This movie was ok. My dad picked it off Amazon. Not as good as normal hallmark Xmas movies. This one had the added bonus of seemingly ending 5 times before the final scene.
26 Reviews
This movie ended 5 times
hqqpmgzva21 December 2020
A Christmas theme about charity and other virtues is hit and miss
SimonJack15 November 2022
As other reviewers have noted, this film is a big departure from the common romance and comedy films set around Christmas. "The Least of These" focus is on charity, kindness, forgiveness, and caring about and for others. But, these virtues are mostly talked about, with just a couple of instances in practice. So, the screenplay is very wordy and talkative, and the plot has a number of holes that leave questions in the audience minds. Where did Rose and Katie come from? What happened to her father? Why are they homeless and living in a car parked near a junkyard? The car is Rose's because it's got a live battery that operates the radio. So, they pulled in and parked in this community from somewhere. Rose later says she has a bad track record with men, but Katie's letter to Santa Claus wishes for a father. Did she know her dad or not?
When Rose gets a job at Jack's Diner, he first gives her and daughter Katie a meal. We hear about that, but don't see it. When Charley and his wife give Rose and Katie a room in their home, it's a visible and real act of kindness. But when Katie talks to Charley about forgiveness, the audience learns that he and his son have been estranged for some reason and haven't spoken for six to seven years. Then, at the mysterious Christmas party that someone has thrown (later, the audience learns it's Robert and Livie), one is led by the camera to think that a man and woman who appear with a young boy are Charley's son and family. They smile at one another, and that's what is shown about forgiveness.
While the plot is okay, the story and screenplay just don't develop it well, relying instead mostly on a lot of dialog. And, with the holes in the story, and lack of background on most of the characters, this film seems incomplete. The ending is quite a stretch. Yet, with these many shortcomings, the performances are generally quite good, especially considering that few of this cast are professional actors. Only one cast person would fit in that category - Deborah Allen who plays Livie, had 33 acting credits as of 2022. Michael Nicolosi, who plays Charley, had just eight acting credits, and Jason Bynam as Luke had 10. The leads who play Rose and Katie have just two and four credits, respectively.
This movie was filmed in Fayetteville, Tennessee. So, there wasn't any snow for this Christmas, but rain. I noticed something quite unusual, at the end. The credits include 26 names of art gallery patrons, even though the audience could see just a few, mostly the backs of heads, at the gallery opening. And, it shows 73 names of the people who were at the Christmas party in the end. I'm not sure the cameras were even able to show all of them. These are the people who are called extras in filmmaking. Major studios don't begin to list the names of such casts, especially the dozens and dozens of extras who have no speaking or acting parts.
When Rose gets a job at Jack's Diner, he first gives her and daughter Katie a meal. We hear about that, but don't see it. When Charley and his wife give Rose and Katie a room in their home, it's a visible and real act of kindness. But when Katie talks to Charley about forgiveness, the audience learns that he and his son have been estranged for some reason and haven't spoken for six to seven years. Then, at the mysterious Christmas party that someone has thrown (later, the audience learns it's Robert and Livie), one is led by the camera to think that a man and woman who appear with a young boy are Charley's son and family. They smile at one another, and that's what is shown about forgiveness.
While the plot is okay, the story and screenplay just don't develop it well, relying instead mostly on a lot of dialog. And, with the holes in the story, and lack of background on most of the characters, this film seems incomplete. The ending is quite a stretch. Yet, with these many shortcomings, the performances are generally quite good, especially considering that few of this cast are professional actors. Only one cast person would fit in that category - Deborah Allen who plays Livie, had 33 acting credits as of 2022. Michael Nicolosi, who plays Charley, had just eight acting credits, and Jason Bynam as Luke had 10. The leads who play Rose and Katie have just two and four credits, respectively.
This movie was filmed in Fayetteville, Tennessee. So, there wasn't any snow for this Christmas, but rain. I noticed something quite unusual, at the end. The credits include 26 names of art gallery patrons, even though the audience could see just a few, mostly the backs of heads, at the gallery opening. And, it shows 73 names of the people who were at the Christmas party in the end. I'm not sure the cameras were even able to show all of them. These are the people who are called extras in filmmaking. Major studios don't begin to list the names of such casts, especially the dozens and dozens of extras who have no speaking or acting parts.
Morals and Christmas
adamjohns-425756 November 2020
A realistic Christmas story, set in a real world, with real behaviour and actions. Until the end that is, when suddenly it all seems to be a bit too perfect and quite unlikely. I wish humans knew how to behave like that!!?
Likeable nonetheless and with a morality that makes me feel rubbish about the lack of good work I do for others again. I'm still trying to be inspired and get motivated, these films help.
The musical track was about ten bars higher in volume than the vocal track and not all of the actors performed that brilliantly, but the main cast do a good job. I don't like the guy who plays the romantic lead, he seems a bit shifty and like this poor woman, who's had trouble before, might be in for a bit more, but unusually, the love story takes a back seat, so it doesn't affect the story too much.
I would have liked to have seen a bit more about Charlie's family after what is discovered by Katie, but that may have added yet another ending to it, which I'm not sure I could take. Just when you think that everything has been happily resolved, there's another ending and then another, but don't let me put you off, it's a good story and it's nice to see another take on the festive tale.
The musical track was about ten bars higher in volume than the vocal track and not all of the actors performed that brilliantly, but the main cast do a good job. I don't like the guy who plays the romantic lead, he seems a bit shifty and like this poor woman, who's had trouble before, might be in for a bit more, but unusually, the love story takes a back seat, so it doesn't affect the story too much.
I would have liked to have seen a bit more about Charlie's family after what is discovered by Katie, but that may have added yet another ending to it, which I'm not sure I could take. Just when you think that everything has been happily resolved, there's another ending and then another, but don't let me put you off, it's a good story and it's nice to see another take on the festive tale.
A Rare Movie about the Invisible Crowd
docm-323041 January 2021
I really loved this movie. Yes, it is a low budget film, but finally a Christmas movie that isn't all yuppie sophomoric romance, but instead shows people with real economic hardships and wan't afraid to talk about faith, plus none of the vulgarity that seems to be the new norm. Great uplifting movie...alll that Christmas movies should Be. The child actress was exceptional and although some parts of the story were forced or trite, it's a Christmas feel good movie, so relax and enjoy the feel.
The lead child actor was exceptional
iranu-7419530 November 2020
Great movie But......
MrsKat3824 September 2020
I don't see why these actors aren't in more movies. Their performance in this movie is great. This movie hit close to home for me. I have been homeless. I've spent at least 15 yrs of my 35 yrs homeless. It's so hard and finding people that actually want to help. To find people like this is amazing. I really enjoyed this movie.
A Christmas Story - please
Mattrickau2 December 2019
A lovely heart touching film
t-mccheyne29 November 2019
Inspirational Family Movie
katslzoo4 December 2019
Personally think this was very good family movie!! Excellent acting by everyone!! It inspired me!! I love movies
that show how people can use their hidden talent/passion to bring themselves out of poverty!! And there werent all thin people in this movie!! Just saying!!
I would not recommend this movie.
jkm011914 December 2023
I watched the movie waiting for something that would either show some Christmas Spirit or talk about Jesus or at least make Santa look good. The openning rejected both Santa and Jesus. In the end art is worshipped but this is a "Christian Movie" . I do not think it is Christian nor would I want my children to watch it. How much "art" defames Christ or Christian values? This movie is about art being a savior and not about the Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. They want me to write more as if I am aproffessional reviewer.
If you think stupidity is lovely, watch this movie. I was waiting for some sort of climax rather than art will save you but Jesus will not. This movie is stupid.
If you think stupidity is lovely, watch this movie. I was waiting for some sort of climax rather than art will save you but Jesus will not. This movie is stupid.
A wonderful movie
londoncc26 April 2020
This was a great movie! It touched my heart to see there are still people that are willing to help others. The faith of little Katie and her Mom, Rose really touched me. The support they had and after all they had gone through their spirits were still high. Little Katie was very wise for a 7 year old. I felt she was an angel. All the cast did an awesome job!
The Least of These: one of the best
milleranna-5257529 November 2023
The Least of These is a nice change from the "holiday romance" genre. This movie, though it has a bit of romance near the end, focuses mainly on the human struggles in life, as viewed from the perspectives of a single mother, her "wise for her age" young daughter, on of the mother's coworkers and a Salvation Army Santa who all face their various trials in life. There is a thread of faith that runs throughout the movie which has varying effects on the cast of characters. Through the course of the movie the audience/viewers are shown that unwavering faith can change people and their lives for the better. A movie with lots of heart.
ADD IT TO YOUR WISH LIST!
amewatkins22 January 2023
Love this movie...watch and see...many are found to be "the least of these", inspiring us to reach out. You just never know. Great acting by all! Each time we watch it, we see something new. Lesson after lesson. The music is also terrific, so we've bought the soundtrack, and about wore it out in just two seasons. We'd be happy to see more by this writer/director, as well as the cast.
Each character plays their role to a "t", and if you've ever lived in the South, you should feel extra "at home" in this film. Not being a big budget film actually adds to the charm, and makes the story so much more believable.
Each character plays their role to a "t", and if you've ever lived in the South, you should feel extra "at home" in this film. Not being a big budget film actually adds to the charm, and makes the story so much more believable.
Enjoyable Movie
cmkayne16 September 2019
A heartwarming movie
aggkimmy26 October 2021
One of the most honest and beautiful movies I've seen
honest_reviews1728 August 2021
This is the story of a mother and daughter who are homeless, and struggling to survive. After meeting "Santa" at the diner the mother works at, their lives are changed slowly for the better. These words don't describe the heart and love which is felt by watching the movie. Please, if you're interested in experiencing pure truth and joy through a movie, watch this. You won't regret it.
Not your typical Christmas story
jeff-6870210 December 2020
Simple and good
riverpatrick1 December 2019
Beautiful story of helping others
crystals_zoo2 December 2018
Exceptional movie!
juliekahler24 November 2023
I created an account with IMDb for the sole purpose of rating this movie! It is indeed a rare treasure - clean, wholesome, honest, down-to-earth, and artistically crafted. Unlike some, I wouldn't change a thing about it, any more than I'd suggest changes to the Mona Lisa. It's a work of art, leaving viewers with hope in their hearts and smiles on their faces. Even more, I believe it can inspire us all to be better, kinder human beings. I'll be buying a hard copy of this movie ASAP, and sharing it with everyone I know in the meantime. I'd also like to know if there are more movies available by this writer/producer!
Inspirational Christmas Movie
jdelucien-3811120 December 2020
Great Family Movie!!!
livingwaters-2646324 December 2023
The real meaning of CHRISTmas based on real life events. Christmas isn't about getting gifts. This movie demonstrates the heart and joy of giving. I plan on buying this movie and sharing it with others. Showing that Christmas is different for all of us, but the true meaning of the Savior is shared throughout this wonderful movie. We must reach out to those less unfortunate in the Spirit giving. Each scene is carefully written and shows the reality of our world and the tenderness of the love of Christ through the eyes of a 7-year-old child, with a kind stranger who provides shelter for this mother and her child. A must see.
Good Christmas Movie
kfagan-3238116 December 2019
Great Xmas Feel Good Film
kdsfjbuq8 December 2020
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