Review of "The Heart of Texas"

There will be no dry eyes in the room after this heart wrenching story finishes. "The Heart of Texas" retells the true story of love, death, redemption, and ultimate forgiveness that all happens in a tiny, southern Texas town.

Grover is the epitome of the friendly neighbor. He's a friend to anyone and everyone, but he is especially friendly to Ulice, an older man living with his family in a run down house in a neighboring town. Grover always puts his family and friends before ever thinking of himself, and his children, Joy and Nathan, mean the world to him.

Joy is killed by a hit-and-run driver when she is four years old. After a criminal investigation they figure out it was Ulice. Contrary to how most of the world would react, Grover, through an act of pure selflessness, forgives him. At the funeral Grover asks Ulice and his family to sit front row, and moreover, Grover decides to build Ulice a new house. When most people would have lashed out in anger, Grover acts in love towards Ulice and his entire family.

The film is structured into a documentary that interviews Grover, his wife and friends from the community. The genuine respect for Grover and forgiveness of Ulice was clearly portrayed. The documentary depicted the story correctly; however, the film did run a little too long. After about one hour the audience understands the story. The interviews, however, continue and leave the audience continually checking their watches. The story would leave a more lasting impact if it ended closer to the climax.

This is a film that should be watched by everyone. If not used as an example of ultimate forgiveness, the genuineness of the love and emotion will entice any audience.