Wie ein Staubkorn im Wind

A relatively low budget but extremely good drama. This could have turned into a standard melodrama but is elevated far beyond this by an intelligent and believable script.

The real stars though are the actors who are all terrific. Barry Pepper has always been a favourite of mine and he excels himself in this role but there are no weak links in this film. A special mention must go to the actor playing the little boy, Maxwell Perry Cotton who is utterly convincing as the frightened and confused little boy. It was one of the best performances from a young actor I have ever seen.

The film does flag a little towards the end but finishes on an emotional high. I rarely watch films twice in a short period of time but I did with this one and enjoyed it just as much second time round. Recommended.

Wendy Porter (Mira Sorvino) calls the cops and sends her abusive drunk husband Rip (Barry Pepper) to prison. Seven years later, she's there to greet him upon his release. He has stopped drinking and is a changed man. She reveals to him that they have a son and she let him be adopted. The adoption paper was forged by somebody inside the prison and a judge annuls the adoption. Joey is ripped from his comfortable home and loving parents Jack (Cole Hauser) and Molly Campbell (Kate Levering).

The interesting thing here is that nobody is played as a pure villain. Everybody struggles in this movie. It's a losing proposition in any case. All four actors bring out some deep emotions. There are some real moments. The lack of one specific rooting interest does take a toll on the movie. This is a difficult but compelling watch.

One of the best movies with one of the most bizarre releases I've ever seen. In the Dallas area it is currently playing in one mall theater for only two shows a day, one in the morning and one in the early afternoon.

I can't comprehend how such a good movie gets so little theater distribution.

The six main characters are as multi-dimensional as fictional movie characters get. They act like real people would in real situations.

While there are a few times when the camera lingers too long for emotional effect, everything about this production is top rate.

If it is being shunned due to its Christian origins, that is a shame. The few references to Christianity are really only there to advance the plot.

I was a little surprised to realize at the end that I had just watched a great movie without any profanity or skin. It is still not a film for children because of its theme and some domestic violence.

If anybody knows, please post why this film is not enjoying wider distribution. This is a Blind Side caliber movie without near the preachiness.

After reading the Karen Kingsbury novel that the movie 'Like Dandelion Dust' was based on, I was very much looking forward to watching it. However, I was disheartened to see that there was no mention of Christ Jesus at all in the movie. The whole premise of the story in the novel was to show that faith in Jesus and prayer will overcome all odds. Instead, the movie portrayed Christians as righteous and overbearing. And that making wishes on dandelions works better than prayer. The movie also left out a lot of detail that although made it work, I felt that it rushed the story. I understand that when you sell the rights to your novel, the movie producer has the right to change certain aspects of it, but I'm disappointed that Ms. Kingsbury would allow the removal of faith in Christ.

On a positive note, I found the acting very good, especially by Mira Sorvino and Cole Hauser and I was impressed with Maxwell Perry Cotton as little Joey Campbell. I had a good cry throughout the movie. Would still recommend to others.

After watching this powerful movie, I asked aloud why it wasn't nominated for any awards. It was only after I checked further that I discovered why: It is the product of a Christian movie production company and had limited distribution. The fact that I didn't know that, in itself, is a testament to the greatness of this movie. I'm a grown man who is usually not very emotional, but this movie had my tear ducts working overtime. I can't say enough about the cast, the script, the direction, the music and everything else. The story, about two sets of parents on the opposite ends of society, successfully avoids clichés and provides a realistic and painfully emotional story. This is a tour de force that came in completely under the radar. I highly recommend it.