When Calls The Heart: Heart And Soul
Soapy historical drama not likely to keep tweens' attention.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
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When Calls The Heart: Heart And Soul
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that When Calls the Heart: Heart and Soul is a soapy historical drama about the Canadian frontier by author Janette Oke. The characters face the trials and tribulations of frontier life but also romantic conflict, the excitement of proposals, and the comings and goings of various suitors. There's some period-appropriate drinking in taverns and at events, some romantic embraces, near kisses, and a few full kisses, lots of subtext about unstated feelings, and some mild punching, as well as guns drawn but not fired. There's also one use of "bastard." The film is suitable for tweens but not likely to keep their attention.
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What's the Story?
The frontier saga continues when Jack and Elizabeth (Erin Krakow) are pulled apart while he works as a Mountie and interloper Charles Kensington tries to win her hand. Rosemary celebrates big dreams of performing in a play but learns the opportunity may not be what it seems. Newcomers to the frontier also turn out to be different from what they first appeared, while Abigail (Lori Loughlin) also discovers that Bill Avery may not be the man she thought he was.
Is It Any Good?
Some of the acting is a bit hokey, and the plots feel ripped straight from romantic novels, with many scenes centering on longing and repressed feelings. This translates into a bit of a watered-down but pleasant-enough version of Downton Abbey. Fans of period dramas will get their fix, but only kids with a particular interest in such settings are likely to stay engaged. Still, there's nothing unwholesome other than the hardships of the era.
WHEN CALLS THE HEART: HEART AND SOUL hinges on unstated feelings, strictly observed social norms, and restrictive gender roles. The focus here tends to be on romantic relationships with a focus on people not being who they seem. Set against a frontier backdrop, positive themes of loyalty, trust, and integrity emerge as the glue that binds a community together. Any person is only as good as her word, and mixing that in with the etiquette and customs of status, class, and wealth makes for easy watchability.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why historical dramas are so popular. Why do we like watching TV shows and films from different eras?
How would you survive a long time apart from a loved one?
Gossip plays a central role in the lives of these frontier people. Can gossip ever be a good thing?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 23, 2015
- Cast: Erin Krakow, Lori Loughlin, Daniel Lissing
- Director: Neill Fearnley
- Studio: Shout! Factory
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters, History
- Run time: 88 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 20, 2019
Our Editors Recommend
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When Calls the Heart
Book adaptation with feel-good, faith-based themes.
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Downton Abbey
Absorbing costume series is perfect watch-together fare.
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When Calls the Heart
Faith-based period drama has stellar female role models.
For kids who love history and drama
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