered! I know some say it is dark in places, but it's REAL LIFE. I enjoyed Henry Wadsworth Longellow's poetry, but now I know the man behind it!! Bravo!

Captured the soul of a forgotten family. Gave us a glimpse of what effect the written word has, when done by a master penman.

I saw it yesterday! It is exceptional! I want to see it again and will buy it when it comes out on DVD. I love knowing the history behind the song and will always remember it when I sing it.

He was struck by tragedy ....and came to the other side of his grief...can't wait for dvd...it's definitely on my list..

We have deep ties to Gettysburg, both my Uncle Tom and Myself (Dave) my uncle was actually in Gettysburg while filming this movie was taking place there. He was on the field as they filmed. My uncle is my HERO, God bless all