A Heart Full of Hope showcases the relationship between two sisters and how they are there for one another. In Whitney’s case (Chelsea Rose Cook), she is battling dialysis and the need for a new kidney, and, in her younger sister Lynette’s case (Juliah Cheree Taylor), she needs a bit of romance in her life. As Whitney says to her, “You get me a tree for Christmas, and I’ll get you a date!”
The movie opens with Whitney returning to college to finish her degree, and Lynette tells her, “I think you’re going to like it here.” Enter Professor Sebastian Ruiz (Sebastian Armani) who will wind up in Lynette’s path. Sebastian is a bit of a free spirit, and his fellow colleagues get on him for missing an important faculty meeting. Apparently, Sebastian only attends the meetings when it’s convenient for him. As retribution, he is assigned the task of planning and organizing the 22nd Annual Willow Creek Christmas Ball, coming up in December.
There are some relatable moments in the movie, such as when the sisters mention how they miss their parents who passed away sixteen years prior. And Whitney, remembering her mother’s strength, wears her bracelet. And Lynette takes care of important reminders for Whitney, reminding her to take her pills regarding her kidney health.
Whitney winds up in Professor Sebastian’s class, Microeconomics 101, and he offers Whitney an opportunity for extra credit by helping with the Christmas Ball planning.
The film features an important theme, as Lynette battles to get Whitney a kidney donation. Lynette is blood type A and Whitney is type B Positive. One of the educational moments in the film is that if someone finds another person to make a living kidney donation, it moves anyone that person knows up on the list to be a recipient of a kidney.
The movie does a nice job in showing how roadblocks in our plans can lead to happy moments. For example, Lynette and Professor Sebastian miss a dinner reservation but they get Chinese take-out at a place around the corner from the University campus, and Lynette is impressed with the food. In a humorous moment Sebastian moves in to kiss Lynette who accidentally knocks food and containers off the table at the exact same time. The two share a laugh about it.
When Sebastian is falling behind in planning the Christmas Ball, he is teased about his “Winter Blunderland” project. Yet he begins taking waltz dance lessons in the hope of dancing with Lynette at the Christmas Ball. One idea that is explored is to help out, in this case it revolves around the sale of dreamcatchers, a Native American ornament which is said to protect sleepers, especially children, from bad dreams and negative energy.
The movie marches toward its conclusion with two major issues in the plot—will Sebastian and Lynette get past a misunderstanding and an argument, and be able to move forward in their relationship? And will Whitney receive a new kidney? The acting is very good in this movie by all the actors.
Content Analysis: There is no overt Christian theme, although forgiveness is shown between two characters. The idea of sacrificing to help others is shown through the kidney donation theme in the picture. There is the idea of Dream Catchers and the mention of them as talismans to protect sleepers, especially children, from bad dreams and negative energy.
Think About It: Some discussion topics include the topic of the Dream Catchers, and how that it is important to rely on the God of the Bible for peace and guidance. The need to help others such as the kidney donations and the reality of chronic kidney disease is a focal point. The point can be made that just reaching out to possible contacts is a positive step. Another discussion topic parents can have with their children involves forgiving others in order to move ahead in relationships.
The Dove Take: This movie features themes of forgiveness and helping others, and is suitable for All Ages, although young kids might find it slow moving. So, it has earned our Dove Seal for All Ages.
