I Heard the Bells in Theaters 12/1/22

Many thanks to Sight & Sound Films for providing a sample of I HEARD THE BELLS for this review.
Opinions are 100% my own.

I have been a fan of Sight & Sound Theaters’ work for years. Visiting them live is on my bucket list. I’ve seen several of their amazing productions on TV and my youngest son got to see one live at their Branson theater when he was a missionary to the youth of America. When I heard they were making their first feature film, I couldn’t wait to see it! I was blessed to be asked to screen this film and share my thoughts with you.

About Sight & Sound

Sight & Sound® is a ministry on a mission to create spectacular entertainment experiences for the whole family. Since its beginning as a traveling multimedia show in 1976, Sight & Sound® has inspired over 25 million people with stories of faith. Today, Sight & Sound® owns and operates two live theater locations, immersing audiences in state-of-the-art original productions. Sight & Sound TV® launched in 2020, and this online streaming platform has since welcomed a global virtual audience from over 175 countries around the world. Most recently, Sight & Sound® announced expansion into feature films production, with I Heard the Bells as the first-ever theatrical release set for cinemas nationwide December 2022.

About I Heard the Bells

This is the inspiring true story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Known as America’s Poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow leads an idyllic life…until the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it’s the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet’s lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith.

I HEARD THE BELLS is in theaters beginning December 1, 2022. Find a local theater and get your tickets here.

Mom Maven’s Thoughts on I Heard the Bells

Wow! As is everything that Sight & Sound does, I HEARD THE BELLS was done with excellence. The acting, scenery, costuming, script, everything is top notch and there is not one criticism I could give. This movie was captivating and moving. The story was beautifully told.

If you are used to Sight & Sound’s massive musicals, this is different. It’s not a musical and it is not filmed in one of their theaters, though some scenes, like the New Hope Chapel, were built on their backlot, much of the movie was filmed in Pennsylvania.

This is an inspiring story of redemption and rekindled faith, the perfect film to watch with your family as you prepare to celebrate Christmas!

The Poem

I wasn’t aware that there are verses in the poem about the Civil War which, of course, are not included in the Christmas hymn. Here is the original poem, “Christmas Bells”.

I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
    And wild and sweet
    The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
    Had rolled along
    The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
    A voice, a chime,
    A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
    And with the sound
    The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
    And made forlorn
    The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
    “For hate is strong,
    And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
    The Wrong shall fail,
    The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow December 25, 1864

Buy your tickets TODAY to see I HEARD THE BELLS in theaters starting 12/1!

The Giveaway

I am giving away a $10 Amazon gift card to one US resident. The giveaway ends 12:00am ET 12-9-22, the winner will be verified. Prize fulfillment will be handled by the sponsor. Good Luck.

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