Der Weihnachtshase

I just love rabbits and bunnies. I have had my share of pet rabbits over the years. This film has Florence Henderson as Betsy Ross aka the Bunny Lady in Michigan. The film unfolds as a young foster girl named Julia is sent to a rural town to live with a struggling family, the Coopers. They have a son, Billy. The film was shot entirely on location in Michigan so there is lots of snow everywhere. The film takes place around Christmastime. On Christmas Eve when the boys shoot a b.b. gun at the rabbit, the family seeks to rescue and heal it. The veterinarian recommends the bunny lady aka Betsy Ross who helps him heal at her place. Henderson is completely unrecognizable as Betsy Ross. She played her perfectly in this film. The entire cast does a remarkable job in their roles. The film doesn't try to be overly preachy, corny, or sentimental at times.

Really loved the film- only wished the girl had been a little more grateful to the lady who looked after her rabbit.I'm not sure about the realism of feeding Candy to a rabbit as I never would dream of it plus I don't believe many bunnies would even want it. It reminded me of my own emotional connection to a bunny I used to have and it also very moving that it enabled them to create a family. Was quite distressing and emotional in places. I wasn't sure about the decision not to get another companion for the rabbit. From my own experience of keeping rabbits, they can get very lonely and aggressive if left alone regularly.

Let me make one thing clear from the start: This is aimed at a young audience, it is very slow with an idea that is not original and was most likely made for TV. Those are factors you have to let flow into your vote and/or summary of the movie. You cannot compare this to big time cinema. I can still see that some people would have trouble and seeing this as a waste of their time.

After this foreword (or warning if you will), I can tell you, that as someone who loves animals in general and bunnies more specifically, you will enjoy the movie. You'll probably yearn for more bunny time, but you won't get more. The story might be a bit more out there and not as kid friendly as some might expect either. Still the overall message is clear. The girl actress is really good, which only really is being revealed when you watch the Outtakes on the DVD. Plus the old lady is based on a real person (as you can witness on one of the short features of the Disc)

This is a charming family film about a recently fostered young girl who has trouble communicating until she finds an injured rabbit.

The film explores the problem of loneliness through the eyes of both the young girl and an old lady who cares for injured animals. The film steers clear of the usual schmaltz served up in most Christmas movies and is realistic in it's portrayal of how children actually behave.

The script and performances of the cast are far above most made for TV movies. What struck me most was the cinematography which was superb. It seemed like a much higher budget film.

It's not a film that will change your life but it is more than worth a watch with the family in the run up to Christmas.

I usually hate movies like this, but I actually enjoyed this one. Probably because it was a little darker than I expected. Not as "uplifting" as a Hallmark movie, but not as melodramatic as standard Lifetime fare. The cinematography has a nice indie feel to it rather than a sterile TV movie look. I thought the gloomy Michigan winter nicely framed the uncertain financial prospects of the dad and also the isolation of the girl. Though I wish the relationship between the rabbit lady and the girl had been developed a lot more since they were both so emotionally shutdown. Nevertheless, Florence Henderson did a great job in a role that played against her usual chirpy persona. I actually didn't recognize her until I saw the credits.