The Gift That Gives

With way too much violence and general negativity on screens, big and small, it was refreshing to watch a feelgood movie for a change. The fact that The Gift That Gives is an Australian production was a bonus. When movies today are so often dog-eat-dog and mean-spirited with little or no redemption, this light-hearted story lifted my spirits. It could be said that there is a bit too much moralising, but I found the message of kindness, love and joy expressed through the characters done with a light touch. And it was good to see in the casting a realistic cross section of Aussies with different cultural backgrounds. I look forward to Joy Hopwood's next production.

An enjoyable cheery rom com based on an older long term relationship and their family. The plot has twists that surprise you and it is a fun ride.

If you're after an enjoyable story with quirky characters The Gift That Gives is for you. It's wonderful to see a film that can create humourous romantic characters out of an older couple and combine their complex relationship with the romantic adventures of their sons. This is a three for one adventure with three romances cleverly woven around the central characters.

Do yourself a favour and spend time with this adorable film it will leave you with a smile and that wonderful fuzzy warm feeling in your soul.

Really enjoyed watching this! It was super lighthearted and just makes you feel good. I'm a huge romcom fan and I always love a wholesome movie! So, this hit the right spot for me!

The movie kept me engaged and on my toes... It kept me wondering what's gonna happen next with the characters! I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster it took me on.

There were also many funny moments that made me laugh out loud, especially the yoga scenes with Maria Tran. There were many witty moments between the main characters too.

Also, I love seeing a diverse cast in movies! We need more Asian-Australian representation in film, so it was refreshing to see that here. I also love spotting iconic Sydney, Australia locations in the film too.

Overall, I walked away from this movie feeling super warm and wholesome. Especially the ending!!

'The Gift that Gives' is the stuff of good independent films: it gives voice to underrepresented filmmakers, actors and audiences; brings to light cultural values of Asian Australians; and does both with professionalism, creativity and good story telling. And of course, it's entertaining because it includes good acting, interesting cinematography and thoughtful themes. The production value is great and the integrity obvious.

We need more film makers like Joy Hopwood to broaden our perspective and appreciation for the diversity of stories and cultures that make up our planet.

Definitely worth including on your Christmas movie list!

Sometimes you just want a wholesome story about characters navigating their life and relationships, and this is where this film delivers.

You find yourself rooting for all the characters and the themes of the struggle of finding success in the creative industry in relatable to many, and it's a nice change of pace that it's implied that success is found through working and supported each other as opposed to competition (which is in keeping with the overall wholesomeness of it all)

It fits nicely with many other Christmas films (although the Australian element is always a nice touch, again, nice to see an Xmas movie taking place in the Summer!)