A Vow to Cherish

A Vow to Cherish

source: A Vow to Cherish

Subtle in it's build up, but beautiful in the way it introduces (or reminds us) --- God's love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. Storyline: A tragedy happens within a family. It affects each person differently -- anger, denial, prolonged grief, difficult decisions to be made, careers/businesses are impacted, sibling viewpoints don't match, new friends & helpers caught in limbo, ... feelings & behaviors we all too often experience ourselves. Who will search for the better path and find redeeming grace...? If you (the viewer) are going through a difficult season, life changes, illness, divorce, loss, empty nest, career changes, pressure to do it all, heavy load on your shoulders, or you are doubting yourself... this will be a movie you need to see let it bring LIGHT back to your path.

Forget the campy 'religious' movies that have monopolized the television/film market... this movie has a real feel to it. While it may be deemed as a movie that has cheap emotional draws, it also has that message of forgiveness, and overall good morals. However, I did not like the lighting in this movie... for a movie dealing with such subject matter, it was too bright. I felt it took away from the overall appeal of the movie, which is almost an unforgivable sin, but the recognizable cast, and their performances counteract this oversight. Definitely worth seeing... buy the DVD.

This movie deals with one of the most feared geriatric diseases among the aging today. As one who has encountered a number of families who are facing the potential of Alzheimer's or who are in the formative stages, I would suggest that every health care giver recommend this movie to any family facing the trauma of this disease. The movie is designed primarily to speak to the family of the patient and reaches into the very heart of the struggle. Casting is excellent and the dramatic portrayal is outstanding with a very commanding plot line.

I wasn't expecting to be so impacted by this film portraying a family just like the one you'd expect to be living next door. They are ordinary flesh-and-blood people, not like the typical Hollywood fare. They face an all too common problem--debilitating illness. But the story-line grips the heart with a powerful lesson. Casting, script, direction, and acting flow together with a surge that draws the viewer deep into the story. Give this film your full attention and its message will truly inspire.

A Vow to Cherish is a wonderful movie. It's based on a novel of the same title, which was equally good, though different from the film. Really made you think about how you'd respond if you were in the shoes of the characters. Recommended for anyone who has ever loved a parent, spouse, or family member--in other words, EVERYONE! Though the production isn't quite Hollywood quality--no big special effects--still, the values and ideals portrayed more than make up for it. And the cast did a wonderful job of capturing the emotional connections between family members, and the devastation that occurs when one of them becomes ill. You don't want to miss this!

This movie is not about entertainment, or not even a movie you want to see to pass the time. This movie is a genuinely a display of true love that can only come from God. One cannot help but be touched deeply by looking at this movie. We have several dimensions of love that contributes to the value of this movie. There is the divine love of God that is beautifully portrayed. God's love transcends the heart and mind and endures and is eternal. There is the love in a marriage. While the main character grapples with his wife's disease, he realizes through God's love that he loves his wife more than he could ever imagine. He knows that he and his wife are one and can never be separated. Finally, you have the love of child and parent. The kids in the family come together and realize that nothing else matters except that love conquers fear. Dear friends, love is not love unless it comes from God, because God is love and love comes from God. Talk to someone and let them know you love them. Love does no good unless it is given to another. I pray this movie can inspire and change the lives of everyone who sees it. Amen!!

One issue with many "Christian movies" like A Vow to Cherish is that they don't seem even to aspire to preach to anyone outside a very specific choir. Had the messaging and delivery here been more thoughtful and more subtle, more lives might have been changed through this ministry (and ministry is plainly what the movie means to be). A broader approach to the subject, and to Christian redemption, would have been not only more entertaining, but also likelier to transform open-minded viewers searching for peace and grace in troubled times. That said, the acting is quite good. Ken Howard is basically a legend, and it's fun to see him on screen with Ossie Davis. There are also a few nice touches in the direction and editing. But unless you're a fan of Billy Graham or deeply predisposed to his worldview and ideology, the reverend's lengthy appearance preaching in a stadium almost single-handedly ruins the picture. That scene as filmed is a baffling choice, because a local church service would have accomplished these narrative and spiritual goals in a more natural, less readily off-putting way. The Graham scene in particular takes an otherwise gentle message of faithfulness and loyalty, and delivers it with all the tender appeal of a swinging sledgehammer. I liked parts of this film but I cannot recommend it at all.