Here is a movie many family members can enjoy, although it’s not recommended for the very young. It is the story of three Irish siblings, who were separated after a fire left them orphaned. Consequently, they were sent to Missouri to be adopted. The story takes place in 1903 and seeing the different styles of clothing for the men and women, not to mention the children, in addition to historically accurate buildings, literally transports the viewer into the past.

The story is interesting and the acting is solid. Based on a historical fiction novel by Kim Vogel Sawyer, the screenplay by Brian Lawrence brings a bit of mystery to the plot and piques curiosity as there seems to be a few things hiding below the surface of the plot twists.

The picture opens with Abigal Kornblum, as Isabelle, learning her fate. Her cruel brother, Glenn, tells her that although their parents died, she is really adopted, according to an entry in the family Bible. Therefore, he alone will gain the inheritance. Glenn tells her he will have Mrs. Tucker pack her bags to leave, “as I am sure you don’t know how.” Next, her fiancée, Randolph, when he learns Isabelle has been disinherited, decides he doesn’t want to marry a woman without a dowry. However, he perversely suggests that they still have a relationship like man and wife, which she instantly shoots down.

However, things work out for Isabelle to land a place to stay, along with a job at the General Store. She comes across a man who is trying to gain names on a petition to regulate child labor laws. One man, named Jackson Harders (Robert Kemp) is trying to put a stop to child abuse at work, while a man named Lester Jenks (Dave Juehring), complains that he needs his kids to work to help him make a living. It’s obvious that Jenks is a troublemaker.

There are interesting characters in this picture, including a woman named Mike (short for Michael), a photographer, who winds up helping the cause against child labor.

In one scene, Isabelle is in church, and the pastor preaches a sermon on the resurrected life, and he mentions the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead. He declares that the people there can have a resurrected life too. Ultimately, Isabelle prays and accepts Christ, and her life is never going to be the same. Some miracles await her, but it won’t be easy to get there, as she will have to walk by faith.

The movie features some light-hearted moments including Isabelle having a meal with a family. She loves a cinnamon bun but doesn’t finish it as she doesn’t want to be gluttonous. The owner of the General store, seated there, almost chokes as he is obviously a man who enjoys his food.

Yet, the reality of the cruelty shown to some working children is clearly seen as a newspaper photo shows a picture of a man striking a boy at the job. And it’s stated some children work in the coal mines, a very hazardous place for even adults to work.

Jenks suggests Isabelle keep house for him, but she doesn’t agree to his barely disguised suggestion. Aaron Rowley becomes a good friend to Isabelle and he speaks of the Golden Rule, and treating others the way that one wants to be treated. A young boy, Petey, sustains an injury and loses part of his leg. He wants a peg leg and Isabelle makes it her mission to get him one. Isabelle wants to build a schoolhouse and an orphanage and it’s obvious that she has a heart to help people. Jenks continues to be portrayed as a man with serious problems, as young Matt Tucker (Grayson Kennedy) reveals stripes on his back which he claims that Jenks gave him while he was working for him. However, one of the wonderful themes of the movie is that God has a plan for everyone’s life.

Content Analysis: This film does align with the Christian worldview as the character of Isabelle makes a profession of faith in Christ, and she prays, and the Golden Rule is also mentioned as well as the pastor preaching a sermon on the resurrection.

Think About It: Discussion topics can include people who are money hungry, such as Isabelle’s brother, as well as the laws of the time, and child labor laws.  Also worthy of discussion in the film is the freedom of choices we have and how some people make good and wise choices, while others do not.

The Dove Take: This movie hits on some important topics and focuses on our need of the Lord, and this earnest drama has earned our Dove Seal for Ages 12+. Some parents will be fine with their kids just a bit younger than 12 watching, but it does contain some mature topics. Parents should consult our content listing.