Pretty Good

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Boring

Blistering performances.

This is the first film, based on the Beverly Lewis' 'The Heritage of Lancaster County' trilogy. It is a television film series that was telecasted in the Hallmark. This channel is good at this kind of story narration. I have seen many similar films and one of those was 'Love Comes Softly'. The same filmmaker directed this as well.The film is about a young Amish woman. I've never met one in my life, nor knew anything about them, until I'd learned everything through watching the films. So I've no good or bad impression on them. But watching the film, especially the first half did not show them in a good light. Until the storytelling ends, there's nothing to judge. And as expected, it'd given a good reason in the later part.It was suspenseful at the opening. An English woman who has just landed in Lancaster county, looking for a particular person. Not everybody is interested in helping her. But somehow the message reaches the other end. Soon they are terrified and prepared for the bad thing. It's all linked to their daughter Katie. The truth always finds its way out and that's how Katie gets involved in it. Besides her instinct was always been on her side. The rest is about her expedition to unlock more truth.-xX] No matter where god puts us, it's up to us how we choose to live. [Xx-This is good for literature. But for screen adaptation, it does not have any chance to deliver a similar success. Not in the current generation. Would have been great half a century ago. Though for a television, it all makes sense. Because television audience is different. Consists mainly families, and that too as well women. So most of the television films are women oriented themes. On that aspect, this is a wonderful film. I too sometimes enjoy watching them. So I consider it a decent find, to watch in between the mainstream films.I knew this filmmaker would deliver, but the cast as well been wonderful. The story did not reveal much. It played hide and seek, but it had enough contents the whole first instalment to carry on with. As well as the curiosity it puts in us about what might follow in the sequel is a good thing. It had enough depth in characters to take on a ride. Other than that, the story is yet to come out with an explanation to cover all the bases. In a way, it does not matter if it heads forward only to focus on the future developments.A simple 90 minute drama, it does not have much topic to discuss. I've said everything I'd wanted to. So now I'm an inch closer to check out the next part. I hope it maintains the same rhythm. But I'm not liking it already as I'm finding something unfamiliar in the cast. I'll let you know what that's all about in the next review once I finished watching it. Meanwhile, it is not bad for once watching, but the original target audience should be watching it than anybody else.7/10

I have to check the spoiler box because I suppose I have to discuss aspects of this film that didn't make much sense to me.While the movie was good for what it was (Hallmark), I felt many of the scenes were short and cut off abruptly, moving quickly on to something else. Like....several mini scenes all strung together to try and tell a story.We then have Daniel...Katie's boyfriend from three years prior.This part of the story didn't feel like it belonged or wasn't really necessary.Who was Daniel and what was going on with that whole thing? He's some mystery boy who liked her music, but somehow disappeared and hasn't returned. It's like she talked to his ghost and a few scenes spent time showing memories of them. Why? They never said how he disappeared or why he never came back. He tells her to never give up her music in case something happens to him. Huh? Can this be more ominous?Daniels part in this was lost on me....completely.I LIKE the idea of this, but it wasn't executed correctly.The movie ends leaving you feeling unsatisfied with it all.Was it worth the watch? Yes, but could have been done so much better.

If group psychological intimidation of members into submission is an actual practice, it paints a harsh, and strict portrait of cultural life in these communities. But it's movie-land so who really knows. Acting is very decent.. Danielle Panabaker.. binged.it/1te82U4 .. is wonderful in her part, all the cast is solid. Daniel departs to find his 'other' world, then Katie gets her chance as well.. eventually to somewhat cross paths in the next part of the series 'The Confession'.. bit.ly/17ovEHV (track it down online). Panabaker does not make the transition to part 2 (the only important one missing)... Sherry Stringfield does, with a much larger role. Part 2 has a much different feel, Katie LeClerc.. bit.ly/17qj4YI .. truly does a fine job, but those missing Panabaker are entirely correct. It was a blunder not making sure she'd return, and a real cop-out for producers to say an actor's 'not available.' Long running series with same cast members are created all the time... it's just bs, and exceptionally poor decision making preventing it from happening. Hope the final installment in the series comes out soon, to reveal if Daniel's prophecy gets fulfilled.

I understand the idea that this is a Hallmark movie and it was probably done in a way that would not offend the Amish. That being said, the movie doesn't do justice to Lewis' book on a whole. The plot feels very rushed, and it appears as if Hallmark was trying not to offend the Amish with their portrayals. In the movie, as compared to in the book, even Katie's shunning seems to happen much too quickly. The flashbacks lack the meat that appeared in the novel, and the portrayal of the community was very stiff. I was unable to appreciate the movie itself because I've been so busy expecting it to be close to the book. Hopefully if Hallmark decides to continue the series it will be done in better continuity with the novels.