🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Michael McGowan
- Genre: Drama, Comedy, Sport
- Release year: 2004
- Runtime (length): 1h 38min
- IMDb rating: 7.3/10 (6.4K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 73%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A kid thinks running a marathon will wake up his mom from a coma, so he does the only logical thing: runs a marathon.
🍿 The Miracle of Saint Ralph: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Ralph’s World
The film introduces Ralph Walker, a 14-year-old boy in 1950s Canada. He attends a Catholic school and lives a rather unconventional life, marked by the absence of his deceased father and the illness of his mother. Ralph is known for his mischievous behavior and struggles to find his place.

A Mother’s Illness and the Idea of a Miracle
Ralph’s life takes a turn when his mother falls into a coma. A nurse suggests that only a miracle can save her. Simultaneously, a priest jokes that it would take a miracle for anyone from their school to win the Boston Marathon. Ralph, grasping at hope, decides that he will win the marathon to bring about this miracle.

Training and Obstacles
Ralph dedicates himself to training, facing numerous obstacles. The school’s strict headmaster disapproves of his ambition, and Ralph must overcome his own physical limitations and social ridicule. However, he finds support in a compassionate priest, Father Hibbert, who agrees to coach him, and a kind nurse.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Ralph Walker (Adam Butcher): A mischievous but determined 14-year-old who believes winning the Boston Marathon will miraculously cure his comatose mother.
- Father George Hibbert (Campbell Scott): A compassionate priest and teacher who secretly mentors Ralph, helping him train for the marathon despite the headmaster’s disapproval.
- Father Fitzpatrick (Gordon Pinsent): The strict and traditional headmaster who disapproves of Ralph’s seemingly outlandish goal and tries to control his behavior.
- Nurse Alice (Jennifer Tilly): A kind nurse who encourages Ralph’s belief in miracles and provides him with emotional support.
- Emma Walker (Shauna MacDonald): Ralph’s comatose mother, whose well-being motivates his extraordinary efforts.
- Claire Collins (Tamara Hope): Ralph’s friend who initially wants to become a nun and provides Ralph guidance on spiritual matters and prayer.
- Chester Jones (Michael Kanevsky): Ralph’s loyal best friend who helps him with various schemes and supports his training.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Ralph Walker: “Claire has clearly decided to put up the Great Wall of China Defense on me.” – Ralph says this line in an attempt to understand Claire and why she is planning to become a nun.
- Father Hibbert: “It would take a miracle for you to win Boston.” – Father Hibbert jokes with Ralph which plants the seed for Ralph’s goal to win the Boston Marathon.
- Nurse Alice: “It will take a miracle to get her out of the coma.” – Nurse Alice tells Ralph there is little hope that his mother will recover from her coma.
💰Box Office
- Budget: CA$6,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $489,389
- Worldwide Gross: $1,881,975
💥 The Miracle of Saint Ralph Reviews
Personal Review
I absolutely loved ‘Saint Ralph.’ It’s one of those movies that stays with you long after the credits roll. I was completely drawn in by Ralph’s determination and his quirky, endearing personality. The scene where he’s training in the snow, determined to push himself, gave me chills. The movie made me laugh, cry, and ultimately, believe in the power of hope. It’s a must-see for anyone who needs a little inspiration.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of coming-of-age stories”
- “Viewers interested in sports dramas”
- “Those who appreciate heartwarming and inspirational films”
- “Individuals seeking movies with themes of faith and determination”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief nudity”
- “Mature thematic elements”
- “Some coarse language”
Professional Reviews
- Toronto Star: “Saint Ralph charms with its heartfelt story and genuine characters. While predictable at times, the film’s earnestness and strong performances, particularly from Adam Butcher, make it a worthwhile watch. It’s a feel-good movie that actually makes you feel good.
- Variety: “A gem of a film, ‘Saint Ralph’ scores as a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of 1950s Catholicism. Director Michael McGowan elicits remarkable performances, creating an engaging and emotionally resonant experience. Though Canadian, its universal themes translate beautifully.
Audience Reactions
Viewers loved Adam Butcher’s amazing performance in the lead role.: Most people agree that the film is an uplifting and heartwarming story.
Many viewers enjoyed the movie’s accurate representation of Canadian Catholic schools of the 1950s.: The film strikes a perfect balance between comedy and drama.
Overall Consensus: A charming and inspirational coming-of-age story, ‘Saint Ralph’ is a feel-good film that resonates with audiences due to its strong performances and heartwarming themes.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Director Michael McGowan actually won the Hamilton Round the Bay Race, which is featured in the movie, in 1995.”
- “The film was shot in Cambridge, Ontario, to convincingly recreate Hamilton in the 1950s.”
- “The score features Gord Downie’s version of Leonard Cohen’s ‘Hallelujah,’ which enhances the emotional impact of the climactic scene.”
🖥️ How to Watch The Miracle of Saint Ralph?
Currently, ‘The Miracle of Saint Ralph’ is available for rent or purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. Availability may vary depending on your region. Check your local streaming services for updated listings.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed The Miracle of Saint Ralph, you might like these similar films:
- Rudy (1993): Both films feature an underdog protagonist who overcomes obstacles to achieve a seemingly impossible athletic goal.
- Chariots of Fire (1981): Explores themes of faith, determination, and athletic achievement in a historical setting.
- Billy Elliot (2000): A young boy defies expectations to pursue his passion, set against a backdrop of social and personal challenges.
🛒 The Miracle of Saint Ralph Related Products
- Boston Marathon Official Gear: Get your official Boston Marathon gear and hit the road running.
- Retro Running Shoes: Retro inspired running shoes to give you that vintage look of the 50s runner.
- Vintage Style Catholic School Uniform: High quality replica of the school uniform from the movie.
- 1950s Hamilton, Ontario, Canada – Postcard Set: Relive the world of Saint Ralph with iconic postcards of Hamilton from the 1950s. Travel back in time.
🎧 Soundtrack
The Miracle of Saint Ralph features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
No, ‘The Miracle of Saint Ralph’ is a fictional story. However, it draws inspiration from real-life themes of faith, determination, and the challenges of adolescence.
The film emphasizes the power of faith, determination, and the importance of believing in oneself, even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds.
Filming took place in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, capturing the look and feel of the 1950s setting.
🔥 Bonus Content
Ele correu para alcançar o impossível (EM BUSCA DE UM MILAGRE: SAINT RALPH) – Parte 1
Want to see a quick take on what makes Saint Ralph so inspiring? This short video dives into the heart of Ralph’s journey and his determination. I was tearing up at the end watching the clip!
قوی ترین پسر جهان که فقط داخل آب های یخ زده شنا میکند! معرفی بهترین فیلم ها و سریال های جهان #review
Curious about a Saint Ralph review from a completely different perspective? Even if you don’t speak the language, the visuals and passion are compelling. The film has universal appeal!
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