User reviews

Oh, how this could have been a grander film, on the level of The Help. But it isn't. That doesn't mean it's not without its charms. Lordy, does Grammar soar here in what he does like few others can -- character work with both whimsy and gravitas.

I am a product of the 60s South. Notice I did not say "proud" product. But I am still interested in well-told tales of the 60s South, and some come close. The Help came close. And this one comes even closer.

Hollywood has been flogging tales of the South since the first feature silent films. All kinds of stories. This one is a story about rights, but not merely race, but of sex. It tells that story in the lazy, slow way that the rural South did things. It's not punchy, it's not edgy, it's not delightfully written. It's langorously written. That makes for a bit duller entertainment, but it can also make for something that touches hearts.

This touches hearts, if you let it. It's not unforgettable, but it's also not disposable. It's in the middle.

Its faults are that it dances around themes a bit too much, tries to touch too many bases, and its resolution is a bit too saccharine, and a lot too easy. That said, it makes you feel good. And I bet that's what it was aiming for.

This is missing an open goal. Movies on racism in the south aren't a hard begining. But this movie takes that basic premise and slowly goes backwards with a slow boring story. Thankfully the civil rights movement didn't follow the same trajectory . A terrible waste of time and talent.

The title makes it sound like a romantic comedy, but it is much more than that. It tells how important history is made. I think the acting is good in this film.

I have heard about CHARMING THE HEARTS OF MEN through all of 2021 because it has Sean Astin (an actor I follow and usually like) in the cast but actually hadn't a chance of seeing it until last January, and didn't have that many expectations for it. When I saw it last January I simply liked it, nothing more.

The movie is set in 1964 during the Civil Rights movement when Grace Gordon (Anna Friel) returns in her home town in the South and discovers that while her options are limited, discrimination towards black people is plentiful and with the help of a congressman (Kelsey Grammer) she ends up inspiring historic legislation that allows opportunities and protections that were never given to women.

While the plot was a bit hard to understand and it was saved by the last 30 minutes, the acting is generally good and the settings nice. It was also nice seeing the Southern black people's lifestyle, with their singing and dancing moments and the like. Not certainly a must see but just a time passer and nothing more (well, not all movies are meant to be masterpieces, right?)

It's 1963. Grace Gordon (Anna Friel) has come home to the deep south after the death of her powerful judge father. She finds that the family fortune had all been spent on her. With no money left, her only option is to remarry to someone rich. Her sights eventually settles on the Congressman (Kelsey Grammer). Meanwhile, the hated civil rights movement has come to the southern community.

The movie starts with the hammer blow "useless female" declaration. The next move should be showing Grace as a smart modern woman. Instead, the movie only re-enforces the useless female idea by having her ignore her bills and being completely clueless about her finances. She is utterly flighty and every bit the useless female. It is probably the exact opposite of what this movie needs. It's a bad start.

Over time, the movie does put in little bits of the civil rights movement. The general concept changes from a rom-com movie to a social justice movie. It functions better as such especially since the romance between Grace and the Congressman is never going to take off. That's another issue. The Congressman has no name. It seems like a fictional movie which is too scared to put in a real name. I don't know why they couldn't put in a fictional name.

In all good conscious, I cannot positively review a movie written and directed by Susan DeRose (she uses S. E. DeRose in her role as writer/director). At their restaurant 'OK Café', she and her partner, Richard Lewis, willfully chose to display the 1956 iteration of the Georgia state flag (which prominently displayed the confederate flag) until June 2020. The flag's current iteration (which removed the confederate flag) was adopted by the state of Georgia in February 2003. There are other controversies related to DeRose, Lewis and the restaurants but, for me, this says it all. It may also help explain the light take on the civil rights movement and the historical inaccuracy of post 1964 depicted in this film. I am Caucasian. I was born and raised in South Georgia in the 60s.

I am a huge fan of Kelsey Grammer, and watched it for that reason. Then the story about how a first time writer/director, and the owner of the OK Cafe (which is very, very good in Atlanta) was intriguing. The making of it is far more interesting than the film however.

I have a hard time with films that pretend to be historical, but don't actually use the factual history to tell the story, like this one. Additionally, it is slow, dry in many spots, an 'off' view of how black folks operate. Its an updated new of Gone with the Wind, that should have been left alone. It is in some ways, just as insulting, though you can tell it is trying very hard not to be, and yet, still . . .

There is so much emotional confusion in the main character for too long, and her clarity has no hard defining moments but is as namely pam-by as she is. The script is very weak, though the acting is strong. The Director has a 'type' in casting black women, so two key characters look too much alike, when in fact black people come in a range of appearances. The conflict between the people of all colors, within their own race and class is incredibly superficial and shallow, so it loses any power it might have had if handled better. The lack of understanding about the power of the script sinks this film into humdrum land, and just makes the view wait for the end.

The Writer/Director gets an A for effort, and perhaps her next film will be better, if she hires a real scriptwriter. Her directing was passable though.

Thank you for creating in today's age such a positive, wholesome movie that not only conveys a story, but does so in such a truely wholesome way. This movie is visually stunning, artistic, but delightfully devoid of agendas, gratuitous nudity and violence. I for one am looking forward to this director's next movie.

Movies that cover social issues of this kind can easily get caught up in the violence, Racism, the Jim Crowe laws and segregation are subjects that incite such strong emotions and can be very polarizing. But the way this movie presents it attempts to illustrate how it impacted the daily lives of those going through it. This is a statement about the common man and they're lives.

Well written - fine acting. Inspiring for young women. Not raunchy - found myself wishing it were longer. The dressing, the cars everything made it feel like the 1960's. Bravo!

Fantastic acting, well produced film, excellent perspective. Appreciate you telling history from this vantage point. Must see!

...between Kelsey Grammer and Anna Friel. But the acting overall is strong. Some of the supporting cast are particularly interesting and would have liked to have more on screen time. These characters would probably work well in a series or sequel.

Always nice to see Sean Astin pop up in a movie. He and his counterpart in the pawn shop would make a hilarious duo in a longer series. Also the chemistry between the driver and the maid is great. Sassy and sweet.

One thing that is not covered enough throughout history is women's rights. For centuries they have been abused and mistreated even still to this day. I like this movie because it brings the attention of women's rights.

Growing up in Georgia and just graduating from high school in 1964, I appreciate a movie showing that black and white relationships were not all bad. In fact, there was close long-lasting friendships and love.

An accurate account of what life was really like in 1964. Women-of any color-had limited rights. Couldn't hold a high powered job, couldn't even get a mortgage in her name.

Women born since then have no idea of different life would be for us if that one word, hadn't been added to the Civil Rights bill. So thought it was interesting that a woman wrote, directed and even did the casting for the movie.

I was reminded that he 60s were another turbulent time-not unlike today-where once again we're faced with the challenge of standing up for what we believe in.

Kelsey Grammar and Anna Friel play their roles well-as you'd expect from experienced actors but the most engaging and memorable roles were given to the black actors -Walter, Viola and Jubilee. Loved the positive spirit of the young prostitute and hope to see more movies with all of them. The casting was perfect. Cinematography, sound and music was first class.

A feel-good movie about an important time in history. Great story, great cast and the visuals were a masterpiece.

Charming! :)

A great history piece. Very well written story. All the actors were wonderful to watch. Anne Friel was an amazing actress portraying a strong woman. Love the chemistry between Anne Friel and Kelsey Grammer. Sean Astin is excellent in it. Very charming and sweet. Amil Amen is a gem.

The cinematography was beautiful. Costumes were perfect to the 1960's time period. I thought I was back in the 60's enjoying their sweet way of life. Over all a positive movie that makes you feel great and inspired.

A story that reminds us of a different time. The acting was amazing and well cast. Ann Friel and Kelsey Grammar were perfect!

If you lived in the '60s you will find this a powerful reminder of how things were.

So inspiring and tells a wonderful story. A wonderful story with humor and yet telling about the relationships of the times. Everyone should see this movie.

This movie should be mainstream perhaps even shown in classrooms.

We enjoyed this thoroughly. Proud that my state of Tennessee was the state that put the amendment over the top to give women the right to vote. Great movie.

"Charming..." is a refreshing surprise in times where only divisive titles make the cut. The story looks to unify and does so with impeccable acting and a wonderful story. The casting was perfectly achieved. The performances take you right in the middle of the conflict with elegance and raw feelings in a perfect combination. The costumes, hard to achieve on period pieces, were flawless.

If you stop focusing on the acting, you will notice amazing photography.

Perfectly directed and produced, this film is a gem in times where good cinematography is needed.

With everything going on in the world right now - such a great reminder how far we've come and how far we can still go. Well done, great job!

Thoroughly enjoyed the combination of a great story about a very important time in history along with the wonderful acting, cinematography, & music. The touches of humor throughout were enjoyed by all in the theater. Well written & produced.

This film was most enjoyable to watch Because it hit on several points!

From a woman's point of view it shed much light on how title 7'was passed and how important this was to a women's livelihood and future. Masterful and delicately handlled!! I will see this movie again!!!