Small Gifts

People give a 10/10 a little too easily, but I feel this movie deserves it. It's small in scope, and doesn't try to be something it's not (a Hollywood film). A couple, down on their luck financially, try to make ends meet at Christmas, but their prospects are slim. Evan chops wood; Nora bakes pies. Each try to make it a perfect Christmas for the other, with mixed success. But it's really the little moments that make this movie -- the interactions between the brusque Evan and Nora's prudish mother, and in turn Nora's bashful reaction to Evan's father's attempts to assist with the couple's lack of success at procreation. Kind of a Canadian "Gift of the Magi," it's like a tiny, perfect little truffle in a box, wrapped with a pretty bow. Not too sweet, not too rich -- just the perfect end to the day for a Christmas Eve viewing. I used to be able to depend on CBC or CTV to show this one every Christmas, but I haven't been able to find it the last couple of years, which is a shame -- it really should be a Canadian TV tradition.

It sure is a relief to watch a Christmas movie with everyday folks in it as opposed to all the sugar-coated fake stuff out there. Quite a realistic portrayal of families living in trailer homes at Christmas time and we get to know them individually, which drew my compassion to them most effectively. No Santa or elves dropping off presents, just people struggling and their dedicated love which guides them through it all. Definitely a Christmas movie for adults that radiates spirit as much as anything you can find in a Disney movie, perhaps more.

This film is definitely one of my favorite Christmas movies... 'Small Gifts' manages to be believable, warm and funny without being saccharine like so many other seasonal films. A modern day "Gift of the Magi" and a stroll down memory lane for anyone who has ever had to roll their pennies. Brenda Devine is just terrific as the mother-in-law without ever being cliché, and there is a wonderful chemistry between Jessica and Jeremy as Nora and Evan. Their financial obstacles are true-to-life and a subtle reminder amidst the ever escalating materialism of the holiday season that we need to remember the things in life that truly are important. This movie originates from New Brunswick, so there is a hospitable Maritime feel to it . It is a shame that it has not yet aired in the United States, I think there are many who would appreciate it. Well worth watching, and a true Canadian gem.

Do yourself a favor and try to not read any synopses of this movie. Let it fall over you like a shivery snow by a warm fire. This is one of the most unpretentious movies ever made. There are some truly funny scenes, but it will present and teach unconditional love in a way like few movies ever have.

It is a shame that this was low budget film that never made it in to the big time, because this show beats out a lot of the multi-million dollar christmas movies for overall quality in acting and dialogue. It dramatic and yet hilariously funny at the same time. The actors play there parts to a T. I particularly liked Nora's mother, superb**ch This show proves that you need nothing more for Christmas than to be together. Chester's Rating: **********/10