The Miracle Of The Cards parents guide

The Miracle Of The Cards Parent Guide

Overall B+

Do you believe in miracles? With skepticism, Josh (Kirk Cameron), a hard-nosed reporter, sets out to investigate the fact or fable of Craig Shergold (Thomas Sangster), an eight-year-old English cancer patient who claims a miraculous cure. This made-for-TV movie is based on a true story.

Release date November 10, 2001

Violence A-
Sexual Content A
Profanity B+
Substance Use A

Why is The Miracle Of The Cards rated Not Rated? The MPAA rated The Miracle Of The Cards Not Rated

Run Time: 89 minutes

Parent Movie Review

Do you believe in miracles? With skepticism, Josh (Kirk Cameron), a hard-nosed reporter, sets out to investigate the fact or fable of Craig Shergold (Thomas Sangster), an eight-year-old English cancer patient who claims a miraculous cure. Based on a true story, Cloud Ten Pictures uses dramatized interviews to piece together the curious and thought provoking Miracle Of The Cards.

Knowing that her son has something more serious than just an earache, Marion (Catherine Oxenberg) struggles to find a doctor who will do a thorough examination. When the correct diagnosis is finally given the forecast is grim. A rare type of tumor is growing in the center of Craig’s brain, and he will die if not treated immediately. In his present weakened state, the boy needs some sort of strengthening inspiration to proceed with the necessary grueling medical treatments. Marion is encouraged by the positive impact the arrival of numerous cards from friends and family has on the child’s spirits. The mother considers each to be a prayer for her child’s well being. After a suggestion that Craig could break the Guinness Book of Records for the most “get well” cards received, the Shergold’s coordinate this effort with a fund-raiser for the care giving hospital. With the assistance of the local media, mail begins to pour in from all over the world.

Firm in her faith that Craig can be cured and unafraid to heed premonitions, Marion goes on to lead her family in the battle of a lifetime. A series of incredible events ensue leaving Josh and the audience to decide if God and the kindness of strangers who responded to a dying boy’s plea have indeed worked a miracle.

While the script gets a little tangled arguing the reality of such mysteries, a more subtle but undeniable miracle emerges. To date, over 350 million cards** have been sent to Craig Shergold, each representing the goodwill and concern that exists in the hearts of mankind throughout the world. Without promoting any specific religion, The Miracle Of The Cards warmly illustrates that universal hope.

Note: Craig’s request has unfortunately turned into an urban legend spawned by several Internet chain letters. Although the Shergolds are grateful for the good intentions, the family (and the post office) would like the cards to stop. Now in his twenties, Craig remains in good health yet still receives about five bags of mail a day! To learn more about this dilemma visit http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/weekly/aa102997.htm.)

Starring Kirk Cameron, Thomas Sangster, Catherine Oxenberg, . Running time: 89 minutes. Theatrical release November 10, 2001. Updated

The Miracle Of The Cards
Rating & Content Info

Why is The Miracle Of The Cards rated Not Rated? The Miracle Of The Cards is rated Not Rated by the MPAA

Overall: B+
Based on the true-life story of Craig Shergold, an eight-year-old boy suffering from cancer who broke the Guinness Record for most get-well cards received. The film focuses on his miraculous recovery and how his plight touched the hearts of millions of people (...who cared enough to send the very best!).

Violence: A-
Small amount of spurting blood shown during surgical procedure.

Sexual Content: A
Appropriate family affection shown.

Language: B+
At least: five mild profanities and two rude comments.

Alcohol / Drug Use: A
Several kinds of drugs used as medical treatments are mentioned.

Miscellaneous:
Child shown lying in coffin. Near death experience briefly accounted. Seriously ill hospitalized children await various cancer treatments. Several scenes depicting surgical procedures.

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The Miracle Of The Cards Parents' Guide

Why do miracles happen to some people but not others? Are there no miracles when there is no cure? If someone is cured of cancer and it can be explained scientifically, does that make the patient’s recovery less miraculous?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of The Miracle Of The Cards movie is February 5, 2002. Here are some details…

The Miracle of the Cards releases to DVD on February 5, 2002.

Related home video titles:

The film Shadowlands beautifully illustrates some of the miracles that can be found even if there isn’t a happy ending. Another movie that presents mixed blessings is Lorenzo’s Oil. As both of these films deal with life and death issues, parents would be well advised to watch with their children and be available to talk afterwards.