A well-acted adaption of a true story
Nebula | Pennsylvania, USA | 08/12/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Based on a true story, "Gift of Love" tells the story of a high school student, Daniel Huffman (played by Elden Henson), who looks to have a promising future in football. He is very close to his grandmother, Shirlee Allison (Debbie Reynolds), who helped to raise him.Shirlee becomes quite ill, and is in desperate need of a kidney transplant. Daniel selflessly gives her one of his, a choice that results in him never being able to play football again.The movie was obviously made to "tug at the heart strings"; it's packed with saccharine, if you catch my drift. The acting, however, is top notch - with fantastic performances from Henson and Reynolds, especially. Ed Marinaro also stars as Daniel's coach."
Sappy, but very sweet
Alyssa A. Lappen | Earth | 04/29/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This Hallmark film, apparently made for Showtime, is based on the true sacrifice of high school junior Daniel Huffman (Elden Henson) who donated a kidney to save the life of his beloved grandmother Shirlee Allison (Debbie Reynolds), even though it meant giving up his boyhood dream--now within reach--of playing on a winning high school football team.
This is a sappy movie, to be sure, such as one would expect from Hallmark. But it is also educational, and inspirational. My high school student especially loved it, maybe because it was a gift from his beloved grandmother, who fortunately does not need a kidney.
"
IT IS A GIFT OF LOVE
Diane H. Reed | CASTRO VALLEY,CALIF. | 08/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A FRIEND TAPED THIS OFF TV FOR ME AND IT IS WEARING OUT,AND I DISCOVERED IT ON HERE,IT IS A VERY WARM FAMILY MOVIE AND IT IS GOOD TO SEE DEBBIE REYNOLDS AGAIN,AFTER SO MANY YEARS, I ALSO HAVE A GRANDSON NAMED DANIEL WHO IS A FOOT BALL PLAYER SO IT MAKES ME EXTRA SENTIMENTAL.GOOD FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT BASED ON A REAL FAMILY.IT MADE ME HAPPY TO BE ABLE TO PURCHASE IT,AND MAY SEND A COPY OF IT TO MY GRANDSON DANIEL."