Amazing Grace (2007)
Runtime: 1 hr 51 mins
Theatrical Release: Feb 23, 2007 Limited
Box Office: $21,156,133
Synopsis: Michael Apted, whose claim to fame till now has been the respected 7 UP documentary series, directs this lavish costume drama whose heart is as big as its budget. Though a marked departure, Apted's idealistic interests are well served by the story, which is based on the true tale of the... Michael Apted, whose claim to fame till now has been the respected 7 UP documentary series, directs this lavish costume drama whose heart is as big as its budget. Though a marked departure, Apted's idealistic interests are well served by the story, which is based on the true tale of the 18th-century British politician William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd, who played Horatio Hornblower in the HORNBLOWER series). Though as a young man Wilberforce is torn between politics and the church, he is inspired to action by John Newton (Albert Finney), a penitent monk who is haunted by his past as a slave-ship captain. Wilberforce makes it his mission to end slavery in the British Empire, and, aided by a small band of radical thinkers and unlikely supporters, he annually presents a bill for abolition to Parliament. When the war with France generates a patriotism in the people that makes opposition to slavery seem seditious, Wilberforce becomes disillusioned, and he retires to his cousin's (Nicholas Farrell) house, physically ill and emotionally destroyed by his perceived failure. When he meets the beautiful and righteous Barbara Spooner (Romola Garai, AS YOU LIKE IT), however, he gains new determination to pursue his dream of abolition. The talented cast includes Michael Gambon as Lord Fox, an old gent who turns out to be more lucid than anyone would have guessed, as well as Senegalese musician Youssou N'Dour as Oloudaqh Equiano, a regal former slave turned activist. Terrence Malick (BADLANDS), who produced the film, leaves his mark in the stunning visuals. [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Benedict Cumberbatch, Romola Garai
Screenwriter: Steven Knight
Producer: Terrence Malick, Patricia Heaton, Ken Wales
Composer: David Arnold
DVD Info
Release:
Nov 13, 2007
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- NTSC
- Keep Case
- Widescreen - 1.85
- Single Side/Dual Layer
Audio:
- Dolby Digital 5.1 - English
- Subtitles - English, French, Spanish - Optional
- Subtitles - English - Closed Captioned
Additional Release Material:
- Audio Commentaries - Michael Apted - Director; Ioan Gruffudd - Star
- Behind the Scenes - "How Sweet the Sound: The Making of AMAZING GRACE"
- Clips/Highlights - Discussion Guide Clips (8)
- Documentaries - "Finding Freedom: A Tour of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center"
- Music Videos - Chris Tomlin - "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)"
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Additional Text - AMAZING GRACE Partners
DVD-ROM:
- Interactive Features - Discussion Tools
- Additional Text - Study Guides
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
I'm not sure what was a bigger problem for me, though--that the story jumped around so much, or that the tone did, too.
There's a lot of good intentions behind Amazing Grace, but the movie's a bore, swirling into the minutia of antiquated British law.
Who'd have thought that the most compelling and thoughtful film to be presented during Black History Month would be a formal British import set in 18th century England with men running around in wigs?
Impressively directed, politically relevant and occasionally inspirational, this is an enjoyable, engaging drama with strong performances from its talented cast.
Apted's unexpected crowd-pleaser is inspirational, but also surprisingly entertaining.
A decent cast under Michael Apted's direction does its best, but it's dull, naive and dramatically inert.
A very decent contribution to the present bicentennial celebrations of the parliamentary bill that outlawed the slave trade in the British empire.
Skilfully written and directed, the film is an involving drama, even if it's overly worthy and sentimental.
As a period piece, it's remarkably detailed, smartly written, and likably acted.
While there is plenty to hold our interest in William Wilberforce's noble battle to abolish slavery in 18th Century Britain, as a film, Amazing Grace is overzealous and gets bogged down by details
Amazing Grace thoughtfully explores the issue of slavery without sermonizing or losing sight of the fact that modern audiences still need to connect with relatable characters no matter how important the subject matter.
Apted directs with a firm hand and the film has been gorgeously shot by Remi Adefarasin. The large cast is generally good, with Gruffudd serving as the strong anchor.
The whole thing feels a bit smug and complacent, as if having a worthwhile subject were the only requirement for making a worthwhile film, and Apted directs in a respectable "Masterpiece Theatre" style that effectively drains away any inherent drama.
the film, like its central character, is resolute in its objective. Perhaps too resolute.
Gruffudd's Wilberforce lacks charisma and the House of Commons scenes are interminable. Worthy shouldn't mean dull. What a waste.
Michael Apted channels history, but Grace is amazing for the modern sensibilities of its 18th-century saints.
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