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Amazing Grace
Samuel Goldwyn Films LLC / Roadside Attractions


8.2

based on 29 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 31 votes
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FILM:

MPAA RATING: PG for thematic material involving slavery, and some mild language

Starring Ioan Gruffudd, Albert Finney, Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Gambon, Romola Garai, Ciarán Hinds, and Toby Jones

Amazing Grace is based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. (Samuel Goldwyn Films LLC)

GENRE(S):	Drama
WRITTEN BY:	Steven Knight
DIRECTED BY:	Michael Apted
RELEASE DATE:	DVD: November 13, 2007 Theatrical: February 23, 2007
RUNNING TIME:	111 minutes, Color
ORIGIN:	UK / USA

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Seattle Post-Intelligencer William Arnold

An unusually satisfying and inspiring historical epic from one of contemporary cinema's best filmmakers.

Charlotte Observer Lawrence Toppman

The movie is the usual kind of film biography of a respected figure from the distant past - honorable, oversimplified, handsome.

Salon.com Stephanie Zacharek

In the first 10 minutes, I feared the picture would be dull and earnest -- until, about a half-hour later, I realized it was lively and earnest, and also refreshingly, unapologetically movielike.

Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

Fortunately, director Michael Apted and his team understand the challenges of this kind of story and have met them with intelligence and energy.

TV Guide Maitland McDonagh

A workmanlike piece of storytelling elevated by fine performances.

The Onion (A.V. Club) Nathan Rabin

Unlike its subject, Amazing Grace won't change the world, but its quasi-religious sense of conviction proves rousing. Apted's unexpected crowd-pleaser is inspirational, but also surprisingly entertaining.

San Francisco Chronicle Mick LaSalle

Anyone who has ever felt morally right and completely in the minority will have a point of entry into this movie.

New York Post Kyle Smith

This is the British way to mingle ideas and entertainment.

Miami Herald Connie Ogle

Apted delivers a fine, righteous climax and packs his film with some of Britain's best character actors.

Philadelphia Inquirer Steven Rea

Apted opts not to show the horrendous cruelty inflicted on thousands upon thousands of captive Africans, shackled and chained, making their way to the Americas in ships. Instead, he has Wilberforce and his fellow abolitionists describe the inhumane conditions - in the precise, passionate language of legislators who believe that human decency is more important than money and power.

New York Daily News Jack Mathews

Compelling and highly informative.

The New Republic Stanley Kauffmann

The dialogue is bright, historically styled yet lithe; the characterizations are graphic even with minor people.

New York Magazine David Edelstein

Michael Apted's Amazing Grace is a beautifully chiseled blunt instrument. No, it's not subtle, but how subtle was slavery?

Variety Eddie Cockrell

Picture reflects the no-nonsense storytelling skills of prolific helmer Michael Apted, whose career-long mix of feature and documentary work holds him in good stead once more.

Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern

A case of good works done well.

Chicago Reader J.R. Jones

Flawed but ambitious, this biopic of British parliamentarian William Wilberforce closely tracks the political maneuvering of the late 18th and early 19th century as reformers campaign to end Britain's participation in the slave trade.

The New York Times Manohla Dargis

The overall effect is part BBC-style biography, part Hollywood-like hagiography, and generally pleasing and often moving, even when the story wobbles off the historical rails or becomes bogged down in dopey romance.

Baltimore Sun Michael Sragow

Although the structure is clunky, the ensuing parliamentary machinations prove witty and fascinating.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Rick Groen

What's missing, in the direction no less than the script, is any real sense of dramatic urgency.

ReelViews James Berardinelli

It's disappointing that so much talent has been assembled with so little to do.

Empire Helen O'Hara

There's so much story here that the characters don't have quite enough room to breathe, but it's still a fascinating look at a time, and a man, worth remembering.

Entertainment Weekly Gregory Kirschling

It's earnest, solemn stuff. The movie sings an old tune -- Albert Finney is the blind minister who wrote the title ditty -- and it leaves the blood unstirred.

Village Voice Ella Taylor

Morally irreproachable and flat as a pancake.

Austin Chronicle Josh Rosenblatt

Unfortunately for Barbara and for us, what makes William Wilberforce a great man is also what makes him a bore.

Chicago Tribune Michael Phillips

Apted and his collaborators are so in awe of their subject they neglect to bring him to full human life.

Premiere Ethan Alter

Earnest, respectful and thoroughly dull.

Washington Post Desson Thomson

If Amazing Grace serves its most superficial purpose -- to educate the viewer -- it's hardly compelling viewing.

Boston Globe Ty Burr

It's a doughty movie, stuck halfway between Masterpiece Theatre and Classics Illustrated, but, to his credit, gifted journeyman director Michael Apted understands he's playing the long game.

Christian Science Monitor Peter Rainer

[Apted] also has an unfortunate penchant for bland stateliness, and never more so than in Amazing Grace, a well-intentioned piece of historical waxworks.

The average user rating for this movie is 8.2 (out of 10) based on 31 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Bob N. gave it an8:
As a historical lesson it is an okay film. As your typical historical bio-pick/hero-saves-the-day film, it fails. Rightfully so. What makes this film outstanding, and different from most films of this nature out there, is the constant crisis-of-conscience which is present throughout. William is physically and spiritually sick since so many are dying each day within and without the ships. Newton is torn by the 20,000 ghosts of those he shipped into slavery and death. As a look into the tormented souls of these men, this is an outstanding film as one fills in the subtle gaps and emotions. This film is a Christian one, and it is very good. As a look into slave-trade, there are better ones out there, but as a look into conscience in a dangerous and new time in history, this film is outstanding. Newton was, in fact, a tormented man. Wilberforce was, in fact, a tormented man. This film, if nothing else, does a great job in focusing on this. That alone makes this different and good.

John gave it an8:
Not perfect-but a really good story well told. Inspiring, uplifting and well acted and directed. Highly recommend.

na na gave it a10:
It was an AMAZING movie! A true story of a man who fought against all odds to bring FREEDOM to African slaves.

Tim V. gave it a3:
I expected so much more from this film. what a fascinating story. but the process of ending slavery in a bloodless manner free of economic ruin was simply glossed over in favor of dwelling on already-overwrought relationships. there are hints at political drama, but it always comes back to running around in frilly shirts. the passage of time is unclear, and the eight arduous years wilberforce endures are underemphasized. entertaining performances can't redeem this mess of a movie.

Jared B. gave it a10:
I have been hearing nothing but good things about this movie since it came out. Now that I've seen it, I can tell you that all these things are true. This is a wonderful story. As a Christian, I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of time the film spent mentioning God. I especially loved when John Newton made the comment, "I am a great sinner, and Christ is a great savior." This was a very powerful film. Finally, I have a note for the academy. In my opinion, this film deserves no less than two nominations: first as Best Picture and also Albert Finney as Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of John Newton. Go pick this film up as soon as possible.

Arna S. gave it a10:
Great movie, Great message!! One that we all should watch!! Loved it!

Del & Sharon gave it a9:
This is one of the most outstanding films I've viewed in a long time. The story of what it took one man and his growing band of supporters to change a culture and slave based industry, is insightful and inspiring too. The drama and developement of strength of character in Mr,Wilberforce is profound in it's contrast to todays politics of self centered and pathetic compromising as well as echoing of and pandering to the code of 'real dealism'

Amazing Grace Samuel Goldwyn Films LLC / Roadside Attractions

Amazing Grace
Samuel Goldwyn Films LLC / Roadside Attractions