You have to give Hallmark some kudos for producing this tight little fantasy. And yes it is fantasy, not a ghost story, or a horror tale. The setting is really beautiful and a great job was done keeping things atmospheric but warm at the same time. I am really not a huge Hallmark movie fan but I enjoyed this very much. Probably deserves a seven and a half though, but I posted the eight. Very good cast, the acting was believable and energetic. My only problem with the entire thing was the ending, which it was OK. I think it would have had more impact if Norah had died a short while before the Estes character finally found her. I thought his meeting Norah and the Granddaughter at the same time was a bit awkward. All in all though this was a very enjoyable film that most everyone should enjoy. Give it a shot! The actor playing the abusive husband managed to really make me hate him...good job my man.
26 Reviews
Finally a Canadian production true to its origins. sort of
A_Different_Drummer10 October 2015
For those curious, this reviewer has been quite harsh in discussion of Canadian films, especially those pretending to be about somewhere else, or someone else, or anything else than what the film actually is.
This could be the exception that proves the rule. On the surface a typical low budget Canuck flick shot in BC but (astonishingly) pretending to take place in Maine, chockablock with delightful Canadian small town sets, starring actors you may never see again in your lifetime, many of whom have not quite managed to hide that distinctive Canuck accent.
So aside from lack of pretence, what is there to actually recommend this film? A really neat story, mainly. Similar perhaps to some of the "time travel" romance movies that have been done before (the classic is Matheson's BID TIME RETURN, filmed under a different name) but yet different enough to be entertaining and still hold the attention.
Yes, Hollywood could do a better job. But this one 'aint bad at all.
This could be the exception that proves the rule. On the surface a typical low budget Canuck flick shot in BC but (astonishingly) pretending to take place in Maine, chockablock with delightful Canadian small town sets, starring actors you may never see again in your lifetime, many of whom have not quite managed to hide that distinctive Canuck accent.
So aside from lack of pretence, what is there to actually recommend this film? A really neat story, mainly. Similar perhaps to some of the "time travel" romance movies that have been done before (the classic is Matheson's BID TIME RETURN, filmed under a different name) but yet different enough to be entertaining and still hold the attention.
Yes, Hollywood could do a better job. But this one 'aint bad at all.
Moments of Love
charm_dazzle17 March 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I only got the chance to watch The Edge of the Garden this afternoon. This movie was actually good.
I loved the idea that they (Brian and Nora) could actually talk to each other in person.
I think I'm drawn to movies like this one because of the vintage aspect to it. I just love the clothes and the cars.
On a side note, this movie also reminded me a lot of the Philippine movie: Moments of Love back in 2006 starring Iza Calzado and Dingdong Dantes. If you guys loved this movie, I suggest you try watching the movie Moments of Love.
I loved the idea that they (Brian and Nora) could actually talk to each other in person.
I think I'm drawn to movies like this one because of the vintage aspect to it. I just love the clothes and the cars.
On a side note, this movie also reminded me a lot of the Philippine movie: Moments of Love back in 2006 starring Iza Calzado and Dingdong Dantes. If you guys loved this movie, I suggest you try watching the movie Moments of Love.
Pleasant diversion from reality...
graceoverpressuretheoneANDonly21 December 2022
The plot was fairly well done and the characters wholly believable for a fantasy! I like Rob Estes acting alot and always feel he is underrated. The setting was perfect for a fantasy, reminding me somewhat of the Enchanted Cottage, a very old movie based on fantasy also. It moved along well, even though it jumped back and forth - which it really had to in order to tell the story from both historic and contemporary period. I didn't care for the paramour of his and felt her acting was beneath others. Too "cookie cutter" for me. I loved the ending which tied it ALL together and was a 'win win' for those of us who appreciate the hard work of life that LEADS to an actual, "happy ending" with wisdom of age prevailing and an understanding and empathy of how things were vs. How things are.
A Romantic Drama
atlasmb22 January 2021
This Hallmark romance is notable for its fantasy elements that relate to an aberration in the time continuum. That aspect reminds me of "Somewhere in Time."
Brian Connor (Rob Estes) temporarily relocates in Maine for a business assignment. He is a no nonsense kind of guy. A local real estate agent suggests he buy a neglected cottage rather than lease a modern, urban space. Though it is against his nature, something about the property draws him in. And in the process of renovation, he finds a locket that triggers a mysterious adventure that has romantic consequences.
The story holds up despite the complications of time displacement. And the transformation of Brian's personality is believable. This is a different kind of romance, but most Hallmark fans should enjoy it.
Brian Connor (Rob Estes) temporarily relocates in Maine for a business assignment. He is a no nonsense kind of guy. A local real estate agent suggests he buy a neglected cottage rather than lease a modern, urban space. Though it is against his nature, something about the property draws him in. And in the process of renovation, he finds a locket that triggers a mysterious adventure that has romantic consequences.
The story holds up despite the complications of time displacement. And the transformation of Brian's personality is believable. This is a different kind of romance, but most Hallmark fans should enjoy it.
A gentle and clever film
linda-plant22 March 2019
Regular film watchers of the Hallmark channel will notice that this house is the real star ! The front exterior has, in different guises, been featured in many films - from a country retreat, a French villa in Summer Villa, a dilapidated mansion to name a few.
This film is delightful and well worth watching.
This film is delightful and well worth watching.
A delightful story
wots9326 November 2012
The Edge of the Garden (2011)
Looking for a fun romantic fantasy for an evening together with a loved one.
Light and easy to follow has all the needed elements an unhappily married woman. A gardener who understands the stress of moving from the city to Maineand tries to help the wife emotionally deal with a demanding husband. A young urban professional who's new job takes him to Maine and purchases the Maine home nearly 50 years after the original couple had abandoned the home.
I think you would be delighted. Add to the fantasy a Maine ghostly mystery that transverses three generations and I think this movie will keep your attention.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
Looking for a fun romantic fantasy for an evening together with a loved one.
Light and easy to follow has all the needed elements an unhappily married woman. A gardener who understands the stress of moving from the city to Maineand tries to help the wife emotionally deal with a demanding husband. A young urban professional who's new job takes him to Maine and purchases the Maine home nearly 50 years after the original couple had abandoned the home.
I think you would be delighted. Add to the fantasy a Maine ghostly mystery that transverses three generations and I think this movie will keep your attention.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
Edge of the Garden- It's Not Exactly Eden or Even East Of **1/2
edwagreen25 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Breaking up with his fiancé and moving from San Francisco to Maine. Our hero buys a cottage. He didn't want to buy it, but something told him it was the right thing to do. Already, I'm wondering if this is for me.
Our guy hears people talking in the house. You immediately wonder if there are ghosts. Then we are subjected to a couple living in the house and the year is 1960. Eventually, we find out that our lady, who has Lyme disease, meets an awful end at the hands of her abusive husband. She is communicating with our guy via fireplace in the living room.
If this is more incredible, our guy's ex-fiancée suddenly shows up and reverses everything by throwing a love locket in the fire. Then, we're back in 2011 and another walk through the garden.
Credibility is lacking here. This isn't even for the romantics. There is some good acting, especially the abusive husband.
Our guy hears people talking in the house. You immediately wonder if there are ghosts. Then we are subjected to a couple living in the house and the year is 1960. Eventually, we find out that our lady, who has Lyme disease, meets an awful end at the hands of her abusive husband. She is communicating with our guy via fireplace in the living room.
If this is more incredible, our guy's ex-fiancée suddenly shows up and reverses everything by throwing a love locket in the fire. Then, we're back in 2011 and another walk through the garden.
Credibility is lacking here. This isn't even for the romantics. There is some good acting, especially the abusive husband.
Love blooms in springtime small town Maine.
Xjayhawker18 February 2013
If you suspend belief and just let yourself be entertained by it's simple,heart-warming message,you will be transported back to a more innocent time and place..in your heart and mind. Another reviewer asked if it was possible for hyacinths and roses to be flowering at the same time. In the north,yes.Both bloom in the spring,hyacinths in early spring and roses in mid-spring.. with that said nothing should detract from simply enjoying this as a simple romantic pleasure with a twist..Don't worry about endings or plausibility.Simply let yourself enjoy the period dialogue,mannerisms,cars,and great performances by the two lead characters. Anyone who became a romantic fan of Somewhere in Time or The Love Letter will find enjoyment in the adaption of impossible love..somewhere in the garden.Highly encourage you to see this.
Nice romantic time-travel movie..!!
kamalbeeee15 September 2020
Time Travel Romances
daystarg714 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
In the tradition of Somewhere in Time, Kate & Leopold and The Gate House, Edge of the Garden reminds me of another very similar time travel romance movie from Hallmark Hall of Fame. When I first saw The Love Letter (1998), I decided that time travel romances were my absolute favorite, and this movie did not disappoint. It may be similar in structure but, in its own romantic way, it stands on its own.
Keep up the good work, Hallmark – I hope you make more of these types of movies!
Only one question - can roses and hyacinths bloom at the same time? A beautiful garden played a key center point in bringing the main characters together. At one point during the movie, it was mentioned these two flowers were blooming simultaneously. Hyacinths are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, and roses, as well as most of the flowers mentioned, are not early spring blooming. A very trivial point, considering this classic movie also deserves to be part of the Hallmark Hall of Fame.
Keep up the good work, Hallmark – I hope you make more of these types of movies!
Only one question - can roses and hyacinths bloom at the same time? A beautiful garden played a key center point in bringing the main characters together. At one point during the movie, it was mentioned these two flowers were blooming simultaneously. Hyacinths are one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring, and roses, as well as most of the flowers mentioned, are not early spring blooming. A very trivial point, considering this classic movie also deserves to be part of the Hallmark Hall of Fame.
intriguing potential
SnoopyStyle28 February 2021
Julie dumps Brian Connor (Rob Estes) after he missed their own engagement party for work in a large San Francisco tech company. He leaves to organize a newly acquired web hosting company in Maine. He gets convinced to buy a fixer-upper old mansion. As he does some repairs, strange things start happening and he encounters a ghostly Nora. In 1960, Nora is caught between kindly handyman Frank Clemmons and her loveless marriage to Thomas Hargrave.
There is a problem with his character construction. We're told that he's a big man in the company which makes two billion dollars. He's fixing a twenty million dollar acquisition as a side trip. Yet, he's doing his own home repairs. I don't buy that. He needs to insert a few lines talking about returning to his handyman roots and he needs to be a less important businessman. He could say that he had fixed up a small place as a summer job. This time-traveling premise does have some interesting potential. It is annoying to keep doing the tired trope of not saying everything right away. Brian should not hold back especially Nora and even Julie. Instead of Sarah, the movie should end with someone like Alana who is revealed to be the granddaughter. This is a bit limp as a romance but intriguing enough as a sci-fi.
There is a problem with his character construction. We're told that he's a big man in the company which makes two billion dollars. He's fixing a twenty million dollar acquisition as a side trip. Yet, he's doing his own home repairs. I don't buy that. He needs to insert a few lines talking about returning to his handyman roots and he needs to be a less important businessman. He could say that he had fixed up a small place as a summer job. This time-traveling premise does have some interesting potential. It is annoying to keep doing the tired trope of not saying everything right away. Brian should not hold back especially Nora and even Julie. Instead of Sarah, the movie should end with someone like Alana who is revealed to be the granddaughter. This is a bit limp as a romance but intriguing enough as a sci-fi.
50 years between them but somehow they share this space
juneebuggy22 June 2015
This was really good for a made-for-TV production. I've actually seen it a couple of times now and I just love the time travel/ghost element. It's along the lines of the classic heartbreaker 'Somewhere In Time', Hallmarks 'The Love Letter' or even 'The Lake House'. With decent acting, and a clever, well thought out story containing elements of mystery, suspense and romance.
The story follows a newly single workaholic (Rob Estes) who buys a rundown cottage in Maine where he encounters the ghost of a woman (or so he thinks) who used to live there in the 1960s. As the two form a friendship, they realize that somehow they are sharing the same space even though there is 50 years between them. 'Brian' then becomes determined to change her fate.
This was just all-round better than most TV movies; not cheesy and with attention paid to the set decorating and (60's) period detail (clothing, hairstyles, kitchen knick-knacks, cars etc.) These things usually get overlooked in the made for TV stuff. The setting is also beautiful, the house and garden which play a huge role here.
This is definitely a story that haunts you for a few days afterwards (I may have even shed a tear) the only real issue I had was the sometimes too loud background/theme music. 5/25/15
*Langley BC as Maine.
The story follows a newly single workaholic (Rob Estes) who buys a rundown cottage in Maine where he encounters the ghost of a woman (or so he thinks) who used to live there in the 1960s. As the two form a friendship, they realize that somehow they are sharing the same space even though there is 50 years between them. 'Brian' then becomes determined to change her fate.
This was just all-round better than most TV movies; not cheesy and with attention paid to the set decorating and (60's) period detail (clothing, hairstyles, kitchen knick-knacks, cars etc.) These things usually get overlooked in the made for TV stuff. The setting is also beautiful, the house and garden which play a huge role here.
This is definitely a story that haunts you for a few days afterwards (I may have even shed a tear) the only real issue I had was the sometimes too loud background/theme music. 5/25/15
*Langley BC as Maine.
Time enough for love
turnbull5027 May 2018
I loved this film I watched it again today on TV great story with love and time travel. The ending was brilliant the last 20 minutes are magic. It is reminiscent of Somewhere in Time with Christopher Reeves. If you enjoyed that movie you will love this one.
Worth the watch
fouffie4 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
What a pleasure to watch. Just the right mixture of suspense and romance. You have to hate the "bad guy" who is thoroughly despicable and root for the hero who initially appears to be a bit of a cad. Some reviewers say the ending was contrived but I found it hopeful and yes, charming. The ex fiancé was cold and I was happy to see Brian shed of her. If you like love, fantasy and hope seamlessly blended together, give this movie a go!!!
Glad I ended up watching this.
LukeCustomer211 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I have always thought Rob Estes should have been a bigger star but he is perfect for this. Basically, Brian is kind of lonely because he works too much. He isn't a bad guy but he just loves his job. When he goes to Maine to help turn around his family company's newly purchased company he gets talked into buying a remote home instead of a city condo. Very soon after he keeps seeing things. A woman he can talk to but not touch. Getting letters written to him (think the Lake house) and hidden in spots around the home. Eventually he learns that this woman lived in the house 50 years before and died a mysterious death. The story explains this "magic" by suggesting a magic locket which helps people find their true love: a locket that Brian finds after moving in. Brian does what he can to help this woman and forms a deep friendships with her. So much that he reverses her early demise and is able to meet up with her when she is 70 and he is the same age as when he talked to her...but then of course... she has a daughter who shows up and you see how he might get his true love via the locket and the experience. Way better than the typical Hallmark fare.
Excellent TV Movie
jaholl23 December 2015
I usually skip most TV movies these days because they're cheaply made with bad acting.
Lifetime movies don't impress me at all and I refuse to watch them anymore.
The Sci Fi channel will only make a decent movie once in a while with the gap between the good ones and the bad flicks getting wider and wider. I skip most of these as well.
Hallmark can make a schmaltzy film like the rest of the television networks, but they do much, much better than many.....Why?
I don't have the answer, but most of their movies are regarded by many as a much higher quality than so many other channels and this movie was no exception.
It was really good.
Edge Of The Garden reminded me instantly of The Lake House with Sandra Bullock. That movie however confused the heck out of me and after seeing it a couple of times, I still don't get it.
Then, this movie had some aspects of Somewhere In Time with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve.
Not quite the same as either of those, but similar.
This made for television story was done very well. A young woman from 1960 can somehow talk to the man who now lives in her house 50 years later.
Any more than that would be spoilers.
It's definitely a chick flick, but one of the better ones.
Don't miss this. You'll be glad you didn't.
Well worth the watch!
Lifetime movies don't impress me at all and I refuse to watch them anymore.
The Sci Fi channel will only make a decent movie once in a while with the gap between the good ones and the bad flicks getting wider and wider. I skip most of these as well.
Hallmark can make a schmaltzy film like the rest of the television networks, but they do much, much better than many.....Why?
I don't have the answer, but most of their movies are regarded by many as a much higher quality than so many other channels and this movie was no exception.
It was really good.
Edge Of The Garden reminded me instantly of The Lake House with Sandra Bullock. That movie however confused the heck out of me and after seeing it a couple of times, I still don't get it.
Then, this movie had some aspects of Somewhere In Time with Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve.
Not quite the same as either of those, but similar.
This made for television story was done very well. A young woman from 1960 can somehow talk to the man who now lives in her house 50 years later.
Any more than that would be spoilers.
It's definitely a chick flick, but one of the better ones.
Don't miss this. You'll be glad you didn't.
Well worth the watch!
Wonderful Movie
gousnr17 January 2015
I love this movie. It's a true romance. I found the movie on the Hallmark Channel and recorded it several months ago. Finally got a chance to see it today. I'm shocked I hadn't heard of it before.
The best part of this movie is that the romance doesn't include any sex scenes. Instead, it's a true love story that isn't drippy or crass. This movie satisfied the romantic in me without being embarrassed while watching. It's a movie even my husband (the Marine) would watch. I want a garden like that.
Of course it didn't hurt that the main character is very handsome and easy to look at. The acting is well done and very believable. I can't wait to find more movies with the some of the same actors.
The best part of this movie is that the romance doesn't include any sex scenes. Instead, it's a true love story that isn't drippy or crass. This movie satisfied the romantic in me without being embarrassed while watching. It's a movie even my husband (the Marine) would watch. I want a garden like that.
Of course it didn't hurt that the main character is very handsome and easy to look at. The acting is well done and very believable. I can't wait to find more movies with the some of the same actors.
This movie will warm your heart!
friedenberg-ingrid8 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
So, I am a fan of horror, dark and action movies and shows, but of course, in between I like to take a break from that type of genre, so I go looking for a nice, easy and light movie. I love small town stories and pretty sceneries. I had no idea what this movie was about, I just read the first line "man buys a small cottage..." that's it, it got me on the "cottage", I had no idea what to expected and what a surprise. Delightful, sweet and what a beautiful story. It has the same premises as "The Lake House" with Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. Thank you Hallmark for a sweet afternoon.
A must see!!!
jml198811 November 2019
HOW is it possible this only has 7 stars?? I have been an avid Hallmarker for years now, and I was blown away by the heart and beauty of this film. This is truly my favorite Hallmark movie I've ever seen! A must-see for everyone who loves feel-good movies.
A fantasy convincingly done!
atristl23 November 2020
Loved This Movie
classyirishlass1 June 2018
Nice story
toncincin7 October 2020
Captivating! The story is kind of magical. Along the lines if Somewhere in Time. Well worth tge watch. Thank you Hallmark for making it available on demand. I missed it many years ago. I will watch it again before it's gone. Please jeep showing these older movies!
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