Love in Harmony Valley (2020 TV Movie) User Reviews

It's like everyone is biased.

[MIssM19 · 7/10 · 7 August 2020]

Emma is coming back home to visit her best friend of 20 years, they both had an accident a few months ago and after that, Emma just fled town. Will, Emma's childhood friend and Tracy's brothers blames her for the accident and for leaving afterwards.

That's all you need to know to go into it. Once there, you discover Will and his buddy want to re-open the winery of the town and modernize it as well. So, they present a project to the city council. Emma helps them a bit with said project.

I enjoyed this movie. It reminded me of the first movies of this kind that I watched around 5 years ago. It's also quite different from what Hallmark and Lifetime offers. It's not centered around romance, which I don't mind but... here goes my main problem: I understand that Emma and Will had known each other for 20 years but before confessing feelings I would have liked for them to spend more time together, all we got was a montage and 2 scenes. It's not enough. It would be more believable that way. They cannot create a relationship out of thin air.

Unlike Hallmark, the plot IS more believable, I can see this happening in real life. I understood where the Grandmother was coming from even though she was wrong.

It was my first time watching Amber Marshall. I liked her. I might watch more things with her (should I watch Heartland? I've had my eyes on it for a while). However, I have my doubts with Eric Hicks. I didn't disliked him but I would have liked for his character to be more cheerful, at least towards the ending. And honestly, I'm still confused about the chemistry, they did not have enough scenes (again, it's not centre around romance).

I think it is worth a watch, the first hour of the movie flew by, I was truly entertained and it was 12.30 in the morning.

Not quite average

[MickyG333 · 6/10 · 3 February 2024]

6.3 stars.

I like Marshall, she is one of my faves, taking into account a couple of movies, but mainly due to the show she is most noted for. If you haven't seen that show yet, give it a shot. I'm not going to name it, you can look it up and see for yourself. The title rhymes with "parkland".

This is an odd film with sad faces, disappointment, strange people...the performances were off. The male lead is abnormal in his presentation, almost like he's trying to be someone he's not, and it's off-putting. Trying too hard is the impression I get. The other fellow was just too secondary to have any impact on the story, his personality is absent. The grandmother was inconsistently nice, but unforgiving, and angry, and then maybe reversed? I can't put words to the way each character was portrayed, but it's a mess. Ms. Marshall's character comes off somewhat depressed and scared and hesitant, maybe that's intended, but not fun for a main character to be this way throughout a film. The only person I enjoyed was the injured best friend, and we don't get to see nearly enough of her. She's uplifting, cheerful, fun, full of zest. Rethink the final product next time, director.

Bland

[mitchellrharl · 4/10 · 9 July 2021]

Could not hold interest Amber Marshall as Emma and Will no chemistry at all.so bland Gram is the best in it.

The Winery Guru vs The Stubborn Grandma

[jamericanbeauty · 3/10 · 15 July 2020]

I love Amber Marshall in Heartland, so I tried this. Here she plays Emma, a big-city designer who returns to her small hometown to visit a best friend in physical rehab. Emma is staying with her feisty Grandma Rose. Enter Emma's best friend's Brother Will. Will has abs, but no charisma. The movie is about guilt and forgiveness over an accident; Will and Emma's growing attraction to each other; Will's plans to revitalize the town's winery by adding a water park and wedding chapel. Grandma Rose creates a hostile council meeting, so the town says no to the winery complex. Grandma Rose doesn't care about jobs for the town. She wants the town to stay exactly the same. Will and Emma rework his winery plan, hoping Grandma Rose and council members change their minds at the next meeting. At this point, the halfway mark, I got bored and deleted the recording. I knew where the movie was going and how it would end. If not for Amber Marshall, I would've stopped watching 20 minutes in.

The chemistry works

[elizabethkraatz · 10/10 · 17 July 2020]

As a relatively new fan of Amber Marshall and her work in Heartland, I was intrigued at how this new film would showcase her talent. I admit I never heard of Eric Hicks. I found the early conflict between the two characters genuine and realistic. Emma truly struggled with her absence after her friends injury and Will resented it. Relying on a long family history of friendship was the only reason reconciliation was going to happen. Amber did an amazing job with portraying a woman with anxiety and how it can separate you from people you care about. Although you know how these romances end, it's always interesting how everything pulls together in the end. I would have loved 15-30 more minutes to bring it together in a smoother trajectory but loved it anyway. Eric and Amber has great chemistry throughout and would love to see them in a future project.

Too much time spent on the winery politics

[Jackbv123 · 4/10 · 12 February 2021]

The premise is somewhat fresh and the story doesn't use all the formula tropes like so many of this genre, but those are the only positive things I can say about the story.

I wish I had measured how much screen time was spent in the actual city council presentations, which made me cringe to watch. Add to it the amount of screen time in personal politicking. The climax was predictable as was the ending.

I can't say there was any chemistry between Amber Marshall and Eric Hicks because the amount of screen time they spent together with any harmony (sorry no pun intended) didn't seem much longer than the time they spent where he couldn't stand her. And unlike some movies where the obligatory antagonism between the leads almost seems like flirting, there was nothing positive in that part here. Paula Barrett seemed one dimensional as Rose.

Note about BALLOT BOX STUFFING in reviews: check out all the 10 star reviews where this movie is the only movie reviewed. And the rating distribution chart shows way heavier than usual bias for 10 stars.

Love In Harmony Valley

[irenekigais · 10/10 · 17 July 2020]

Congrats on this amazing movie!! I absolutely loved it, Amber Marshall is an amazing actress played her role beautifully, I also thought Eric was good st this movie ..

No harmony or realistic love in this movie!

[goldengoldilocks · 1/10 · 18 June 2022]

Why the great reviews? Think there might be some cheating going on because this was a nauseating movie. Terrible plot, awful acting and the music in the background incredibly distracting.

Like everyone else, l watched it because of Amber Marshall.l am a total Heartland fan, and have watched the series many times, to ironically help me with anxiety. But even her acting was low standard, no where near as good as she is in Heartland. The panic attack scenes and then ending up in hospital? What? Out for a couple of hours? What did they do, drug her? As a sufferer of panic attacks, l know exactly what it is like and though when she got anxious, that wasn't a bad portrayal but in the hospital was unrealistic. As was most of this saccharine film. And that declaration of love at the end was laughable. Will and Emma...zero chemistry. Tracey was quite sweet. The Gran...okay ish. I skipped much of it as it was predictable and then needed to watch Heartland to remind myself of a way to spend time with a true heartfelt, moving and wholesome production.

Don't bother with this, it will have you squirming with discomfort.

Pretty insipid characters

[centava99 · 3/10 · 16 April 2021]

The grandmother is the most interesting character by far. The plot is ridiculous; the town development proposal' was like sixth graders developed it vs. Professionals actually from the town who want to preserve its charm.

What's really bad, and typical of so many of these movies, is that the producers make overtures to add people of color in speaking roles, but then they give them the WHITEST names possible. A man of Asian descent is named Flynn Rutherford? Would it have killed them to actually give him a name reflecting his ethnicity?

A very frustrating movie....

[cmshacco · 4/10 · 7 March 2021]

A very frustrating movie made more frustrating by bi-polar grandma...

I personally couldn't stand this woman for the first 70mins of the film. Especially in today's current political and social climate - movies like this ring loud on how vindictive people can be if they want to ruin people's plans.

Of course this wouldn't be a "faith and family" film without the obligatory love story shoehorned in the middle of everything.

Love in Harmony Valley was amazing

[marlowericky · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

I've been a fan of Amber Marshall's for a long time I new going into this move that she was in amazing actress but wow to see her playing a different character then Amy on Heartland was great Amber was so amazing playing Emma she really did I have to be honest this was my first time ever seeing Erick Hicks in a move I was so impressed by him I will definitely be watching more of him When I can sit down with my wife in too kids in watch a 2 hour program in not having to worry about profanity that's great Love in Harmony Valley was a great family program there's just not enough of them out there any more my hat's off the writers they really knock this one out of the park Amber Marshall you never feel to impress me Erick Hicks your a great actor I will be watching more of you to the rest of the cast great job guys God bless you all and thanks again for such a great Move

Dull

[barryk_76 · 1/10 · 3 May 2022]

I really don't understand the 10/10 reviews people are giving this movie. I get it, you like movies with no swearing or sex that are suitable for the whole family but the fact that it ticks those boxes doesn't automatically mean this is a good movie. It's incredibly dull mawkish tripe. The characters are 2 dimensional and uninteresting in every way. The story line is forgettable in every way and could be swapped for any of the hundreds of Hallmark movies out there. It seems to have a continuous running soundtrack cobbled together from the worst of the aforementioned network movies in addition to some absolutely terrible original songs.

I know there are a lot of people rating this highly just because they like Amber Marshall from her Heartland career but honestly she is a pretty mediocre actress at best and I feel like these people have a hard time separating her from the character she plays on that show.

This is a bad movie with nothing interesting to say that really didn't need to be made.

Amazing movie

[eloj-87263 · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

I always admire Amber's work. I'm really happy to have seen another side of her talent. A wonderful performance that makes me want to see more. Like in Christmas movies for example. Yes I can already imagine the scene: SCENARIO in front of the fireplace with a biscuit sandwich with chamallows, the lights of the tree flashing in the background. Good for summarizing a film, fresh, moving (I had a little tear, when Emma's grandmother said no for the 2nd time), touching, endearing. . . a good scenario. A very good film, congratulations to all the actors, directors and writers. . . I had a great time. I am very happy to have discovered Eric and Nina. Also a very good actors, great performances. A film as I like them, thank you for this beautiful show and why not renewed the duo Amber / Eric, which works very well on the screen (a Christmas movie, CHUUT, I didn't suggest it to you)

Amazing movie to watch!

[maevanodet · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

I tried to find a link as soon as possible to be able to watch the movie right after its release! I have to say that I was really impressed by this movie. It was nice to Amber into another role who is completely different Amy on Heartland. I was impressed by her capacity to play a role as if it was really her and her personality in it! It was the first movie where I saw Eric in it, he is a very talented actor and their chemistry were more than real! I'm hoping for a sequel to come, fingers crossed!

Love in Harmony Valley was great!!

[bwymer-48798 · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

I am a big fan of Amber Marshall and once I saw pictures and the trailer from the movie I knew I had to watch it. I thought Amber Marshall did an amazing job acting out her scenes and pulled off the panic attacks she had to do for scenes just amazing. Amber, Nina and Eric worked very well together. All the other cast members were great as well. I loved how the movie was able to bring friends and family close together. Even though Emma and Tracy and Will were all close fiends from a very young age Emma and Tracy always remained best friends and Will and Emma were able to put their differences aside and work together and eventually fall in love. Emma was able to finally get her grandmother to agree to reopening the winery. This movie made me feel like even though things happen friends and family are able to put there difference aside and come together to get things done. Great job everyone I really enjoyed the movie and I would recommend it to anyone!!

Awesome

[elizabeth_renner · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

Love in harmony Valley is a really good movie this film is a must watch for all sorts of people I love it so much and also I would like to congratulate Amber Marshall, Eric Hicks

Heartfelt

[morganbowen-13842 · 9/10 · 17 July 2020]

Eric and Amber truly have chemistry to make this beautiful movie..

Excellent job

[cbrown-91463 · 10/10 · 16 July 2020]

Amber Marshall has done it again she was great doing her part. The rest of the cast was good also if you did not watch it you better hurry up and watch it when it is on again

This movie is so good

[mandinha-31966 · 10/10 · 16 July 2020]

I loved the movie. What a thrill to see Amber and Eric acting together. Lots of love and sweet moments to be enjoyed. It was amazing. 👏👏👏

I recommend.

[tatianihomemcardoso · 10/10 · 16 July 2020]

What a wonderful film, very good. I loved it. And Amber rocked, as always, and so did the others. Success!

Really Sweet Movie!

[biba79 · 10/10 · 16 July 2020]

What a really sweet movie. I wasn't expecting much, but ended up loving it. Amber Marshal was amazing in it.I thought Emma was so different from Amy, and Amber did such an amazing job. The other actors were great too, the whole cast had great chemistry.

LOVE IN HARMONY VALLEY

[shelleyhunden · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

LOVE IN HARMONY VALLEY follows Will and Emma as they try to convince the people of Harmony Valley to approve a plan to reopen the town's closed winery and bring new jobs and revenue to the people. Just when it looks like the plan is going to get approved, Emma's grandmother, Rose, intercedes and could cause the whole thing to crash. Meanwhile, Will and Emma begin to develop feelings for one another while working together.

From the lips of Amber Marshall, "Both characters come into this story with their own turmoil, and they can see the weakness in each other and in turn, they help each other overcome it but it's not recognized in the very beginning," Amber Marshall says. "As they develop a relationship and as they start to recognize the history between each other, it unravels into this beautiful and magically fresh love story."

Based on a novel by Melinda Curtis, LOVE IN HARMONY VALLEY is charming and contains just enough mystery and conflict to keep audiences engaged. It also has a strong pro-capitalist worldview where characters want to revive an old business and revamp the town to bring in more jobs, revenue and tourism. The movie showcases moral elements like taking care of your family and friends and working together for a common goal.

For the Heartland fans out there, the movie does show Amber in a different light. Not only does Emma wear tons of make-up but she dresses like an older woman as well. (Were not sure the age they were going for but honestly I thought 50's for her but not Will or Tracy which was kinda weird.) Wearing sweaters and dresses much of the movie. Emma is not confident and somewhat unsure of herself. Unlike Amy, Emma has trouble dealing with her feelings. The acting honestly reminded me of Amber's earlier work in the Elizabeth Smart Story. It was good to see Amber as an adult in a role very different from Amy, who we have all grown to love. We hope Amber's next film is an action movie or maybe become a super hero. This would really stretch her acting ability and show this girl really can do it all!

We can't forget Eric Hicks! He played Will in the movie. Eric is a strong actor. In many ways he is what I pictured Will would be from the books. Be sure to check out his other work and follow his promising career.

Overall, LOVE IN HARMONY VALLEY is your typical sweet, made for TV, love story, of a movie. Like many films of this nature it does seem to have flow issues at moments but not enough to complain about. As with other movies made from a book series there are things implied as well as things in the book that are not in the movie. (As someone who had read the books it's hard to not judge from this perspective.) I do think a bit more backstory and explanation could help the flow.

Awesome movie

[jddarthjennifer · 9/10 · 15 July 2020]

Amber marshall and eric are awesome in this movie. They are my favorite. I love the movie. Congrats to both of you. Love you guys.

Amazing movie

[eloj-87263 · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

I always admire Amber's work. I'm really happy to have seen another side of her talent. A wonderful performance that makes me want to see more. Like in Christmas movies for example 🎄 Yes I can already imagine the scene: SCENARIO in front of the fireplace with a biscuit sandwich with chamallows, the lights of the tree flashing in the background.

Good for summarizing a film, fresh, moving (I had a little tear, when Emma's grandmother said no for the 2nd time), touching, endearing. . . a good scenario. A very good film, congratulations to all the actors, directors and writers. . . I had a great time.

I am very happy to have discovered Eric and Nina. Also a very good actors, great performances. A film as I like them, thank you for this beautiful show and why not renewed the duo Amber / Eric, which works very well on the screen. (a Christmas movie, CHUUT, I didn't suggest it to you)

Amazing film!

[liaenal · 10/10 · 15 July 2020]

Excellent movie with beautiful landscapes and scenery. The history it's about forgiveness, love and the power of a real friendship. There's a spotlight on mental health too, panic attacks and how it affect our lives. I'd like to congratulate Amber Marshall, Eric Hicks and the whole cast for an incredible work on the film.