The Christmas Bunny

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.

I won't go into story or plot details. I will say this movie reveals enduring truths in an artful, unadorned way. It is thoughtfully written, well-acted, and beautifully filmed. Florence Henderson, in particular, is a joy to watch. The arcs of each character contribute to and reflect the theme. The theme concerns the ways in which we close or open ourselves to the power of love (both giving and accepting), and how that impacts our becoming fully who we are meant to be. Yes, it's a Christmas movie in a thematically serious way. The story is a call not to hold ourselves removed, self-concerned, isolated and separate from others. It's a meditation on the love of Christ for us, and a beckoning to open our hearts to the reality of that love, that we may respond to it, act on it, and be elevated and redeemed.

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)

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.

My wife and I were surprised by well done this movie really is. It deals with some pretty serious issues in an honest yet ultimately heartwarming way. Well worth watching.