O Destino de Grace

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.

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 really enjoyed this one. A little mystery, a little romance, a little light drama, all wrapped up in a Hallmark bow! Sincere, believable acting; gentle, loveable characters. I do wish, however, that Hallmark would take an extra few minutes to make the endings of their movies a little more realistic, and maybe not quite so typical and tidy.

All around unrealistic performances and casting choices, with no on-screen chemistry. A huge missed opportunity to tell and sell a story with potential. Flat, unconventional and unconvincing (over-acting) made it difficult to connect and hold the audience's interest. In particular; Daly's work was overshadowed by her deep need to be seen; she's trying too hard to steal the scene, so much so, her performance was a teaching moment on what not to do, what choices not to make and how crying on cue wasn't enough to touch the hearts of the audience. It was great to see McGillis on the big screen again, giving the audience a realistic performance; leaving us wanting more!

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.