Fortunately, director Michael Apted and his team understand the challenges of this kind of story and have met them with intelligence and energy.Read Full Review »
80
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.Read Full Review »
75
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.Read Full Review »
70
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.Read Full Review »
63
ReelViews: James Berardinelli
It's disappointing that so much talent has been assembled with so little to do.Read Full Review »
58
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.Read Full Review »
50
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.Read Full Review »
50
Washington Post: Desson Thomson
If Amazing Grace serves its most superficial purpose -- to educate the viewer -- it's hardly compelling viewing.Read Full Review »
Hotmail
