Running for Grace (2018): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
Running for Grace is a 2018 romantic family film directed by David L. Cunningham, starring Olivia Ritchie as Grace, Matt Dillon and Nick Boraine. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes and earned $90,924 worldwide. IMDb users rate it 6.1/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 50m (110 min)
- Director
- David L. Cunningham
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- Blue Fox Entertainment
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Running for Grace About?
The premise of Running for Grace without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Nestled in the scenic mountains of Hawaii, a young orphan discovers his extraordinary speed can be a lifeline for a community. He delivers essential medicine to coffee pickers while navigating a complicated romance with the plantation owner's daughter. Their budding relationship challenges societal expectations as he races against time, striving to secure their chance at love amidst a breathtaking, yet demanding, landscape.
Running for Grace Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- love
- hawaii
- 1920s
- medicine
- doctor
- hawaiian
- japanese americans
- forest
- pandemic
- orphan
- serum
- segregation
+38 more Show fewer
- injection
- race against time
- coming of age
- mentor
- mixed race
- running
- bridge
- racism
- forbidden love
- blonde girl
- nanny
- adoption
- holding a sign
- jazz
- young love
- coffee plantation
- tropical jungle
- ambulance siren
- plague
- child born out of wedlock
- horse drawn cart
- gold necklace
- hafu boy
- japanese language
- foot race
- sprained ankle
- father daughter relationship
- nanny ward relationship
- grandmother granddaughter relationship
- reference to medical school
- ford model t
- bank foreclosure
- reference to arranged marriage
- incompetent doctor
- naupaka flower legend
- father died
- vehicular manslaughter
- adoption papers
Running for Grace Cast & Characters
Olivia Ritchie leads the cast as Grace, with Matt Dillon as Doc and Nick Boraine as Danielson. Directed by David L. Cunningham; 14 actors are credited in all.
-
Director David L. Cunningham
- Olivia Ritchie as Grace
-
Matt Dillon as Doc -
Nick Boraine as Danielson - Peyton Dilweg as Helen Reyes
Also Starring in Running for Grace
· 10 more- Rumi Oyama Miss Hanabusa
- Stelio Savante Mayor
- Juliet Mills Grandmother
- James Caviezel
- Ryan Potter Jo
- Shiro Kawai Koji
- Dann Seki Sota
- Cole Takiue Young Jo
- Sara Naby Kim Miyu
- Vince Shin Shinobu
More from David L. Cunningham
More films directed by David L. Cunningham, best-rated first: The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising, The Wind & the Reckoning, After… and To End All Wars.
Running for Grace Reviews & Ratings
IMDb users rate Running for Grace 6.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in sensory experience (70) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).
Running for Grace Echo Score Breakdown
In terms of the overall experience, Running for Grace offers modest strengths in its visual presentation and thematic ambition but struggles with predictability and limited emotional resonance. Many reviews praise its scenic composition and thoughtful exploration of prejudice set in 1920s Hawaii, yet note that the central romance and narrative developments rarely surprise or fully engage. The pacing is deliberate, yielding occasional lulls, and some performances feel uneven. In sum, the film provides a pleasant but unmemorable outing.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 65
In terms of art and craft, the film displays striking location framing and composed imagery yet occasionally suffers from oversaturated color grading reminiscent of lower-budget productions. Several reviews highlight the use of drone shots and thoughtful set pieces, while others note an overall budget constraint in production design. Direction maintains a consistent visual style, but moments of technical polish are undermined by a somewhat unrefined aesthetic.
- Character & Emotion 55
When it comes to character and emotion, portrayals receive mixed feedback, with some reviews praising Matt Dillon’s grounded presence and Ryan Potter’s affable charm, while others find the lead performances uneven and emotionally underdeveloped. The film’s attempts at nurturing romantic chemistry and deeper character arcs frequently fall short due to limited screen time and simplistic writing. Overall, emotional stakes rarely reach full depth.
- Story & Flow 50
In terms of story and flow, the narrative is widely regarded as predictable, with the central romance and key plot turns anticipated early by many viewers. Reviews commend the thematic exploration of prejudice, but find the pacing uneven and the writing lacking originality or depth. Subplots often feel secondary, limiting engagement. As a result, the plot provides modest interest without significant surprises.
- Sensory Experience 70
When it comes to sensory experience, the film benefits from an engaging soundtrack and gentle musical cues that complement its visual vistas, with several reviews praising the light score and clean sound design. The cinematography captures Hawaii’s landscapes effectively, though some note oversaturated colors and occasional stiffness in visual cohesion. Overall, the audio-visual combination is pleasing, despite sporadic stylistic inconsistencies.
- Rewatch Factor 50
In terms of rewatch value, opinions are split, as the film’s predictable narrative and modest emotional impact limit its lasting appeal on repeat viewings. Some viewers appreciate the comforting atmosphere and thoughtful themes of compassion, while others find few reasons to revisit a familiar storyline. The performances and setting provide occasional enjoyment, but the overall experience may not sustain multiple viewings.
-
IMDb 6.1 /10
See on IMDb -
TMDB 65% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.0 /5
4 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 4.6 /5
See on Movie Insider
Running for Grace Plot Summary
What happens in Running for Grace from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The story unfolds in the Kona Coffee Belt of Hawaii during the 1920s, where the social structure is firmly divided between Japanese immigrant laborers and the affluent white upper class. At the heart of this tale is Jo, an orphan of mixed heritage, who navigates the struggle of being shunned by both communities. His life takes a pivotal turn when he meets Doc, a compassionate white physician played by Matt Dillon, who arrives from the mainland to provide medical care to the plantation workers under the supervision of Mr. Danielson. Entrusted with medicine distribution and translation, Jo begins working closely alongside Doc, opening doors for his future.
Full summary
The whole story of Running for Grace, scene by scene
Running for Grace Box Office
Running for Grace grossed $90,924 worldwide. $89,988 came from the US and Canada and $936 (1%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$90.9K
- US & Canada
- $90K
- International
- $936
Running for Grace Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Running for Grace.
How Well Do You Know Running for Grace?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is Jo's background?
Cars in Running for Grace
9 cars on screen, including the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S 550 W222 and the 2010 Cadillac DTS Stretched Limousine.
-
2014 Mercedes-Benz S 550 W222 Important role -
2010 Cadillac DTS Stretched Limousine Minor role -
2015 Cadillac Escalade ESV Minor role -
2016 Chevrolet Cruze Minor role
Running for Grace Also Known As
15 alternative titles, including “Jo, the Medicine Runner” and “El joven doctor: Un amor imposible”.
- Also known as
-
- Jo, the Medicine Runner
- El joven doctor: Un amor imposible
- 我與葛瑞絲的距離
- На път с Грейс
- Todo por Grace
- Meu Amor Por Grace
- 为恩典而战
- Útěk za Grace
- Tutto l’amore per Grace
- Kawowa gorączka
- Tot per la Grace
- Η Αγάπη μου για την Γκρέις
+3 more Show fewer
- Грэйс и Джо. История любви
- Útek za Grace
- На шляху до Грейс
Seen Running for Grace?
Movies Like Running for Grace
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Run On, Run Woman Run and 1 Mile to You.
Running for Grace FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Running for Grace, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Running for Grace?
Running for Grace runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).
When was Running for Grace released?
Running for Grace was released on August 17, 2018.
Who directed Running for Grace?
Running for Grace was directed by David L. Cunningham.
More films by David L. Cunningham Who is in the cast of Running for Grace?
Running for Grace stars Olivia Ritchie as Grace, Matt Dillon as Doc and Nick Boraine as Danielson, among 14 credited actors.
How much did Running for Grace make at the box office?
Running for Grace grossed $90,924 worldwide ($89,988 domestic, $936 international).
How is Running for Grace rated?
Running for Grace has 6.1/10 on IMDb, 65% on TMDB, 3.0/5 on Letterboxd and 4.6/5 on Movie Insider.
Does Running for Grace have a post-credit scene?
No. Running for Grace has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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