Love Comes Softly Reviews

• Clean, family-friendly love story that will warm your heart!

  
  By A2L6QS8SVHT9RG on 2004-08-03
  I saw this film on the Hallmark Channel, and TIVO'd it to watch: I have since watched it a few times and will buy the DVD when it's released! Based on a novel by Christian historical fiction writer Janette Oke, "Love Comes Softly," centers on Marty, a young woman who travels West with her husband. When tragedy strikes this newly married couple, grief-striken Marty must find a way to survive the harsh land that she is surrounded by.
  
  For those of you worried about content: this is a family-friendly film! There is no language that I can recall, no violence, and no adult themes. There is one scene where a man accidentally walks in on a woman taking a bath (nothing is shown), some squabbling between two people, and a woman preparing a live chicken for a meal, but other than that, I could not find anything objectionable.
  
  This is a cute and family-friendly story, that promotes the themes of morality, love, honor, courage, faith, etc.
  
  

• God Works in Mysterious Ways

  
  By AQ8DU6XVA3USJ on 2005-08-20
  "Love Comes Softly," based on a Janette Oke novel, is a heartwarming 19th century tale that will use up several hankies. Marty and her husband travel west, searching for the perfect place to raise a family; when her husband has a fatal accident, Marty finds herself alone, with winter coming, and with no way of getting home. She enters into a marriage of convenience, and faces many trials as she gets used to her new environment and the strangers in her life.
  
  Katherine Heigl is lovely as Marty, and Dale Midkiff excellent as Clark, the older, strong Christian man she marries. As his daughter Missie, Skye McCole Bartusian is an exceptional little actress, and in smaller parts, Theresa Russell and Corbin Bensen are terrific as the kind of stalwart people that pioneered this nation. Written and directed by Michael Landon Jr. for Hallmark, this is a way above average film made for the small screen, with endearing characters, and spectacular scenery, shot on location in El Dorado County, California, by cinematographer James Wrenn.
  
  A scene that is memorable is when Clark takes Marty to his "church," a bench that faces a beautiful view, and explains his faith to her. It is so well written, and truly the core of this award-winning film. Total running time is 88 minutes, and the DVD gives one the option of full screen or widescreen. A sequel was made to this story, "Love's Enduring Promise," in 2004.
  "The truth of God's love is not that He allows bad things to happen; it's His promise He'll be there with us, when they do."
  
  
  

• love comes softly,

  
  By ASNKEDK4MNEH7 on 2004-09-20
  This was the most refreshing love story that I have seen in a very long time. I don't know when I have enjoyed a movie as much. I have viewed it 3 times and wait anxiously to see it again with my friend. The story line was just excellent, a woman who lost all her dreams and a man with such a tender heart. No sex, no violence, no cursing, just pure and refreshing. Wow. I thouroughly enjoyed this lovely film.
  
  

• Does justice to Janette Oke

  
  By A1GRDXKU6XDV4O on 2004-11-10
  When I was a child, my grandmother gave me a book by Janette Oke named "Love Comes Softly". This began a shared love for her stories. When each new book came out, we would read it and call each other up so we could talk about it. We both agreed that her stories are full of memorable characters that you instantly fall in love with and relate to. When I saw this movie on the shelf at Blockbuster I almost fell over because I was so excited. When I watched it, I became even more elated. The movie is well acted and true to the book it was based on. Even more rare in films these days, it depicts the Christian faith without falling into stereotyping, prejudice or creating one-dimensional characters. My only criticism would be, it was TOO SHORT! And my only disappointment is that my grandmother is no longer on this earth to enjoy it too.
  
  

• Brilliant Film for a Romantic Heart

  
  By AD9LA2BT4X92T on 2004-10-04
  The film 'Love Comes Softly' was well thought out and followed its book counterpart closely. Definitely a much watch for those who desire a movie without foul language or sex--good for the pure of heart.
  
  
• Stop everything and buy this DVD and then the books too!
  By AYWDJINGV8G9S on 2005-01-12
  Wow! I cried and cried in the beginning. Then you watch as the characters grow to love each other...it is sooo good. I also bought the books which are wonderful as well!
  
  
• This love may come softly but it will hit you hard.
  By A1DF4N5BQV4WBQ on 2004-11-29
  Trust me, you're going to love this movie. It is perfectly wonderful. It has all the goodies of a fine romance novel as well as a delicious dose of laughter at times when you can't seem to see the screen from the tears in your eyes. I loved this movie as well as I did the book and we all know how hard it is to love both. They missed nothing in this movie. Janette Oke must be standing beside the director on this one. I hope they do the whole Love Comes Softly Series! This is a surprise 5 stars! It will hit you hard, where it counts...in the heart.
  
  
  
• Wonderful Touching Story
  By on 2004-07-14
  This is one that I can watch over and over. It leaves you feeling optimistic and hopeful. Tender love story, with the lead man being strong, and with strong spiritual principals. I wish movie makers would wake up, and realize there is a huge population of people that would love more movies like this.
  
  
• Good family film
  By A1MUL3AUNTYI0I on 2004-10-21
  Directed by Michael Landon Junior this movie tells the story of Marty a young bride who is left widowed after the accidental death of her husband. In a strange town she is unable to return to her parents, so accepts the offer to marry from Clark, another widow who has a nine-year-old daughter Missy. She agress to stay through the winter - he agrees that if she is still unhappy he will pay to send her home to her parents.
  
  A lovely family film with a good story which flows well and doesn't get bogged down with boring parts.
  
  Don't forget to watch the sequel called "Love's Enduring Promise".
  
  
• Good movie
  By A21L3M5R36TIH7 on 2004-07-27
  The movie was good, but fans of the Love Comes Softly series by Jannette Oke will be dissapointed. The movie made Missie, who was supposed to be 2, 10. They changed the baby's name from Claridge to Aaron. They also changed many of the other major plot points in the book. Fans of the book: disreguard the book when watching the movie, or you'll be dissapointed.
  
  
• Heart warming and a precious story.
  By A26XJ0VXYQPM8 on 2005-10-23
  This movie is simply so beautiful in every way. It will make you smile and warm your heart. Starring Katherine Heigl, Skye Mcole Bartusiak, Theresa Russel and Dale Midkiff. After Marty (Heigl) is widowed, Clarke Davis (Midkiff) asks her to marry him so he can have a mother for his daughter and he to provide Marty with a home. But it is all strictly buisness till they start to fall in love with each other. This Hallmark movie like all Hallmark movies is a must see!
  
  
• love comes softly
  By A2W167Q6673I1M on 2004-10-26
  i have watched this movie many times and it is excellent. i would recomend it to everybody it holds your attention and is just great. i give it 5 stars.there is a movie to follow it is called loves induring promise also by micheal landon jr if it is as good as this one it will be great also...barbara miller from oklahoma....
  
  
• It's about time...
  By A117W77RMYE0TA on 2005-01-09
  It's about time that a movie was put together acknowledging the honor of a real man. This movie built up and honored a good, religious man, instead of making fun or tearing down. I recommend this movie for all ages of the family!! Excellent!
  
  
• Warm Family Film
  By A1G5Q9HBN0EGDV on 2006-01-24
  Since substantive TV shows such as Christy, Little House on the Prairie and Touched by an Angel no longer exist, there aren't many options for family oriented viewing. This warm and wonderful film from Hallmark Entertainment and Faith and Values Media is a huge exception. Based on a book by Janette Oke and adapted to film by Cindy Kelley and Michael Landon Jr., who also directed, this film fills the void left on television now that the aforementioned have passed into TV heaven.
  
  Beautifully shot by James Wren in various areas of California, it is warm and touching, and has humor as well. It seems to be nothing special for the first 15 minutes or so, but becomes much more as time goes by. Sometimes love is not fireworks, but something that comes softly, and that exact statement from this Hallmark presentation could be said to apply to the film itself. This is a film the entire family can enjoy, but it also has substance and an important message given in a quiet and unobtrusive manner.
  
  Katherine Heigl is terrific as the young bride, Marty, heading west with her new husband to make a life. She has brought her books and dresses to remind her of the culture she is leaving behind. A world of opportunity is in front of the young couple until a tragic accident takes the life of her husband before their dreams together can be realized. Dale Midkiff is also quite good as the young widower, Clark, with a daughter in need of more than her father can provide for her. Clark strikes a bargain with the heartbroken Marty and a marriage of convenience ensues. In the spring, Marty will return to her home back east at Clark's expense. The young loving father Clark will give his daughter what she needs and Marty will have a home and shelter through the winter, as well as passage back home once the blossoms arrive.
  
  You have probably guessed the rest, but this story is told with warmth and humor, and is engrossing. Skye McCole Bartusiak gives a memorable performance as Clark's young daughter, Missie, a tomboy who misses her mother more than she lets on. She and Marty clash at first, of course, but one of Marty's dresses will bring them closer and be the bridge to a bond between the two. Numb at first, Marty slowly feels a warmth again, not realizing that love is different every time you feel it. It is Theresa Russell as her kind and wise neighbor who will open her eyes to just what is happening. Russell is excellent in a role that is quite unexpected and far removed from her usual ones. Corbin Bernsen is also good in his brief time as Russell's second husband, whom she loves dearly.
  
  There is some wholesome humor, such as Marty attempting to make fried chicken from scratch, and a scene where Clark accidentally walks in on Marty taking a bath. The latter is quite hilarious, Clark ending up out cold on the floor in an attempt to escape! A skunk in the barn will also bring some chuckles.
  
  But there is a tenderness here also. Marty's young husband has left her a gift to remember her by. As she is won over by Clark's quiet goodness and his understanding, and spring approaches, she must decide which direction to take her life. A conversation with Clark during "church" will help her come to terms with all that has happened and help her to make her decision. Her happiness is fleeting, however, dashed when Clark does not get her note and is reluctant to ask her to stay, afraid her answer will hurt him more than her leaving.
  
  This is a warm and wonderful film I came across through a friend's recommendation. It is tender, funny, and substantive. This is one film the entire family can enjoy together and I highly recommend it also. Those who miss this type of entertainment on television will hold this one dear.
  
  
• I cried AND laughed!!!!
  By A2VZFNI4TGWXGW on 2005-03-30
  This is one of the sweetest,purest love stories
  i've ever seen! Marty, a pioneer woman moves to the western plains and quickly finds herself a widow with no way to survive. Clark Davis offers her a place to live and promises to pay her way back home next spring if she teaches his 9 year old daughter to do things she is missing out on. They marry (because in the mid 1800's you couldn't live together unless you married) and by spring Marty learns lesson of love and religion and how sometimes love doesn't enter our lives with fireworks and excitement. Sometimes love just comes softly
  
  
• A lovely movie for the whole family!
  By on 2005-11-16
  I just resently watched Love Comes Softly, and found it to be an excellent film. It has been so long since I was able to see a good, clean movie with no bad language or other immoral things in it. This movie is about a young woman who goes out west with her husband, but to her dismay, he dies shortly after their arrival. Winter is coming and she has no hope, until a young widowed man asks to take her in. She is forced to live with a man she hardly knows and his daughter. Over the course of this movie, Marty finds that sometimes love comes, just softly.
  An absolutely fabulous movie, that I believe, everyone should see!
  
  
• somestimes love just comes softly...
  By A2CUNV6VHJ5YM7 on 2004-09-19
  This movie is nothing like Mrs. Oke's book but somhow you just don't care. The story is so moving you forget that Missy is nine instead of an infante. You simply get caught up in the love.
  
  
• best family film in a long time
  By A1WZDGN18RG5U9 on 2005-01-24
  I watched this with my 10,11,and 12 year old children and we all LOVED it. I wish I knew how to find more movies like this. It made you laugh, cry, had a great message about faith and love and it made you feel great at the end. The language or values were clean yet I was thoroughly entertained. I lent it to a friend and she just left a message on my machine with the same thoughts. This is a movie that should be supported so we can get more movies made like this. Thank you Hallmark!!!
  
  
• One of the most important lesson of life for everyone
  By A21KYUBWESZPEG on 2005-02-10
  I was looking for a romantic movie to see by myself while my husband is away. I read a lot of good customer reviews about his movie on amazon.com, so decided to rent it. I loved the movie very much, and ended up rewinding many times to see over and over again. I am not a Christian,and do not have a particular faith in religion, but I know and feel exactly what Clark said about life. Love is the most important lesson of all in our life, and that is why I believe many people are moved by this movie. Watch it and decide if you want to keep it. I am going to keep this one for my DVD collection.
  
  
• Love Comes Softly
  By A2U7YC2VU2HP42 on 2005-02-23
  I found this to be a good movie but was not completely impressed with the changes that they made to the plot. It is hard for me to see Missie as a nine year old child in the first movie when the book had her as a baby of not yet two. Most of the changes were small but having read the books I was dissapointed in the changes they chose to make. I had dreamed of them making this into a movie and was just a little dissapointed that it was not more like the books. I am still looking forward to seeing the sequel.
  
  
• Faith in the Face of Grief
  By A1IWWRZJOXOSYP on 2005-06-03
  What an absolute delight this film is! Made for the Hallmark Channel & first aired in 2003, Michael Landon Jr. has directed a very sweet tale that is touching, gripping and compelling on many levels. The cast for this Janet Oke novel adaptation is excellent. Katherine Heigl is currently starring in the enormously popular "Gray's Anatomy" TV series for ABC & previously starred in one of my favorites, the cult TV classic series "Roswell." Acting since she was 7, her first film was "That Night" in 1992 followed by the Steven Soderbaugh directed "King of the Hill" a year later. As Marty Claridge, she hits so many levels: the wildly romantic new bride, the forlorn widow, the uncertain woman living in a rugged country, and of course the companion of Missy and the slow realization of her love for Clark Davis. Dale Midkiff starred in the "Time Trax" TV series from 93-95, as Elvis in the TV movie "Elvis & Me, & in "Another Woman's Husband" for Lifetime Cable. As Clark Davis, I was particularly touched by his ability to evoke that most subtle combination of feeling & belief, faith -- even in the face of deep grief. The plot contrivance at the end where he misses Marty's letter seemed a little forced, but then what screenwriter is perfect? Skye McCole Bartusiak played the young Meg Ryan in "Against the Ropes" & in a horror flick I purposely missed, "Boogeyman." As the headstrong daughter Missy she turns in an excellent performance. L.A. Law's Corbin Bernsen & Theresa Russell do a nice job as the neighbors Ben & Sarah Graham. "Love Comes Softly" is marvelous because it demonstrates that entertainment doesn't have to be sleazy to be excellent. The DVD didn't offer many extras, but I'm glad that this Hallmark film is available. Enjoy!
  
  
• If I Could Give It More Stars ... I WOULD!
  By A35MT06M3EMSRM on 2006-07-11
  WOW! I wanted to rent a movie so I ended up gettng this. AMAZING storyline! ALL 3 of the movies really had a good messages in it! The dad really had such a caring heart threw out all 3 of the movies. I love seeing how they grew as husband and wife and how much they cared about each other. I won't give anything away because it's a 'have to see movie'. Of course its geared towards 'chick flick' watchers, BUT guys maybe these movies will soften your hearts and show you that its okay to be caring& more loving because we LOVE IT. NOW STOP READING REVIEWS AND GO RENT or BUY the movie(s)..[trust me BUY, because you'll definitely love them ;)].
  
  
• Wonderful movie--very, very bad version of DVD!!!
  By A3LJ51X25ELKF9 on 2008-01-06
  I saw this movie a month ago on the Hallmark channel. I loved it so much, I bought several copies to give as gifts. I saw it available cheaper here, so I ordered the entire series for myself.
  To watch the movie a second time, I opened the DVD I bought here at Amazon. I watched it with my husband, mother-n-law, and three young children. The movie is so wonderful, full of beautiful life lessons, no swearing or violence. What strikes me the most is how respectfully people treat each other in the movie. Something you don't see often in movies or tv shows these days! I also loved how they portray religion--or God--not shoving it down your throat, but showing the characters' love of God in a respectful and profound way.
  HERE IS THE PROBLEM!!
  So last night, we finish watching the movie, the credits role, and then the menu pops up. I was happy to see a bonus feature. Basking in the calmness and innocence of just watching this movie, and sitting with my family, including my three young children, I click on this bonus feature, thinking we will get to see an interview with Michael Landon, Jr. or something. Within seconds we were bombarded with the most horrific, evil (mother-n-law said it seemed satanic) images of contorted bodies hanging from nooses, etc. In shock I fumbled with the remote to turn it off, but not before my children had seen horrific images. It appears that the bonus feature is a movie trailer for a satanic horror flick. I am very, very angry that this is on this DVD. This is supposed to be a family movie!!! I would bet that Landon would be horrified to know this has been put with his movie. I was not informed or warned and had no power over what my children had to see. It upsets me to think how many families have this in their homes, thinking they have a good, clean family film. What my children saw at the end did more damage than any good they got from the film. Do you want your five year old to watch someone being tortured and hanged? Neither did I. Don't buy this DVD. I am mortified to think they I gave several copies of this as Christmas gifts. I purchased those DVD's at a bookstore, and can only hope they do not include that movie trailer.
  
  
• Great Movie"
  By A35OSP2SAD3A0V on 2004-07-18
  This is a wonderful story full of true values that are so important in today's world. It has a wonderful story line with great actors and most of all a wonderful message of love and hope despite adversities in life. It is worth watching over and over.
  
  
• Love Lessons Learned
  By A1OCHZOY3NFL1N on 2004-11-10
  I thought this was a great movie! It was refreshing, not only due to its family-friendliness, but because it espoused a different perspective than most contemporary love stories: real, enduring love often does NOT come with "fireworks" but comes "softly" - oftentimes unexpectedly and perhaps over shared time and experiences.
  
  
• Does not live up to book
  By AL95VPAAD0ZL3 on 2004-12-16
  I was very disappointed with the movie. I love the whole 'Love Comes Softly' series, but I don't feel the movie did it any justice. Changing the age of Missy from a toddler to a preteen completely changes the whole feel of the story. I would not recommed buying this at all. Just stick to the book, it is much better.
  
  
• One of the best Christian love stories I've ever seen.
  By A1JGEVZPPAEDNH on 2005-08-10
  FINALLY, a movie no less love story, that reflects Judeo/Christian values. It is a movie that exhibits what most Christians believe and depicts -- without preaching -- true Christian love and compassion. The message of the gospel is woven within the story intricately and it is a delight to watch.
  
  I rented this movie first from Blockbuster quite by accident. Right after seeing it, I immediately went on-line and bought it and then watched it again, and again and again. I've only done that with a handful of movies ever. The only other movies "worthy" of my repeated viewing are A&E's BBC production of Jane Austin's "Pride and Prejudice," Emma Thompson's screenplay and movie "Sense and Sensibility," and some of the older classics such as "Now Voyager" with Bette Davis.
  
  I have become so weary of Hollywood continuously using "Christian" characters as evil, or doing evil things all by their warped interpretation of how Christians act in the name of God. Non-Christians attempting to portray Christians in film has almost always come up sorely lacking in authenticity.
  
  I recently saw a movie where the only character who even mentions God is a psycho stalker. The godless are of course, the heroes. Typical Hollywood fare.
  
  This is a story that shows a father as a Christian father and husband should be. It shows a woman who struggles with a tremendous tragedy in her life but by seeing true Christian charity and compassion through this father and widower who took her in, begins to allow happiness back into her heart and manages to show kindness to his young daughter who misses her dead mother terribly. The plot is admittedly predictable, however the acting is so well done (even by the child and generally speaking, I do not care for child actors as they always seem to be reading their lines rather than "becoming" their character) that you find yourself being swept away willingly into the story regardless.
  
  This is a movie you can watch with the entire family not only for the fine story line and the fine directing (by Michael Landon Jr. -- obviously a chip off the ole block), but because the production itself is not (unfortunately) the usual cutting-the-corners cheaply made movie produced by the Christian community. I hate to say that but it's true with only a few exceptions (Mel Gibson's "The Passion" for example).
  
  Christians and non-Christians alike will love this story of Matty, Clark and Missy because Christians can see Biblical principles within the story line and non-Christan's can finally witness in a movie the things Christians truly believe while enjoying a heartwarming love story!
  
  The sequel to this movie "Love's Enduring Promise" (both movies based on Christian novels by Janette Oke BTW) is also a wonderful story and a must see.
  
  Rent this movie if you do not wish to yet add it to your collection, but then I predict, when you see it once, you'll want to see it over and over again and return here to buy it!
  
  
• Nice change for a movie
  By A2NY1ZOGCG392Z on 2005-10-26
  If you liked Little house on the Praire then this movie is for you. Katherine Hagel is amazing in this movie. I would definatley recommend
  
  
  
• Why?
  By ANEDXRFDZDL18 on 2005-12-23
  I recently read "Love Come Softly" and decided to check out the hallmark movie edition. What a disappointment. This is not Clark and Marty Davis from the book. Instead we have pouty-lipped straggly-haired actress playing the part of Marty- and a hefty middle-aged guy playing Clark. Sorry, Clark and Marty are both young- and Clark was NEVER fat. Nor that old. Missy was very young not a pre-teen, and Marty's husband was named Clem not Aaron.
  
  Many of the changes made to the screenplay were senseless and added nothing to the plot. (Such as the name switch). I found the film version disappointing and saccharin. Please read the book. Its much better.
  
  
  
  
  
• Read the book
  By A2CLCWLN7PZ3U6 on 2006-04-17
  I'm probably just a grouch, but I loved this book...and I'm sorry, this is NOT the same story. The names are the same...that's about all I can say. So if you are going to make a movie fine...but don't lie and says its based on this book. Its not and I liked the book better. I recommend going and reading the book and skipping the movie...unless you can deal with the fact that it has nothing to do with the book. By the way, the book is by Janette Oke - you can find it easily at any library to read.
  
  

• Love's Enduring Promise
• Love's Long Journey
• Love's Abiding Joy
• Love's Unending Legacy
• Love's Unfolding Dream