The Christmas Candle

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The Christmas Candle

PG

2013

1h 40m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

22%

Tomatometer

23 Reviews

74%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

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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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

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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

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Patrick Peters

Empire Magazine

Indigestible Christmas stodge.

Rated: 2/5

Dec 9, 2013

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Pat Padua

Spectrum Culture

Fails as a holiday classic entirely on its own merits.

Rated: 2/5

Aug 31, 2018

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Barbara Shulgasser

Common Sense Media

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

Rated: 3/5

Dec 12, 2017

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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

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Stephen C

Success in 01 hour, 40 minutes, and 08 seconds!!!!!!!!!! Rated PG for Mild Thematic Elements!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The USA grossed over $2,100,000.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/25/25

Full Review

Kathy J

Wonderful movie. Not sure why rotten tomatoes would rate it at 22% other than they're cynics. But if you are a laid back person who can enjoy a good heart felt movie like an empath, then this one is for you. Sometimes, it pays to just enjoy the nonrealism bc it's filled with joy and peace.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/16/25

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Bill R

Loved it Every bit of it. Susan Boyle is incredible. A warm story in a cold world. Well done all of the cast. Where's my candle? Found it!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/24

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Todd C

Maybe I was just in a vulnerable spot this Christmas, but this one had me crying at the end. I know it's 10 years old, but still a valid message. Don't miss!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/24

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annette Z

I REALLY ENJOY THIS MOVIE

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/07/24

Full Review

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

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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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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
Producer: Tom Newman, Hannah Leader
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
Runtime: 1h 40m

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