Disclosure: Many thanks to Sight & Sound Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
I love Christmas songs.
Yes, I'm one of those people. The kind that starts turning on the Christmas tunes the minute we start to feel a hint of chill in the air. The kind that can listen to them for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and not grow tired of them. It doesn't matter if they are the classic hymns and holiday favorites that I grew up hearing every year or newer holiday favorites, I adore them all.
But have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the song?
Perhaps I'm alone in this, but I find myself wondering this about many songs. I love hearing the story behind the lyrics and how songs came to be.
Take this verse from I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day:
And in despair I bowed my head:
“There is no peace on earth,” I said,
“For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.”
Wow... that's a pretty intense lyric, isn't it? Surely there is a story there to be told.
Coming to movie theatres this December, I HEARD THE BELLS tells the inspiring true
story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Take a look:
Known as America's Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life...until the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it's the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet's lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith.
When I am deciding on a Christmas movie to watch, I must admit that one taking place during the Civil War probably wouldn't be my usual pick. I tend to go for the more lighthearted and fun... and quite frankly, I'm not even the biggest fan or war or historical movies at any time throughout the year. Still, I must admit that the trailer for this one drew me in... perhaps it's my love of Christmas music, curiosity on what the lyrics meant, or my literary side coming out. Whatever the reason, when I was given the chance to check out the movie before it's release, I found myself actually looking forward to it.
I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised with how much I truly enjoyed this movie. First of all, while the movie takes place during the Civil War and that certainly plays a big part in the story, it really didn't focus all that much on the action of the war itself. Like I said, I don't typically care for true war movies, so this was certainly a plus for me. It really did focus on Henry's grief and his return to faith. I thought it was done remarkably well, and absolutely drew me in from start to finish. While it is about a beloved Christmas song and has many scenes that take place at Christmas, it certainly is unlike many typical Christmas movies--- the movies that are all holiday cheer and magic. Still, with it's message of hope, it's the perfect message for the holiday season or any time of year. While it may not be one that I would have initially chosen for myself, I am so very glad that I was given the chance to watch it! 
Have you bought your tickets to see I HEARD THE BELLS in movie theaters this December? Don’t miss your chance to experience this inspiring true story of redemption and rekindled faith as it comes
to life on the big screen! I HEARD THE BELLS is in theaters starting December 1st!
Buy your tickets TODAY to see I HEARD THE BELLS in theaters starting 12/1: https://www.iheardthebellsmovie.com/
To celebrate the film's release, one lucky reader is going to win a $10 Amazon gift card. Enter using the giveaway form below. US only.
I Heard the Bells: Amazon Giveaway
This looks really good I hope to see it. Thanks for sharing the details.
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