The Christmas Candle

PG

Released Nov 22, 2013

1 hr. 40 min.

Kids & Family

Holiday

Drama

List

21%

24 Reviews

Tomatometer

74%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 19th-century England, a minister's quest to modernize his village puts him at odds with people who believe that whoever lights the candle that an angel touched will receive a miracle on Christmas Eve.

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R 9

You know what, pretty good! Weird, but holds some charm. 'The Christmas Candle' is rather religious-y, though I think it strikes a fine balance for the majority... until they deep dive into it with the ending admittedly, but as a full-blown atheist I can let it pass as it's a conclusion that stills works in film terms to be fair. The cast are a nicely chosen bunch. Hans Matheson stands out most in the lead role, while James Cosmo supports ably - as do Lesley Manville, Sylvester McCoy and Samantha Barks. Interesting to see Susan Boyle appear in her acting debut, she's clearly not an actress though her performance is alright - a likeable onscreen presence, at worst.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/14/23

Full Review

Ashley H

The Christmas Candle is a fantastic film. It is about a pastor who accepts a position in a town that believes in a Christmas miracle candle. Hans Matheson and Samantha Barks give terrific performances. The screenplay is well written. John Stephenson did a great job directing this movie. I enjoyed watching this motion picture because of the drama. The Christmas Candle is a must see.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/22/23

Full Review

Patrick P S

This movie promises so much charm, even in the trailer but the actual movie is not about a candle but a witless salvation-army minister who takes up a ministry in an English village populated by half wits. The backing music sets the mood, literally, otherwise you'd not know one scene from another. I'm sorry I paid to rent it. Hopeless.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

11/13/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Because the dvd make u watch all the ads and you can't fast forward to the movie with out a bs ads o. The dvd I could careless about what extra movies y'all have

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/17/23

Full Review

anabel g

The fantasy of a magic candle is heartwarming; but the performances are very uneven. I've actually watched it twice; the second time during a very gloomy COVID Christmas. And, it did the trick; cheered me up a bit. If you're looking for a bit of good cheer; particularly during the holidays, it's a pretty good choice; but there are better option out there.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A little overly dramatic, but it's a Christmas movie for goodness sake.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

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John Stephenson

Director

Hans Matheson

David Richmond

Samantha Barks

Emily Barstow

Lesley Manville

Bea Haddington

Sylvester McCoy

Edward Haddington

John Hannah

William Barstow

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29%

52%

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0%

61%

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33%

69%

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Mark Kermode

Observer (UK)

Essentially a daytime TV movie; out of place in cinemas, but right at home on a wet Wednesday afternoon.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 16, 2013

Full Review

Peter Bradshaw

Guardian

A real Christmas miracle would cause every copy of this film to spontaneously burst into flames.

Rated: 1/5

Dec 12, 2013

Full Review

Patrick Peters

Empire Magazine

Indigestible Christmas stodge.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 9, 2013

Full Review

Pat Padua

Spectrum Culture

Fails as a holiday classic entirely on its own merits.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 31, 2018

Full Review

Barbara Shulgasser

Common Sense Media

Magic and faith blend in story of good works and miracles.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 12, 2017

Full Review

Brian Viner

Daily Mail (UK)

There's nothing wrong with a message, but I'm afraid my own is: don't go.

Rated: 1/5

Dec 12, 2013

Full Review

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Synopsis

In 19th-century England, a minister's quest to modernize his village puts him at odds with people who believe that whoever lights the candle that an angel touched will receive a miracle on Christmas Eve.

Director: John Stephenson
Executive Producer: Steve Christian, Brian Lockhart, Huw Penallt Jones
Screenwriter: Candace Lee, Eric Newman
Distributor: Echo Light
Production Co: Pinewood Studios
Rating: PG (Mild Thematic Elements)
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 22, 2013, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 3, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.1M

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