Common Sense Media Review
By Joyce Slaton
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based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 10+
A sweet, slow romance deals with racism in the 1920s.
Not present
Videos and photos
Based on 4 opinions of parents
What is the story?
Set in 1920s Hawaii, RUNNING FOR GRACE tells the story of Jo (Ryan Potter), an orphaned biracial boy who is despised by the people in the village where he lives. But Jo’s fortunes change when he is adopted by a kindly country doctor (Matt Dillon) who puts Jo to work prescribing medicine in the mountains and plantations where his patients live and work. When circumstances bring Jo closer to Grace (Olivia Ritchie), the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, a forbidden attraction blossoms. Unfortunately, Grace’s father is interested in marrying her off to Dr. Reyes (Jim Caviezel), all the better to pour money into his ailing coffers. Can Grace and Jo find a way to be together despite the many obstacles?
Is it good?
Sweet but slow and clichéd, this tale of forbidden love in plantation-era Hawaii is not without its endearing qualities—mainly, a strong cast and positively gorgeous shots of island settings. The main problem is the weakness of holding the love story I’m running for Grace together. Yes, Grace and Jo are young and attractive. It’s easy to see why they’re interested in each other. But while they exchange plenty of heated glances, they barely spoke 10 words to each other as they embraced for a corny kiss with a happy ending that’s reportedly so heartwarming that the entire cast burst into tears.
The rest of the plot is no less subtle: every twist and reveal of a character is carried forward years. It’s clear from our first look at Dr. Reyes that he is a villain who is up to something; he might as well twirl his mustache when he glances at Grace. (Who, by the way, is given very little to do except sit on her bed and stare at Jo with her angelically lightened blonde hair.) It’s hard to root against a story about a scorned underdog who triumphs against all odds through heroic acts, and this movie has heart in the right place. But like Grace’s contract role, she’s beautiful—and inconsequential.
Talk to your kids about…
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Families can talk about it I’m running for Grace‘s setting. Why were race and class such divisive issues in Hawaii’s plantation era? What role did foreigners play in displacing native Hawaiians from their land and creating competition between immigrants and natives?
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How does Jo show courage and perseverance in creating a life in a place where he is discriminated against? Why are these character strengths important?
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Why are forbidden romances a popular theme in movies? What’s more dramatic about two characters who have difficulty being together than two who have an uncomplicated relationship? Is that realistic?
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Why is Joe Cozzi calling his attempt to end his own life an “honorable suicide”? What does this mean in the context of suicide in Japan? Should suicide be seen as honorable?
Did we miss something about diversity?
Research shows a link between children’s healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in the media. That’s why we’ve added a new “Different Representations” section to our reviews that will be published on an ongoing basis. You can help us help children