Surprised by Oxford

This movie is based on a memoire of her life by Caro Weber who was born in the 1970s, so being a college age student the story would have taken place in the 1990s. The main character in this movie is Caro Drake. Some of it was filmed in Nashville but most of it in Oxford, England.

Caro is a very serious student who always seems to be more prepared than the other students, even in middle school. When philosophical concepts arise in the classroom she is never shy to challenge the teacher. When she is graduating she is surprised with a full-ride scholarship to Oxford, she plans to get her PhD in Early English Literature.

She quickly encounters an American student there (played well by an Irish actor) and he takes a keen interest in her. She is different from the other female students, her efforts to get rid of his attention only seems to energize him more.

Not a lot happens in this movie, the more interesting scenes are philosophical exchanges, some with other students, some with professors or administrators. All the while Caro is trying to sort ot her confusion about what is really important in life. There is a mild faith element but it isn't pushed, mainly to put your faith forward, believe in things, figure out what your life is about.

My wife and I watched it at home, streaming. We enjoyed it but it is not a candidate for a re-watch.

I did not know anything about the film or the book - friends invited me.

Absorbing film about an American grad student's intellectual, emotional, philosophical and spiritual maturation and change while at Oxford.

Great Oxford scene-scape, engaging leads Rose Reid and Ruari O'Connor and wonderful to see British actors such as Phyllis Logan, Simon Callow and Ed Stoppard in supporting roles.

I think the film could have benefited from additional short scenes marveling the beauty of Anglican churches, choir music as well as moments of introspection by Carolyn.

Apparently the film has been categorized as a Christian film but we did not feel that it was very religious - actually the film raises universal themes of community, connection and purpose.

We are regular movie-goers - and baffled that there was no publicity for this film and that it apparently was only screened for two days. Surprised by Oxford deserves a regular theatrical run and more/more targeted publicity.

Set against the historical and opulent backdrop of Oxford University, 'Surprised by Oxford' delves into the intricacies of the human soul-its yearnings for connection, love, and faith. Based on a true story, Caro Drake's pursuit for intellectual achievement transforms into a poignant exploration of the heart and mind.

I enjoyed every second of this film, from the gorgeous settings to the brilliantly displayed journey of faith. It displays a cinematic yet realistic view of the struggles of the mind and heart as they lean into the complexities of faith.

With an excellent balance of push and pull, strength and vulnerability, restraint and release, Caro's story stole my heart. She is such a unique character. The dynamics of her friendships, especially with Kent, and the way they evolve despite differences in beliefs moves me.

This film offers my first introduction to Rose Reid, who portrays Caro, and Ruairi O'Conner (Kent.) Both actors give remarkable performances and exude genuineness and believability. For that matter, the entire cast are exceptionally talented.

I appreciate the incorporation of spiritual elements through the works of literary scholars, such as C. S. Lewis. This integration of academia and spirituality builds wisdom, faith, love, and acceptance into a path of self-discovery.

I highly recommend this smart, witty, heartwarming, and soul-satisfying film. I loved it.

"The strength you speak of... perhaps you're looking for it in the wrong place." - Favorite quote from the film.

#SurprisedByOxfordMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

I did not know anything about this film, I turned up, it had an intro by the writer of the book it's based on - Carolyn Weber, and the producer too. And I have to admit, this film is rather good. The intro goes on about it being a romance film, which it sort of is, but really goes into the lead character- Carolyn's life from a child in America and the years at Oxford, England.

Roes Reid is brilliant as Carolyn, who struggles with study, a strange romance and if she is a religious person, after meeting Kent Weber, played with proper conviction, by Ruairi O'Connor. He is a very religious person and his views and others make Carolyn, really question her life and what she really wants and what she thinks of others.

Oxford looks really nice, the direction by Ryan Whitaker is spot on, capturing the background of Oxford, along with the cast which has star turns from Simon Callow, Jordan Alexandra, Emma Naomi, a very memorable Lourdes Faberes, and the splendid Phyllis logan, who is quite changeable and starts off as very stiff, but really is a driving force too.

I give this 7.5 /10 as I was Surprised by Oxford. But I don't think I'd want to study or work there though..

Having read the book I was disappointed the movie was more about the love story than it was about the conversion the author experienced. The focus of the book was the author's conversion. The love story was a minor part. I felt the conversion story in the movie was almost non existent, and it felt like they were actually trying to downplay it. The acting was very good, and it was great to see some of my favorite British actors. The cinematography and scenery was beautiful as well as the music. It should have been a love story for Jesus not TDH. It was almost confusing to understand what point the movie was trying to make when compared to the clear message of the book.