Meu Amor por Grace

For days afterwards I reflected on how much I enjoyed watching this film. The story took me for a ride, the real-ness of it all is easy to identify with, and the morals and message are readily applicable in today's world. If more people learned from the role models of this film, the world would be a better place.

Multi-ethnic identity and orphan pains are major themes. Along with socioeconomic class issues. Filmed in Hawaii, so the scenery is stunning. Great for families. I recommend it!

I've lived in Kona for 25 years and I can't imagine any movie made here that does not have a native Hawaiian person in it. I did not see one Hawaiian in this film. Understandably, it takes place mauka in coffee country, and there were mainly Japanese in Holualoa then, but why not include Hawaiians on the road or on the coast shots. I know he was trying to be artsy, but I just felt an obvious absence and it was a little rude. Also, I think the colors were over-saturated which gave the film a tv look, rather than a moody film. More like a Hallmark movie. I did enjoy the drone shots.

This is in some ways a sweet movie about love between a father and son, between a boy and a girl. Yes it's predictable, yes some weak spots, but Matt Dillon is good; Ryan Potter is charming. Even more effective, the theme of prejudice born of hate and ignorance is explored, especially important in the worldwide intensifying again of vicious racism. I loved how the house becomes something wonderful at the end, a major symbol for the story.

Recommended.

I enjoyed Running for Grace a second time in theater - it's perfect for the whole family. I discovered a lot about Hawaii and it's landscapes and history through the film too. What beautiful shots and powerful themes of love, loss and adoption!

It was fun seeing big actors like Matt Dillon and Jim Caveziel across from first timers like little Cole (ridiculously cute) and others.