Search - The Amazing Grace on DVD

A Very Innacurate Account--Not Worth Watching

kal | 08/31/2009

(1 out of 5 stars)

"This movie completely distorted the history and meaning of Amazing Grace.

For one, it portrays over and over again the slaves singing the tune for Amazing Grace, giving them credit as the tune's originators--in reality, Newton did not even write the tune, only the words.

But beyond that, the movie's main story line seems to be a fictionalized account, with the only facts being the atrocities done to the slaves (which were portrayed). The whole story line centers around the slaves showing Newton grace over and over again, and the grace they show him transforming him. Every account of Newton I have seen, however, gives a different account of Newton's conversion--that during a storm Newton read Thomas a Kempis' "The Imitation of Christ" and began to be convicted by God. The movie does portray a storm, but has him free the slaves and be rescued by them during it, rather than read and find God's truths.

I find it ironic that only the first verse of the hymn was ever sung--the other verses make it very clear that the grace Newton was referring to was God's grace, not man's. It's only God's grace that can completely transform the heart of a man and give him hope for eternity--not man's.

I would strongly caution against watching this, and encourage anyone who has to read the true history of this beloved hymn--it's VERY different from that presented!"

Pleasantly Surprised

Wildflower | 05/18/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I wasn't sure if I was going to like this movie, but was so drawn in only minutes into the film. It does not carry the expensive Hollywood budget behind it, but the locale (Nigeria) and the cast is amazing! (Forgive the pun.) Unlike the other "Amazing Grace" movie which does not focus on the slaves' impact on John Newton's reformation, this offers a brilliant, intelligent and insightful look at the entire beginning of Newton's struggles as a slaveholder. Come on - how can you leave out the slaves and attempt to realistically peer into Newton's religious struggles?

The message of love and forgiveness coupled with realism made it not too overwhelming. Just the right mix. I highly recommend the purchase of this DVD, even if only to compliment "Amazing Grace.""

4.5 Stars

Kamah Scott | Philadelphia | 10/22/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

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This film was definitely heartfelt. I enjoyed the interactions with Newton and the slave girl. There was a sort of innocence and naïveté about the movie. Each character from the brutal African slave catcher to the shipmate that was cast down in rank to be amongst the slaves due to his change of heart was very emotional. The movie covered bases that are normally not portrayed and handed out accountability to all in the film. It was a different insight to the story but it was one that was well executed.
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Good issues to explore

book family | MN, USA | 05/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This movie has some sincere actors & some excellent singers. We enjoyed the film, although not sure if I'd show it to kids before high school. The violence wasn't as blatant as some, but it had hard issues.

The central story of course is the man and the hymn. But beyond that, it presents good issues to explore. We found ourselves talking about the variety of roles whites & blacks played in the slave trade. Is being a "good" slave master better than letting someone else be a "bad" one?

I know the history is speculative at most. But isn't that true all history? Apparently we can thank this man's writings for knowing much at all about the goings-on in the slave trade. Some movie events probably didn't happen, but I enjoyed this exploration of the possible agonizing issues that were wrestled with on this and similar voyages when men started to look at what they were thinking & doing.
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