If you are a fan of Friday Night Light's Jesse Plemons, then this is for you and he is kid.
Sharon F. (Shar) from AVON PARK, FL Reviewed on 7/2/2022...
Definitely a wonderful sleeper gem. The book was written by Truman Capote and takes place in the late 1940s. A different type of "coming of age" movie. The little girl, Lily, (played by Tania Raymonde) was WONDERFUL! Put this one on your Must Watch list.
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Movie Reviews
Fantastic Family Film
Maureen A. Blake | Purcellville, VA USA | 01/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I never heard ANYTHING at all about this movie which my husband brought home from a clearance rack. It turned out to be the BEST film I have seen in the past year!! The dialogue was realistic and masterfully done, with a terrific cast of child actors, and wonderful direction that reminded me of "The Wonder Years" television show, all topped of with the beautiful voice of Celine Dion's music enhancing the movie. The movie was funny, engaging, moving , and full of substance as it delt with truly valuable issues and lessons in life through the unfolding of the story in a non-didactic but enjoyable manner.(Such as capacity for some to grow and change,fear of change and the unknown, particularlly when in comes to racism, and reparation for wrongs.) This is a family film that is not to be missed, although I do think it is suitable for children ages 8 and up as younger children wouldn't understand or apprechiate its content. (There is however nothing OBJECTIONABLE for younger kids) I do happen to agree that one reason that this was not a box office hit is because of the casting of the main character. Although she is a remarkably talented actress and I personally loved her execution of every line of her role, both my husband, and my son independently stated that they found the supporting actresses to be MUCH more physically attractive than her. For them, despite all the issues of SUBSTANCE in the film, that one cosmetic fact did affect the credibility of all the town boys having the big crush on the lead character (when they found the other girls to be so much cuter!) Considering the typical shallowness of what sells in theaters, this movie didn't meet that criteria of having a convincingly georgous leading girl whose trailers alone will bring people to the box office. If people HAD heard of this movie and had it gotten ANY media attention, it would undoubtedly have been a huge hit!"
The unknown movie
04/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Of course I heard about this movie because of the title song "I have to dream" which is sung by Celine. A beautiful song it is brings contrast to a wonderful protrayal of characters in this movie. I bought the movie despite it did not fair well in the box office, which I feel is due to limited showings. Anyway the main character, Lilly Jane is hilarious. This was a pleasant and family oriented movie that adults and children can enjoy. A great movie to watch over holidays or days that children have to stay indoors. Give the movie a viewing. I think it is needed in this day of violent, sex, and objectional material placed in front of innocent children."
Excellent Film for the Entire Family
Maureen A. Blake | 12/14/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This film is excellent and pleasurable for the whole Family. It deals with the harsh reality of racism, inequality and stereotypes with such grace. And not in a patronizing fashion. Lilly Jane comes to this small town and with classic southern charm and grace begins to wear away at the racist social structures in this town. Needless to say her group of friends also helps to rid the region of a notorious con man all the same. My children have watched this DVD for 5 days in a row and are watching it again now. Celine Dion does an excellent job with the voice over for Lilly Janes singing.
Oftentimes it's hard for parents to sit through childrens movies, but this is not the case for this film. This is a excellent movie for everyone,children and adults."
THIS MOVIE IS AMAZING!
Amber Klein | Estes Park, CO United States | 05/04/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was walking through the movie rental place as usual not able to find one that sounded the least bit entertaining to me and then this one caught my eye. At first I looked just because the little girl on the front (Lily Jane) was really pretty. Then I read the back of the video and it sounded really good. Lily Jane (the main girl in the movie) is a little strange but she brings the whole movie together. And the little boy (Billy Bob) was the sweetest guy ever!!!!!! This is the most amazing movie and I really recommend it for anyone who is looking for something entertaining."
Absolutely AWESOME movie!
Mary Graham | Fairacres, NM United States | 06/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie draws you in completely into that time and into those kid's lives easily and almost hauntingly. I found that after the movie, I constantly was dwelling on it and reliving parts of it. My daughters loved it, ages 12 and 18, and we saw it three times. Now I am sooo excited that the DVD is available for purchase now."