Racing Hearts

This is a lovely film and though I wouldn't dare consider myself a movie critic, I found a bit of everything here. It's a beautiful love story--not just between the humans, but delicately and wonderfully illuminates the incredible bond people share with animals. Naturally it appealed to my animal-loving nature but I loved the unfolding of love between Jamie and Isabelle. He's a very talented actor with great insight and a richness to his soul. I loved how he came to Belgium with ideas only to pursue great financial gain but realized as the journey progressed that wealth cannot provide everything and his transformation from cold-hearted business magnate to a feeling man with hopes and desires is especially sweet. All the actors were wonderful. I loved the economy of speech and the scenery was gorgeous. Mr. DeMarco's score was perfect for the film. I'm a big fan of film scores and I will now pay closer attention and look for his name in future films. His work reminds me of the great Jerry Goldsmith. For those who are quick to say it dragged and moved much too slow, I say, slow down. Learn to look for the beauty. It's always there.

I won't go into the plot as this is explained with the product and in other comments.I will admit that I bought this because Jamie Dornan was in 50 Shades and I wanted to know about his other work. I saw him in The Fall, which he is wonderful in, so I was now very interested in his other work. Admittedly, if I were just looking for movies to buy, the plot isn't one that would have hooked me in. I probably would have not bought it. But I was pleasantly surprised. Jamie was fantastic in it, but that's not the only reason I liked the movie. I thought it was very well done. The characters were engaging; the script and acting superb all around. And the story really did reel me in.I read some reviews that said that the pacing was too slow. But, I thought it was excellent. The story unfolded in a natural way that was just right in order for the characters and relationships to be developed. I would watch it again, and that's more than I can say about many movies.

This movie was just okay. I am really trying to give Jamie Dornan the benefit of doubt but his acting skills in love stories is borderline bad! He is just not comfortable kissing women on screen. I thought it was just his chemistry with Dakota Johnson in 50 Shades of Grey but after seeing this movie I think it's just awkward for him to have chemistry with any woman on screen. He really needs to work on his on screen chemistry with the opposite sex! You just can't look sexy, you have to act sexy too! There is still work for him in Hollywood as a model but it pains me to say this but maybe he should just leave the sexy leading man roles to the professionals!

A WONDERFULLY DEVELOPED STORY THAT IS SLIGHTLY LESS MELODRAMATIC AND SLIGHTLY SLOWER THAN SOME U.S. AUDIENCES ARE USED TO.WHY SOME AREN'T LIKING IT: The central relationship progresses at a more natural pace that will seem slow to some viewers. The budget is modest and the film slightly less polished. However, the production values are still excellent and the settings are beautiful. The homing pigeons may seem un-compelling to some, but are central to the premise of "finding your way home". Another failure of expectations is the media hype connecting this show with 50 Shades of Grey. Jaime Dornan stars in both, but this movie is nothing like 50 Shades. This is not an erotic thriller. Some have criticized Dornan's acting while others watch specifically because of him. Wherever you fall on that debate, there are some terrific supporting characters (grandfather, B&B lady) and I thought De Bruyne was terrific. For those not interested in a slightly slower paced, somewhat more chaste love story, this will not likely meet your tastes.INTRO: This wonderful story takes something seemingly small and mundane like racing birds (pigeons) and contrasts them with the exciting, jet set life of a powerful young businessman and his multi-billion dollar deal. It weaves a layered story of the need to close his deal, and the lives of real people that present an impediment. Ultimately, he will have to choose between someone he loves and a deal that could cost his career.THE STORY (no spoilers): Colin Montgomery is a high octane N.Y. businessman trying to land a multi-billion dollar deal with a Dubai Sheik. It is the deal of his career so far, and he is the type of person that always wins. The problem is that the sheik has already decided to go with a competitor though the deal isn't done. Colin flies to meet the sheik and realizes his predicament. While discussing the issue, Colin learns the sheik has a unique interest. Racing pigeons. It seems silly, but the sheik is passionate and he desires a champion bird owned by a man in Flemish Belgium. Colin promises to deliver the bird if the sheik places his money with Colin's firm. Colin pretends to be a school teacher while traveling to the rural Belgian town so he can scope out the situation and find an angle to get the bird. As fate would have it, Colin meets the gentleman's granddaughter Isabelle first, and is drawn to her. That's where the tale starts to pick up steam. Colin isn't using his real identity and he will have to play hardball with her grandfather, yet he has genuine esteem for Isabelle. The movie builds further on the conflict and sets up the unraveling of Colin's secret. A little WWI folklore is thrown in for good measure as Colin researches a lost ancestor.OTHER THOUGHTS: The first 20 minutes start a little slow as they construct the tale. Many back stories also need to be filled in to explain why it all matters. Though this may seem slow to many viewers, it's actually what helps the viewer care. I felt even the back stories become interesting later on. Jamie Dornan seems slightly stiff at the beginning of the movie. I was able to accept that eventually as appropriate for a high stakes businessman from the big city. Charlotte De Bruyne as Isabelle is wonderful and makes you feel someone could really care that much for someone. I suspect this movie is getting a U.S. release well timed to promote Jamie Dornan's role in 50 shades of Grey. However, this movie stands on it's own for quality. There are still a few minor plot holes and it requires one to make a few leaps. That's not unusual for a movie like this. A few of the supporting cast also have tremendous characters that are very well acted. Even the idea of pigeon racing makes sense by the end. One of the alternate names of this movie is "Flying Home", which is a fitting simile for the pigeons and Colin as he finds his real center, both with his parents and other matters. I know many U.S. viewers won't be use to the pacing and style of this movie, and I hope I have described enough for them as well. I feel it gives the tale a little more substance and a sense of authenticity. If you are into the genre and enjoy European movies, you will likely enjoy this one. You might want to give it a rent first though.RATING & CONTENT: There is no rating on the version I am reviewing. However, there is no nudity and very little sexual situation. There are a few F words and other language. Minus the language this is a fairly clean movie and even a little uplifting and inspirational. That is pretty unusual nowadays.

My husband and I really enjoyed this romantic movie with Jamie Dornan and Charlotte De Bruyne. The beautiful Belgian countryside and historic racing pigeon stories were a great theme as the couple came together. Their romance grew slowly as most romances do in real life. Don't get me wrong, we've seen the Fifty Shades movies and find them intriguing. So you are aware, this movie is nothing like that. In fact, it was very refreshing to see a romantic drama that is not about sex. This couple had a great chemistry together and the movie included some genuine feelings and historic storyline. I know this is one movie we will watch over and over again!

Simple movie about the slow process of love developing, which is felt and nurtured by the "right" chemistry between two people. We connect with this movie by the main character's actions which we completely understand for in our lifetime, it has happened, and the movie vicariously wakes up those memories of ours to reminisce our own special moments.Let the movie take you. Sit and watch with intent and allow your emotions to surface and freedom to take you wherever they will lead you. You'll be surprised!

Loved the film

Just watched it! Beautiful! Thanks so much!

La película demuestra como una persona puede poner en una balanza que es lo mas importante para el, me enamoró

Mi piacciono tanto gli interpreti

Wow I bought this and just put it to one side as thought it wldnt be much cop but I have just watched it and i love it,I hated how colin tricked the pigeon guy and kinda had a feeling how the movie would pan out like he Colin's all about his job and hardly ever has time for women till he meets the right one and knew he would probs fix up the furniture n the bird would fly back home to its rightful owner and never been a big fan of pigeons but I loved the whole concept of this movie