An Uncommon Grace

I like Hallmark for many of its good, clean movies and especially those with a plausible story line. I appreciate the romance in this one which was more believable than the 24 hour 'this is the love of a lifetime' fare which is sometimes served up. I appreciated that this movie demonstrated that there are differing sects amongst the Amish each with its own rules and regulations and the tensions that can and do result--wisely and sensitively depicted. We also see the Amish at their best and yes, at their worst as well. It is in the context of their community, but it applies to us as well outside that community in our own contexts, causing one to reflect. It was heartening to see the main characters eventually sort out their place in their individual new normals. Loved Grace and her Amish beau. Beautifully acted by this pair.

7.7 stars.

Grace is a military nurse who left her home and joined the military after her parents died. Her younger sister lives with her grandmother near an Amish community. Soon after Grace returns home from her tour of duty, there is a murder in one of the Amish homes. As the story continues, other suspicious things start to happen. Grace gets better acquainted with Levi, a handsome young Amish man who is very attracted to her. Eventually the feelings are mutual, however they are both swept into the mystery of the murder and other strange occurrences around the community.

Much of the film focuses on religious issues and how the Amish are to avoid society's influence even at the expense of logic and common sense. Levi tries to deal with his feelings for Grace and the pressure from the Bishop of the community for him to not cavort with "Englishers". Grace is working through her own personal struggles of whether to return to military duty, or stay in the community where she can be a support for her troubled sister and aging grandmother, and also explore her feelings for Levi.

As they grow closer, the mystery unravels before them and what takes place is quite unexpected. I think you'll like this fresh and off the beaten path story. Highly recommended.

I can't speak to the accuracy of the full portrayal of the Amish, although it is clear that this represents one of the stricter Amish sects, and they are right about some aspects (i.e. no reflectors on buggies). I thought it was a good story that held my interest. It has some similarities to Witness (not just Kelly McGillis!) in terms of the outsider in their midst. There's good tension in multiple story lines, and a crime to solve as well.

I liked Jes Macallan in this movie. I've never seen her in anything else and her eyes are so pretty. I love forward to seeing more of her. And the grandmother was none other than Kelly McGillis (from Top Gun). I didn't even notice that while I was watching the movie. I need to start looking at who is playing in the movies I watch these days so I can notice my old favorite actors and actresses. This was a different kind of movie. Thanks Hallmark for going beyond the normal romantic comedies/dramas and working on scripts that may be controversial. Perfecto!!

This movie gets a little heavy on Amish bashing, although the source of conflict is an unusually strict sect. Either way, it shows the worst side of strict organized religion.

This is not the most typical Hallmark romance, but it has some things in common with some of those that have revolved around the Amish.

The story also gets a little convoluted, but I enjoyed it. Jes Macallan and Sean Ferris don't have much time together on screen to show any chemistry, but there is some there.