FemaleFirst.co.uk: DVD: Amazing Grace [DVD] [2007]

Amazing Grace [DVD] [2007]
enlarge	Director: Michael Apted Actors: Ioan Gruffudd, Rufus Sewell, Michael Gambon, Albert Finney, Youssou N'Dour Studio: Momentum Pictures Home Ent Category: DVD List Price: ~~£19.99~~ Buy New: £4.29 as of 23/11/2009 04:26 GMT details You Save: £15.70 (79%) New (17) Used (9) from £3.74 Seller: findprice Rating: 44 reviews Sales Rank: 1363 Format: PAL Language: English (Original Language) Rating: Parental Guidance Region: 2 Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1 Number Of Discs: 1 Running Time: 112 Minutes Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2 Dimensions (in): 7.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 EAN: 5060116722062 ASIN: B000PY50SS Theatrical Release Date: 2006 Release Date: August 6, 2007 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days


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Editorial Reviews: Amazon.co.uk Review In this inspirational costume drama, Michael Apted (i49 Up/i) recounts a important period in British history. Unsurprisingly, however, his eye-opening biography of 18th century abolitionist William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) is likely to come as a revelation to many Britons. After all, despite the presence of his wife, Barbara (Romola Garai), this isn't a particularly "sexy" story, but it iis/i a powerful one. The title comes from John Newton's hymn "Amazing Grace" ("I once was lost but now am found"). Newton (Albert Finney) was a former slaveholder, who became a clergyman and spent his days repenting. While America had John Brown, England had Wilberforce, and Newton is one of many who helped the MP to abolish slavery in the UK. The story begins towards the end of Wilberforce's mission when he's sick with colitis and addicted to laudanum. Apted continues to alternate between 1797 and 1789, when Wilberforce was fitter and more idealistic, and ends in 1807 as his efforts come to fruition.p Apted and writer Steven Knight (iDirty Pretty Things/i) do right by their hero. Unlike iAmistad/i, however, slaves are largely off-screen, with the exception of author Equiano (Senegalese vocalist Youssou N'Dour). iAmazing Grace/i reserves its focus for the politicians who risked their reps for the greater good, like Wilberforce and Prime Minister Pitt (an excellent Benedict Cumberbatch), and those more concerned with the income slavery provided their constituents, like Lord Tarleton (Ciarán Hinds) and the Duke of Clarence (Toby Jones). i--Kathleen C. Fennessy/i

Customer Reviews: Showing reviews 1-5 of 44 1 2 3 4 5 6 ...9 Next » An outstanding and inspirational film May 24, 2007 Roger Boon (Dundee, UK) 129 out of 136 found this review helpful I would place this film amongst the most powerful I have ever seen in a long life of cinema going.The script was brilliantly tight and barely a word was wasted. The sets were very authentic and cost I heard a reported £30 million. Beyond the walls of Wilberforce's home the world of London was presented in a dark and brooding manner which reinforced the sense of the legitimised evil that Wilberforce and his associates were fighting. br /The mainly ensemble British acting was of the highest order. Outstanding performances amongst others were given by Ioan Gruffudd who superbly conveyed the complexities of Wilberforce's character, Michael Gambon,Rufus Sewell,Benjamin Cumberbatch, and Romola Garai with a superb cameo of the reformed and redeemed slaver, John Newton, by Albert Finney.Balance was given by recognition of the important role of Oloudaqh Equiano played by Youssou N'Dorr.However, some historical license was taken in order to create dramatic effect.This included the Duke of Clarence sitting in the House of Commons and James Fox,one of the greatest orators and reformers of the day, giving the final paean of praise to Wilberforce when in history he had already died. br /Never mix politics and religion we are told, yet the film does it successfully by embellishing the issue with a real wit and humour.The power of the film lies to a great extent in its understatement which makes it very British and it will be interesting to see how well it does in the States.The deliberately diverted visit of MP's and their consorts to the moored slave ship was a metaphor of this. The power of the misery was conveyed without it being completely thrust in the face. The final tribute to Wilberforce was another notable example of the power of the use of a few chosen words rather than many. br /The film was both moving and inspirational. In this era of the quick fix, it reminded us, as do the lives of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu,of the importance of never giving up in the fight for a more just and humane world. Evil prospers when good men and women do nothing -but we need to do it again and again and again. There are more slaves in the world today than there were at the time of abolition and I trust this film will inspire another generation to continue the struggle.For those who want a more politically correct revisionist view of history and who cry paternalism, it needs to be emphasised that Wilberforce and his supporters took on the might of the political and economic establishment of the day and won. Yes he was a compassionate man but he was also a great champion of justice and justice above all requires that we see those who we are trying to help as equals.This is an outstanding piece of film making that does justice to the achievement of Wilberforce and his associates Inspiring,Sensational and Emotional August 10, 2007 D. Newstead (Middlesex UK) 41 out of 44 found this review helpful I remember seeing Schindler's List at Bournemouth and the audience standing ovation and clappping, the cheering of the last few minutes as A Few Good Men and this comes in the same collection. br / br /With a rousing main theme tune Amazing Grace, fantastic acting from everyone including Sewell,Gruffudd,Cumberbatch,Finney, the incredible Ciaran Hinds of ROME and the always magnificent Gambon. This film is nothing short of incredible. br / br /Starting with Gruffurd who plays William Wilberforce going out to bring the bills of slave trade abolition to court and being defeated many a time, to his life involving his father who not only wrote Amazing Grace but sailed a slave ship who had turned to god the story never loses its way. The interesting history involving William Pitt who becomes graver and graver ill adds to the emotion and political intrigue br / br /The main part of the film tends to be in court and the nothing short of brilliant verbal shots between Gruffurd and Hinds. The last parry being so tense that you really feel as though you are in the court with them and the result makes you want to punch the air. br / br /Now comes the one fault in that it ends too soon, I would like to have seen him become old and fight the other bills that Wilberforce was involved in bringing ahead. br / br /IN SHORT FABULOUS. DEFINITELY ONE OF MY TOP 10 FILMS ALREADY AND AS IMPORTANT AS SCHINDLER'S LIST AND ROOTS. br / br / br / What One Person Can Do November 13, 2007 Mark Baker (Santa Clarita, CA United States) 9 out of 9 found this review helpful The title of this movie threw me. When I first heard about this movie, I figured it would be about John Newton who wrote the famous hymn. Instead, it tells the story of William Wilberforce, the man who led the fight to end slavery in England. The hymn of the title is William's favorite hymn and shows up a few times in the soundtrack. Still, I don't completely get why the movie got this title. Either way, that's my only complaint. br / br /William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) was a member of Parliament during the late 1700's. He hadn't been in politics too long when God got a hold of him. While he was good at politics, he felt pulled to devote his life to God. But through the encourage of his friends, especially Prime Minister to be William Pitt (Benedict Cumberbatch) and preacher John Newton (Albert Finney), he found another calling for his life - leading the fight to end slavery in the British Empire. br / br /This movie begins in 1797, and in a series of flashbacks, tells the story of William beginning his struggle to end slavery. In 1797, his poor health and constant defeats lead him to almost give up his calling. Will he stop or keep fighting? br / br /William Wilberforce was a deeply committed Christian, and that influenced much of his life. But don't let that fact scare you away from this wonderful film. Christianity is an ever present part of the story, but the movie never preaches. And, unlike many Christian movies, this one is well written, acted, and produced. br / br /I often have a hard time getting into period movies, and this one was no exception. But once I figure out who everyone was, I got lost in the story. The movie brings in the larger historical context, making it that much richer. And the costumes and sets are wonderful. Everyone in the cast does a great job. Obviously, the movie is mostly series, but a few comic moments help lighten the mood. They really took me by surprise and made me laugh out loud. br / br /Mainly through words, this movie depicts the harsh realities that were the slave trade. Frankly, this made the horror all the more real to me. There are two uses of the "n" word. They are jarring. While historically accurate, I think their use was intended to jar us. br / br /As I watched the story unfold, I couldn't help but notice how little has changed in politics in the last 200 years. Frankly, this gave me hope that some of the issues of today will eventually be resolved despite how it looks from year to year. br / br /This is an inspiring movie. We need more men like William Wilberforce today who will fight, not because it is politically expedient, but because it is right. An excellent showing of a historical triumph January 12, 2008 P. DATTA (Stockton on Tees, Teesside) 9 out of 9 found this review helpful Amazing Grace is an excellent showing about an historical triumph accomplished through the heroics act of a political activist and religious campaigner William Wilberford. He launched a large campaign, which attracted wide support from other activists. In 1807, slave trade was finally abolished thanks to the heroics deeds and the continued campaigning that William Wilberford and other activist started. Amazing Grace highlights the issue of slavery. The movie provides an accurate and vivid picture to the viewer regarding the brutality of slavery practices and the actions pursued to abolish slavery. br / br /It should be appreciated he is one the true heroes to emerge in history, through the noble deeds in humanity and always fighting for the true Christian cause. He never gave up despite earlier setbacks in achieving a key bill in parliament. This was one of the historical and heroics triumphs that we should be proud to treasure. The main aspect highlighted in the movie is the parlimentary procedures. br / br /The historical representation of the movie is accurately sketched, with the periodic costumes, buildings, ships and general atmosphere within the period. The casting for the movie is excellent, with a line up high calibre actors/actresses in the form Albert Finney, Ioan Gruffudd and Michael Gambon. The performance provided, adds a strong sense of credibility to the characters featured in the movie and really enhances the realism of historical period. br / br /Amazing Grace is an interesting movie to watch and to really appreciate the importance of a historical event which raised awareness of injustice in humanity. It is a pivotal stage in history that was much desired during the time. This genre of movie is well suited to anyone who expresses a strong interest in historical and epic movies. br / br / br / Amazing Grace is "Amazing" August 30, 2007 Marc (St. Barths) 12 out of 13 found this review helpful S. Bennett, who is entitled to his/her view, compares Amazing Grace with The Bourne Ultimatum. Need one say more? No, but I will! S. Bennet should stick with fantasy thrillers. This film is taking a different viewpoint, it is talking about the efforts of William Wilberforce to end the slave trade. it is not trying to, directly, show the, terrible, horrors that the slaves went through. There are many stories which describe these (See "Roots" etc). This is, of course, where the film scores. br / br /The film is, in it's own way, mortifying. It is an intelligent essay on the difficulties facing one William Wilberforce, who was light years ahead of his time and, actually, did more good than, dare I say it, Martin Luther King. Before people start complaining, you need to know that Martin Luther King is a particular hero of mine. One needs to remember that the reason that Martin Luther King was able to speak, as he did, was because of people like William Wilberforce. br / br /So, is this a good film? Yes! The performances are excellent, even the known stars do not over-act as film-stars are inclined to. The writing is incredibly subtle. It does not seek to shock, only to inform. It is in this giving of information that we receive the shock. It is not only a must-see film, it is an intelligent, informative must-see film. Showing reviews 1-5 of 44 1 2 3 4 5 6 ...9 Next »

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