Heart of Hope

A heart warming family film that quite literally tells a heartbreaking story of a young girl in need of a heart transplant. This film highlights the difficult reality that young children (and their families) face in need of organ donations in a world with such limited supply. A parental roller coaster of emotional unnerving, pain and worry whilst providing the right balance of humour, love, joy and relief to ultimately tell a tale of hope and overcoming adversity. Fantastic performances by Iris (Connie Kiss Me) and grandma Jenny (Linda-Jean Barry). The use of Ballet and Colours as metaphor brings a fantastical touch of Narnia meets Cirque de Soleil meets Never Ending Story. The director Roydon Turner is certainly one to watch. Definitely got me thinking about signing up our children to be organ donors which goes against a parents natural protective instinct.

Heart of Hope is the story of an aspiring eight-year-old dancer with a heart condition. This is no sweet 'tween' fantasy but a touching story that takes its subject seriously, brightening the way with splashes of humour and hopes for a better world. Parents can safely take their children to this film. Charming and entertaining, it also carries a social message for all ages. It is a rare and diverting look at the issue of organ donation, bringing the subject comfortably into view - and hopefully initiating debate within families about the benefits of donating body parts. It has an eight year-old protagonist who adds a good deal of charm to the story. Connie-Kiss Mee gives an assured performance as the heroine, supported by actors who excel in even the smallest roles. In the larger parts, Sean Knopp as Iris's father brings a gentle chemistry to his relationship with his daughter, as does Linda-Jean Barry as the supportive grandmother. Sarah Leigh as Megan, in what could have been a thankless role, displays a depth of motherlove while clinging to the cliffs of despair. Postman Rick (Matthew Foley) fills a good-fairy role in the events that follow. His engaging courtship of teacher Audrey (Georgina Hellier) brought a smile to my face. Jessica Brown Findlay makes a cameo appearance in the fantasy dance sequences which are embedded in the film, and which reflect a flamboyant theme of hope. The smart Heart of Hope script was written by Arabella Burfitt-Dons. Technically, the film has superior production values; emotionally, director Roydon Turner has imbued his film with a natural honesty.