Surprised by Oxford (2023) User Reviews

I was Surprised by Oxford, it was a good Surprise.

[donmurray29 · 7/10 · 27 September 2023]

I did not know anything about this film, I turned up, it had an intro by the writer of the book it's based on - Carolyn Weber, and the producer too. And I have to admit, this film is rather good. The intro goes on about it being a romance film, which it sort of is, but really goes into the lead character- Carolyn's life from a child in America and the years at Oxford, England.

Roes Reid is brilliant as Carolyn, who struggles with study, a strange romance and if she is a religious person, after meeting Kent Weber, played with proper conviction, by Ruairi O'Connor. He is a very religious person and his views and others make Carolyn, really question her life and what she really wants and what she thinks of others.

Oxford looks really nice, the direction by Ryan Whitaker is spot on, capturing the background of Oxford, along with the cast which has star turns from Simon Callow, Jordan Alexandra, Emma Naomi, a very memorable Lourdes Faberes, and the splendid Phyllis logan, who is quite changeable and starts off as very stiff, but really is a driving force too.

I give this 7.5 /10 as I was Surprised by Oxford. But I don't think I'd want to study or work there though..

Faith meets romantic comedy, but neither ever land

[jimcheva · 5/10 · 21 February 2024]

This film keeps touching on some fairly powerful possibilities but then presents them in such an allusive way that the sudden bursts of emotion or reference to strong feelings and dilemmas come a bit out of nowhere. The protagonist is a pretty unique person and has a strong back story, but her interactions with her love interest hover between predictable and unmotivated and what is apparently meant to be a spiritual crisis seems like dilettantism more than profound exploration. Never mind that her main crisis here makes no particular sense given the unanchored quality of both her romantic and her spiritual questings. Really, the best part of the film is glimpses of Oxford and the excellent older British character actors playing the dons.

Good but disappointing

[carrtalk · 7/10 · 16 October 2023]

I enjoyed the book so I was anxious to see the movie, but disappointed. In the book, among Oxford erudites, Caro learned there is more to life than the education of man, God and Jesus. The movie is more about her relationship with the man she falls in love with. I does give one a good perspective of Oxford which seems to have a culture if its own in 37 or 38 colleges. That was interesting and informative.

Admission was more than twice the price of regular admission and may have accounted for just 4 people in the theatre when I went.

I am sending the book to others. See the movie for the scenery.

Surprised by Oxford

[CinemaSerf · 7/10 · 19 October 2023]

Caro Drake (Rose Reid) is a typically dedicated student who arrives at Oxford University, on a scholarship, determined to succeed, make her family proud and leave with her PhD. She's naturally quite shy and reserved but is no shrinking violet - useful, as her charismatic neighbour is Edward (Louis Landau) - and he's a bit of a Lothario. Caro does make a few friends and finds, largely despite herself, that she is drawn to the charmingly enigmatic "Kent" (Ruairi O'Connor). He is an interesting character who lives his life according to some strong Christian tenets that seem intent on ensuring that their relationship cannot really develop further. What now ensues is the beginnings of a love story set against the beautiful colleges of Oxford. There are a useful series of scenes featuring the college dean (Phyllis Logan) that help us to put some meat on the bones of this initially rather shallow individual; Simon Callow pops up to instigate some serious theoretical debate and Mark Williams proves to be the honest, inspiring - and quite sarcastic - lecturer that well needed at this stage in our educational lives. There's actually quite a decent degree of on-screen chemistry between Reid and O'Connor and though it does border on the introspective now and again, is quite an engaging observation of a true story of two people finding each other, their priorities and making their way in life. Not what I was expecting, and worth a watch. PS: there is a Q&A around which I'd strongly suggest you avoid til after the film!

Disappointed

[ejburns-96473 · 4/10 · 3 October 2023]

Having read the book I was disappointed the movie was more about the love story than it was about the conversion the author experienced. The focus of the book was the author's conversion. The love story was a minor part. I felt the conversion story in the movie was almost non existent, and it felt like they were actually trying to downplay it. The acting was very good, and it was great to see some of my favorite British actors. The cinematography and scenery was beautiful as well as the music. It should have been a love story for Jesus not TDH. It was almost confusing to understand what point the movie was trying to make when compared to the clear message of the book.

True Story of Faith and Intellect

[DrDianeHoward · 9/10 · 27 September 2023]

Carolyn was an agnostic when she first went to Oxford. She learned, however, over time there, that faith and intellect are not oppositional, antithetical, or contradictory. As she experienced longing to be fully known, which no human could satisfy, God pursued her as He had C. S. Lewis. As she resisted faith, finding it inconvenient and an impediment to her longing, she, like C. S. Lewis, was a most reluctant convert. Like C. S. Lewis, she found that real life and God were in paradoxes, as we see throughout the Bible and the life of Christ. She learned that paradoxes are only seeming contradictions. She found that faith and intellect can coexist richly. She found that God could fulfill her longing to be fully known. This is a good movie for those interested in how faith and intellect can be "held in the same hand," as Carolyn learned.

beautiful Oxford and figuring out the path

[viafilm · 8/10 · 1 October 2023]

I did not know anything about the film or the book - friends invited me.

Absorbing film about an American grad student's intellectual, emotional, philosophical and spiritual maturation and change while at Oxford.

Great Oxford scene-scape, engaging leads Rose Reid and Ruari O'Connor and wonderful to see British actors such as Phyllis Logan, Simon Callow and Ed Stoppard in supporting roles.

I think the film could have benefited from additional short scenes marveling the beauty of Anglican churches, choir music as well as moments of introspection by Carolyn.

Apparently the film has been categorized as a Christian film but we did not feel that it was very religious - actually the film raises universal themes of community, connection and purpose.

We are regular movie-goers - and baffled that there was no publicity for this film and that it apparently was only screened for two days. Surprised by Oxford deserves a regular theatrical run and more/more targeted publicity.

I was surprised at this movie's brilliance!

[Cover-Lover · 10/10 · 11 November 2023]

Set against the historical and opulent backdrop of Oxford University, 'Surprised by Oxford' delves into the intricacies of the human soul-its yearnings for connection, love, and faith. Based on a true story, Caro Drake's pursuit for intellectual achievement transforms into a poignant exploration of the heart and mind.

I enjoyed every second of this film, from the gorgeous settings to the brilliantly displayed journey of faith. It displays a cinematic yet realistic view of the struggles of the mind and heart as they lean into the complexities of faith.

With an excellent balance of push and pull, strength and vulnerability, restraint and release, Caro's story stole my heart. She is such a unique character. The dynamics of her friendships, especially with Kent, and the way they evolve despite differences in beliefs moves me.

This film offers my first introduction to Rose Reid, who portrays Caro, and Ruairi O'Conner (Kent.) Both actors give remarkable performances and exude genuineness and believability. For that matter, the entire cast are exceptionally talented.

I appreciate the incorporation of spiritual elements through the works of literary scholars, such as C. S. Lewis. This integration of academia and spirituality builds wisdom, faith, love, and acceptance into a path of self-discovery.

I highly recommend this smart, witty, heartwarming, and soul-satisfying film. I loved it.

"The strength you speak of... perhaps you're looking for it in the wrong place." - Favorite quote from the film.

#SurprisedByOxfordMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Why is this categorized as a Christian film?

[unsamuel · 9/10 · 26 November 2023]

What I like about this film is that even though it's labeled as a Christian movie. It wasn't preachy at all. I also love how it's set in college. I've been dying for a college centric movie! The main actors Ruairi and Rose have amazing chemistry as well. DEFINITELY GIVE A TRY! With The Marvel's & Hunger Games: Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes coming out around the same time. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie more. Another thing I liked was the setting! It was so great to see Oxford University. It made me feel like I was actually there. Other than that, It's better than most of romcoms Hollywood put out.

Really good

[saintgermain-83925 · 8/10 · 5 October 2023]

Do not go thinking this is a substantial movie ...it isn't ..but it is a really enjoyable couple of hours telling some interlinked themes ..a really naive american visiting Oxford and its magic on a journey to maturity: an evolving tortuous love story between the very priggish lead character and another student who is far too nice for her but is infatuated : and a confliction in the lead character's mind about embracing life and/or religious belief . The film is based on a memoir by Carolyn Weber who came to Oxford in the early 1990's and the production has done a good job of recreating that era which has been mostly destroyed . The acting encompassing young relative newcomers and cameos from legendary english actors is exemplary .The music is beautifully chosen and sets the mood . Well worth seeing.

While the movie addresses faith, it definitely doesn't feel preachy. It doesn't feel like a Christian film because it's much more elevated, intellectual, and classy.

[trinaboice · 9/10 · 25 November 2023]

IN A NUTSHELL: The idea is lovely but what makes it better is that it's based on a true story. Carolyn Weber shared her memories in the biographical novel of the same name.

The film was directed by Ryan Whitaker, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Carolyn Weber.

THINGS I LIKED: The cast includes the handsome couple Rose Reid and Ruairi O'Connor, as well as Phyllis Logan, Lourdes Faberes, Michael Culkin, Mark Williams, Ed Stoppard, and more. Everyone did an outstanding job.

I love that Rose Reid's character knew she wanted to get a doctoral degree when she was a young girl. I did too! My doctoral degree is in Management and Leadership.

The dialogue is inspirational, entertaining, and extremely insightful.

We get to learn about and visit Oxford University in England. I got to go there a few years ago for the first time. You kind of feel smarter just being there. The movie tells us it's 400 years older than the United States. I love the UK and have been there many times. Add it to your Travel Bucket List!

We also get to learn a little bit about the Romantic period of English literature a little bit. Hopefully, the movie will inspire you to crack a book and disappear in the beautiful language.

The movie features a book called Surprised by Joy by C. S. Lewis. Have you ever read it? Another good one I like by him is Mere Christianity.

While the movie addresses faith, it definitely doesn't feel preachy. It doesn't feel like a Christian film because it's much more elevated, intellectual, and classy. While I haven't read the book, I've heard that the conversion of the author played a much bigger role in the story and the romance was just a small part. The reverse is true in this movie.

While I was a student, I took some classes where there were only a handful of other students in it, as portrayed in this film. Needless to say, it's hard to fall asleep in class in that kind of situation! It was touching to see professors who took genuine care of their students. I currently teach at a university and a local college where I try to do the same. Like the film shows, one good teacher can make all of the difference in a young student's life.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: We don't get to see the moment where the leading couple met in a pub. We just suddenly see her drunk and talking nonstop to him. What a missed opportunity.

The quick, mean-spirited banter got annoying quickly.

Have you ever met a guy who would take that much verbal abuse and dismissal from a girl and yet still keep going after her? His persistence seemed so unrealistic.

So many of the characters are pompous and arrogantly impressed with their own genius and self-importance.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Kids will be extremely bored and not understand a lot of the dialogue.

Lots of alcohol and some drunkenness Talk of chastity and intimate, premarital relations.

!