I really enjoyed this movie. The two main characters were true to the script. They represented themselves in one being spiritual and the other not spiritual. Darcy's mother died when she was only one-year-old in a car accident. Her father who is a lot like Darcy very left brain at least that's what they called it but I will say they are people like book smart and who does not believe in the un explained. That explains why she is the way she is. I don't want to give away to much so I will leave it. It's simply written and really helps get the point across that there are spiritual things in life that can happen for reasons. Of course a little extreme but that makes it fun for us who believe. I can truly relate to this movie because I've had wonderful gifts to teach me of spiritual truths in my life.
18 Reviews
Rachel steps up and breaks form
jkoconne17 September 2019
Ms. Boston has turned in many enjoyable performances as the plucky, spunky, self assured, confident young woman (or angel) character. That changes with this film's character as a somewhat insecure woman embarking on a metaphysical and at times kinda schmaltzy journey of self discovery that ends well despite the male romantic lead being a dweeb. Well done, Rachel B.
Finding oneself
TheLittleSongbird21 May 2023
2015 did see some good Hallmark films, as well as some bad ones and plenty in between. Had a good feeling that 'A Gift of Miracles' would work, with it having one of the most appealing and relatable-sounding premises of 2015's Hallmark batch and have always admired it when Hallmark tackle mature family themes (even when they don't always work). Rachel Boston is more watchable than she isn't and it was great to see 'West Side Story's' Rita Moreno again.
'A Gift of Miracles', regardless of its imperfections, is a lovely, sweet and well meaning film on the whole and a worthy Hallmark effort. Not one of the best Hallmark films of 2015, but closer to that extreme than the worst. There is also a lot to like in 'A Gift of Miracles' and it does a nice job with its premise and relatable family themes. It was refreshing too seeing as the previous 2015 Hallmark film seen ('Just the Way You Are' with Candace Cameron Bure) didn't do anything for me.
It isn't perfect, with it being too slow to begin with and occasionally too sappy in the latter stages (even for the premise).
Did find the ending too neat and convenient in how things are resolved, which seems to be very common with Hallmark. Would have liked to have seen more chemistry between Boston and Jesse Moss, it was not non existent but it did feel too low key.
However, a lot is good. Boston is charming and heartfelt as one of her more likeable and relatable characters (something that has been very hit and miss in her career), no signs of overplaying or going through the motions. Moss is endearingly geeky and quirky without becoming neurotic. Moreno is sincere in her supporting role, and Andrew Airlie is a solid presence. The characters are interesting and easy to connect with in easy to relate to situations.
Furthermore, it t is beautifully filmed and the scenery is stunning to look at. The music is not intrusive, and didn't feel too melodramatically loud, repetitive or too constant (all of which being common with Hallmark's music), actually found it very sensitive. The direction lets the drama breathe while not allowing it to drag. The script is sincere and mature without being too melodramatic or too serious, while not sugar coating. The same goes for the gentle, charming and moving story, which is not always as fleshed out as it could have been but the good intentions and sincerity were to be admired all the way through as was the relatability of the themes.
Very nice film all in all. 7/10.
'A Gift of Miracles', regardless of its imperfections, is a lovely, sweet and well meaning film on the whole and a worthy Hallmark effort. Not one of the best Hallmark films of 2015, but closer to that extreme than the worst. There is also a lot to like in 'A Gift of Miracles' and it does a nice job with its premise and relatable family themes. It was refreshing too seeing as the previous 2015 Hallmark film seen ('Just the Way You Are' with Candace Cameron Bure) didn't do anything for me.
It isn't perfect, with it being too slow to begin with and occasionally too sappy in the latter stages (even for the premise).
Did find the ending too neat and convenient in how things are resolved, which seems to be very common with Hallmark. Would have liked to have seen more chemistry between Boston and Jesse Moss, it was not non existent but it did feel too low key.
However, a lot is good. Boston is charming and heartfelt as one of her more likeable and relatable characters (something that has been very hit and miss in her career), no signs of overplaying or going through the motions. Moss is endearingly geeky and quirky without becoming neurotic. Moreno is sincere in her supporting role, and Andrew Airlie is a solid presence. The characters are interesting and easy to connect with in easy to relate to situations.
Furthermore, it t is beautifully filmed and the scenery is stunning to look at. The music is not intrusive, and didn't feel too melodramatically loud, repetitive or too constant (all of which being common with Hallmark's music), actually found it very sensitive. The direction lets the drama breathe while not allowing it to drag. The script is sincere and mature without being too melodramatic or too serious, while not sugar coating. The same goes for the gentle, charming and moving story, which is not always as fleshed out as it could have been but the good intentions and sincerity were to be admired all the way through as was the relatability of the themes.
Very nice film all in all. 7/10.
Cute emotional story
jml19888 November 2021
love the concept
SnoopyStyle28 July 2019
Darcy Miller (Rachel Boston) is a reserved science nerd microbiologist. Her grant proposal is too scientific, too complicated, and she has no use for imagination. She is put together with writing professor Nathan Riley (Jesse Moss) to pump it up. A storm causes damage to the family storage and she finds a list from her late mother. It's a list of things that her mother wanted to give away to various people. She runs into Nathan who convinces her to finish her mother's list.
I love the concept but I don't buy these characters. I don't buy her as a closed off science nerd and I don't buy him as a free spirit zen master. She should at least wear some nerdy glasses and he should be wearing a hookah shell necklace. I also noticed something else. She's taller than him. They should talk to Tom Cruise about that. Otherwise, I like the premise of finding yourself in completing your mother's wish list. That has real power as long as it's done right. It's asking a lot for Hallmark.
I love the concept but I don't buy these characters. I don't buy her as a closed off science nerd and I don't buy him as a free spirit zen master. She should at least wear some nerdy glasses and he should be wearing a hookah shell necklace. I also noticed something else. She's taller than him. They should talk to Tom Cruise about that. Otherwise, I like the premise of finding yourself in completing your mother's wish list. That has real power as long as it's done right. It's asking a lot for Hallmark.
Almost Gave Up
krocheav24 April 2016
Gave up within 10mins of watching this the first time round. Then out of curiosity gave it another shot. Yes, it looks like a TV movie, perhaps it even plays like a TV movie - but with several differences. A: it has a very professional look via some great cinematography (and shamefully appears to be uncredited!- this needs fixing IMDb) B: it's also well played within it's boundaries. C: The story has enough intriguing elements (science over spiritual destiny, coincidence, etc) - even though it may go a step over the mark with its final closer...but, that will depend on personal tastes, philosophies, and how relaxed you are at the time.
In the lead role (and associate producer) Rachel Boston works hard to deliver a believably warm performance and the script is quite good of it's type. As the father, Andrew Airlie is also convincing. Ex voice-over man Jess Moss tries hard (as the professor?). The music of prolific Genie award wining TV composer Lawrence Shragge, adds sensitive touches just where they're needed...complete with interesting orchestral arrangements. Also a surprise to see Rita Moreno (West Side Story) in a rare appearance.
Will be a little overly romanticized for some and too coy for others but if you're in the right mood for a warm and generally thoughtful story, or getting tired of being offended and sworn at by your TV, then you may not be all that disappointed. Certainly seen worse.
In the lead role (and associate producer) Rachel Boston works hard to deliver a believably warm performance and the script is quite good of it's type. As the father, Andrew Airlie is also convincing. Ex voice-over man Jess Moss tries hard (as the professor?). The music of prolific Genie award wining TV composer Lawrence Shragge, adds sensitive touches just where they're needed...complete with interesting orchestral arrangements. Also a surprise to see Rita Moreno (West Side Story) in a rare appearance.
Will be a little overly romanticized for some and too coy for others but if you're in the right mood for a warm and generally thoughtful story, or getting tired of being offended and sworn at by your TV, then you may not be all that disappointed. Certainly seen worse.
Yes, This Is A Good Hallmark Movie-And Rita Moreno Made It Great.
kirbyditko21 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I read the review made by krocheav and I believe the reviewer was describing an 8/10 movie. Indeed, its unique elements of: (1) a loved one, a mother in this case, from the afterlife looking out for her baby girl; (2) by putting in motion a series of extraordinary events and circumstances that would drive a statistician crazy; (3) one of which is for the daughter to complete a list her mother made before she died in an accident; and (4) that all come neatly together for closure, catharsis, fulfillment and love, make for something new in Hallmark's library of often recycled, rehashed and derivative scripts.
The two leads and the supporting cast were fine. Sure, there's the usual trope of a single woman always being set up by a zealous friend and/or relative, and the clichéd "perfect" ending, but this movie's assured, unhurried pace, the way it was shot, enabled it to rise above Hallmark's seasonal average.
And then there's Rita Moreno. Her turn here could have been maudlin. Or worse, laid on thick. But no. She was restrained, a portrait of a mother who had grieved over the loss of her only son, but did not let her grief take over and destroy her life, and who, over the years had come to terms with it. I watched that revelation scene several times and each time I'm reaffirmed in my sincere belief that I was watching a superior actress work her magic. Rita Moreno deserves a movie worthy of her talents.
Rita Moreno lifts A Gift of Miracles and makes it great.
The two leads and the supporting cast were fine. Sure, there's the usual trope of a single woman always being set up by a zealous friend and/or relative, and the clichéd "perfect" ending, but this movie's assured, unhurried pace, the way it was shot, enabled it to rise above Hallmark's seasonal average.
And then there's Rita Moreno. Her turn here could have been maudlin. Or worse, laid on thick. But no. She was restrained, a portrait of a mother who had grieved over the loss of her only son, but did not let her grief take over and destroy her life, and who, over the years had come to terms with it. I watched that revelation scene several times and each time I'm reaffirmed in my sincere belief that I was watching a superior actress work her magic. Rita Moreno deserves a movie worthy of her talents.
Rita Moreno lifts A Gift of Miracles and makes it great.
There is just something I like about Rachel Boston
jiaidc8 May 2021
Most Hallmark movies follow this formula - feel good fun until 1.5 hours and then conflict until it ends with a kiss. This movie had its own formula that made it more interesting. Further, I always like Rachel Boston; she makes a 6 movie into an 8.
I relate to this
SunnyDaise6 March 2021
I don't really relate to many movies, but I do to this one. Sometimes loads of things happen and life makes no sense then all of a sudden all that stuff has a purpose and means you're in a great place. This movie helps you get a better perspective in life: that you can overcome the setbacks to find a fresh start and new (ad)venture.
Jesse Moss was amazing 💖
jessica_f_gonzalez23 July 2020
I originally started watching this movie because Rachel Boston is delightful in most Hallmark movies. Her performance is no different in this one but Jesse Moss totally blew me away.
I looked him up following this movie and realized that I had seen his work previously, he just hadn't stood out to me until now.
Here he plays a geek who isn't socially awkward and who seems close to his mom without being a Mama's boy. It was quite refreshing.
I loved the banter between these actors. Its a lovely movie.
I looked him up following this movie and realized that I had seen his work previously, he just hadn't stood out to me until now.
Here he plays a geek who isn't socially awkward and who seems close to his mom without being a Mama's boy. It was quite refreshing.
I loved the banter between these actors. Its a lovely movie.
Mistery
xana-marques19975 November 2018
I liked the movie, brings a suspense to the next development of the clues in the book. The characters are funcional and real well chosen. The story of the movie is really nice and emotional. I like these kinda of stories.
Deep movie
mariesrentals26 April 2018
Loved this movie, I found it to be very deep and spiritual. I could watch it again and again and get something new out of it each time. I loved the dialogue. I think it was well written and the acting was fabulous. Of course it also made me cry a few times but it was all very meaningful and the end is funny and uplifting. I have seen 'the secret' and listen to Abraham Hicks teachings so I get a lot of the references.
Miracle of a Mother's Love
lwmtem7 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Darcy is striving for her Microbiology Ph.D., but with her Grant Proposal reads like her detailed Dissertation and it putting her degree in jeopardy. She is then matched with an English professor, Nathan, to assist her in putting her feelings and passion into her final roadblock to her degree. Darcy finds Nathan to be filled with excitement about the things around him and a passion for science fiction movies for which she suggests he may be from another planet. She resists his ideas as she sees him as her polar opposite. He tries to get her to see her grant proposal needs to express her passion for her subject so others would find interest enough to fund her project without boring lists of facts and figures that she doesn't want to exclude.
After their meeting, she visits her Dad as a storm approaches so she spends the night only to find that the storm has damaged the room where her dad has kept a collection of items that belonged to her late mother for three decades as something he couldn't bear to part with. As they begin to clean up, she finds a trunk and a notebook containing a list of names and items Darcy has never seen of her mother who died when she was an infant. Seeing that the list may be for things intended by her mother to give to people she had known in life, Nathan suggests that finding the people and giving these items to them may help Darcy express her love for her study. With family stories and new people she begins to meet, she learns of her mother and things she did that influenced lives around her.
A simple vase to a Florist (Elaine) reveals a friendship and the story of Peonies that she gave Darcy's mother on each birthday as the vase went back and forth each year until the car accident that claimed her life. Elaine reveals that it is odd that Darcy found her now as the Peonies that she planted at her home prior to her mother's death and had never until just before meeting Darcy. Not able to analyze the sudden blooming of the Peonies, she reluctantly reveals the story of the flowers to Nathan. He then decides that his study assignment is to work, he needs to witness each event together. They deliver her mother's cookbook to her Aunt Kathy who remembers so many good thing her sister used to bake, so they make treat from the book for the handyman who was just injured working at her house. As the three bring the get well gift to him, he recognizes them as Turtle Brownies that his sitter years before often made for him. Darcy and Nathan are stunned to discover that his sitter, Marianne was Darcy's mother.
Ever pressing to get back to writing her dissertation, she agrees to go with Nathan to deliver another item to a woman just an hour away when the engine light to his car comes on and they pull over to check it out. A stranded driver had rushed out to work without her cellphone and asked if she could call for roadside assistance. Suddenly they met Molly, who had known Marianne years before. They brought what was likely intended as a wedding gift but remained undelivered all those years.
Not sure what to make of the odd events, they meet to check out an address that leads them to Beverly's house (Rita Moreno) who Darcy had met a few times preciously when they make a discovery that frightens both women as Darcy runs home to shut out what was happening. For the next few days Nathan spends time with his mother who is often on the phone with him to make sure he is alright. Darcy laments that she never experienced the attention of a mother stolen from her far too soon.
Small discoveries trouble Darcy over the days as a deadline is within the week. Now more focused on her paper she sends it and gets her degree. But the coincidences continue to mount. Old textbooks, a video tape and the items she and Nathan have been trying to deliver seem to possess a gravity that is pulling Darcy toward an unknown influenced by the mother's love, that until now, she had never known. Without the need for an analysis that she might have used weeks before, a mysterious key completes a journey, begun by the miracle of a Mother's Love!
After their meeting, she visits her Dad as a storm approaches so she spends the night only to find that the storm has damaged the room where her dad has kept a collection of items that belonged to her late mother for three decades as something he couldn't bear to part with. As they begin to clean up, she finds a trunk and a notebook containing a list of names and items Darcy has never seen of her mother who died when she was an infant. Seeing that the list may be for things intended by her mother to give to people she had known in life, Nathan suggests that finding the people and giving these items to them may help Darcy express her love for her study. With family stories and new people she begins to meet, she learns of her mother and things she did that influenced lives around her.
A simple vase to a Florist (Elaine) reveals a friendship and the story of Peonies that she gave Darcy's mother on each birthday as the vase went back and forth each year until the car accident that claimed her life. Elaine reveals that it is odd that Darcy found her now as the Peonies that she planted at her home prior to her mother's death and had never until just before meeting Darcy. Not able to analyze the sudden blooming of the Peonies, she reluctantly reveals the story of the flowers to Nathan. He then decides that his study assignment is to work, he needs to witness each event together. They deliver her mother's cookbook to her Aunt Kathy who remembers so many good thing her sister used to bake, so they make treat from the book for the handyman who was just injured working at her house. As the three bring the get well gift to him, he recognizes them as Turtle Brownies that his sitter years before often made for him. Darcy and Nathan are stunned to discover that his sitter, Marianne was Darcy's mother.
Ever pressing to get back to writing her dissertation, she agrees to go with Nathan to deliver another item to a woman just an hour away when the engine light to his car comes on and they pull over to check it out. A stranded driver had rushed out to work without her cellphone and asked if she could call for roadside assistance. Suddenly they met Molly, who had known Marianne years before. They brought what was likely intended as a wedding gift but remained undelivered all those years.
Not sure what to make of the odd events, they meet to check out an address that leads them to Beverly's house (Rita Moreno) who Darcy had met a few times preciously when they make a discovery that frightens both women as Darcy runs home to shut out what was happening. For the next few days Nathan spends time with his mother who is often on the phone with him to make sure he is alright. Darcy laments that she never experienced the attention of a mother stolen from her far too soon.
Small discoveries trouble Darcy over the days as a deadline is within the week. Now more focused on her paper she sends it and gets her degree. But the coincidences continue to mount. Old textbooks, a video tape and the items she and Nathan have been trying to deliver seem to possess a gravity that is pulling Darcy toward an unknown influenced by the mother's love, that until now, she had never known. Without the need for an analysis that she might have used weeks before, a mysterious key completes a journey, begun by the miracle of a Mother's Love!
A New Twist
NanaV516 January 2021
Rita Moreno makes it a great movie!
llwkr22 March 2020
A better than average Hallmark romance
jensenholmesPA13 March 2015
I have a weakness for Hallmark romances, but usually they average in the 6-7 range for me. I was pleasantly surprised by how strong "A Gift of Miracles" is. The screenplay has some interesting depth as the two leads--her, the logical skeptic--and him, the 'universe is speaking to you' guy. True, it's nothing that hasn't been done before, but it's well done here. I enjoyed the story of the mother's legacy. The romantic leads are cute, and while there wasn't much 'spark' or sexual tension in the story, it's sweet in an overly-family-friendly way (one kiss at the very end and in long shot!). If you like Hallmark, this is one to watch.
Not just a sappy Hallmark movie
peachy-keen-645-92340722 August 2020
The conversations(dialogs) are amazing !
rbarik31 May 2015
The conversations(dialogs) are amazing !Even, I am non English, I could understand 100% of it "each and every line".I could compare it something like "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" by Sergio Leone .That is something awesome! ,Something like Titanic.I keep my thank to Director: Neill Fernley writer: Bart Fisher and Stars: Rachel Boston, Jesse Moss, Andrew Airlie. Any one from non English country would really enjoy. The English is have life .You do not need videos. You can enjoy the whole movie in the audio format also. Thanks to the effort put in to built this beautiful piece of art!I think ,the director has taken a lot of effort to do to this master piece. The larynx of actors are the gift of God.
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