The Christmas Shoes

This has to be one of the most emotionally charged movies in recent years. I consider myself a man’s man and very rarely show my feelings whilst watching films, but I shed more than a few tears whilst watching this endearing, thought-provoking movie based on the book of the same name. The book was in turn based on the song of the same name by Christian band Newsong.

The movie revolves around two families, the Laytons and Andrews. The Andrews are a loving family that makes every moment count, even though they would be considered typical, working class people. The Laytons, however, are a family who has everything, yet nothing—a failing marriage and a father who makes and breaks promises in the same day pretty much sums them up. The story revolves around these two families as their lives unintentionally interact with one another, but unlike most films of this genre the story moved along quickly and kept my attention throughout.

To say that this film is a tearjerker would be an understatement. The main story is about Maggie Andrews’ fight with a life-threatening heart condition and her son’s struggle to buy her a pair of beautiful red shoes as her last Christmas present. I won’t ruin the story by telling what happens, but be warned have plenty of handkerchiefs at the ready, because I have yet to meet anyone who hasn’t shed a tear or two watching this beautifully-crafted movie.

As for content… You will find no violence, little bad language, and no sex or nudity. This has to be one of the most family-friendly movies, I can think of. Little ones may get a little upset, but it may open a good opportunity for discussion about the film’s subject matter.

The acting throughout was above standard for a TV movie, and both Rob Lowe and Kimberley Williams shone. As for spiritual content… although there is not mention of God’s saving grace through his son Jesus, there are mentions of angels, Heaven, and God. The song that started the ball rolling is played during the film, and it was nice to see that they left in the line, “And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight.”

Overall, this is a film that I will be watching every Christmas alongside other Christmas classics and mark my words, that’s what this will become… a Christmas classic.

Violence: None | Profanity: Mild | Sex/Nudity: None