I only just saw it
I watched Amazing Grace last night for the first time. I thought I'd write a few fresh impressions, that's why the new topic. I didn't think this'd fit into one of the old threads. First of all, I loved it. The movie made me cry (which was not at all unexpected), and yet managed to make me smile every once and a while. And most importantly, it made me aware of a man in history, whose name should definitely not be forgotten. AG never showed in theatres in Finland and for some reason, I didn't buy the DVD until now. But good things are definitely worth waiting, I'd say. The obvious goodie being, of course, the gorgeous Ioan. :love: Gotta love those curls, eh? He really did an excellent job in this movie, showing an impressive range of emotion, strength and fragility in one character. But this all you know already, having seen the film a multitude of times, no doubt. So suffice it to say, I really want Ioan to do roles like this more. Serious acting, preferably in historical surroundings. :applaud: But what I wanted to comment on also, is the actual historical period of time and its meaning for my work. It's truly a shame that the DVD doesn't have Finnish subtitles, because if it did, I would definitely show it to my students every year. I teach history to students from 7th to 12th grades and on 7th grade we discuss slavery and slave trade, mostly in connection to the reasons of the Civil War in the States. What I have noticed is that students are very interested in the matter. Of course they are shocked to hear about the conditions on the ships ("They didn't get to go to the bathroom? At all? What did they do?") when I tell about the horrors of the trip from Africa to the West Indies. (Students like to be "grossed out" by history, I've noticed. Well, whatever makes them remember the stories - I'm not complaining. I think history should be full of exciting stories for a 13-year-old student.) The movie had several scenes that would perhaps make the conditions and actual history more tangible, like the scene where Olaudah Equina takes Wilberforce onboard a slaver for the first time. But one of the reasons why I'd like to show this movie to them is that it shows how a single person can also make a difference and that changing the world for the better doesn't necessary mean having to fight a war. A metaphorical war, for sure, but no guns other than words are necessary. I'm happy that this important movie was made and very happy for Ioan that he got to be in it. I'm sure I had several other thoughts in mind about the movie, but I've got to get to work. I've got tons of papers to grade for tomorrow... :faint

You are right in that AG has a more far-reaching potential than the story of one man, Yvannie (and total respect for your job, BTW! :cool: ) It's such a shame that there are no subtitles in your language for your class....I guess if it had been shown in cinemas over there, there would have been? Sorry to disappoint you, but Ioan has said that all his hair styles in AG were wigs, even his 'own' hair! :???: I suppose he was in between the two FFS and had to keep it short. :dunno

Some movies are released on DVD with Finnish subtitles even though they haven't been in the theatres here. However, AG isn't (or at least wasn't some time ago) going to be released here, my copy was from Amazon.co.uk. It was not like I was going to wait forever for the subtitled version, because I don't need the subs myself. If there ever is a subtitled release, I'll get that too for educational purposes. :wink: Until then, I'll keep showing bits of Hornblower to my students, just for fun. (Hehe, little do they know what motivates their teacher...) Ah, not his hair? Shame, shame. Well, no matter. His "own hair" in the movie was very close to what he probably could have in real life, so I'm happy in any case. Because that curly head of hair was darned cute, wig or not! :lol: And actually, I did like the very short cut too. Oh, heck, I'd probably like him just as well even if he was bald. :lol:

Gosh, you're right! It's been ages since I saw BHD (and I didn't like the movie too much), so that's why I didn't even think of that. :lol: But, QED, I like him even if he's bald. Hehee.

I have informed for the DVD of Amazing Grace in the Free Record Shop but they can't help me. That is so strange that they do not have this DVD in Belgium. Can anybody help me ?

Marthe, are you able to use a credit card? They have the DVD on amazon.co.uk, that's where I bought my copy. Wasn't too expensive either (less than £5 at the moment, that'd be around 6€). Easy to order, fast delivery. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Amazing-Grace-Ioan-Gruffudd/dp/B000PY50SS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1222713583&sr=8-1

Yvannie - have to agree with you on all counts regarding AG. It's wonderful to hear how you try to involve your students in history and encouraging them to think of how it effects them. I bet Ioan would enjoy being in more projects like AG, if Hollywood would make more of them. He has commented a number of times on how proud he is of AG. AG is a rarity indeed. And though we may not care as much for FF. The box office for FF made it possible for him to be cast as Wilberforce. It is a delicate balance between Art and Commerce in the movies. Glad to hear you finally got to see it.

Thank you so much Yavannie. I have already ordered the DVD. I will let you know when he is arrived. I also watch the related video and I love it. What a great movie that must be and Ioan is perfect. It is a shame that it is not available in Belgium. Long live this beautiful forum where you can find everything about Ioan thanks to the wonderful members.

Gaffer, you're right about the balance between blockbusting movies and movies that are less likely to make a bazillion dollars worldwide. It's a shame, nevertheless, that most of the more thought-provoking movies like AG don't get a wider audience. They get marginalized into "artsy movies" that people are so often a little apprehensive about. Their loss, I'd say, but I'd still like to be able to show AG to my students at least. Perhaps some day there'll be a subtitled version. Personally, I don't mind watching Ioan in FF-gear (wahey, spandex... :lol: ), but as I love historical movies and he's just perfect for them, I hope he gets to do more of them. (You know how there are actors and actresses that are naturally "period compatible" and some that are not? I think Ioan is very period compatible and for example Keira Knightley is not as much.) Marthe, I'm glad I could be of help! I'm absolutely sure you'll love the movie as well. It's very touching.

Oh! I agree totally that Ioan is period compatible. He does them so well, If you get to see The TV Set, you'll know that he's modern compatible, too. And believe me, I'm not a FF basher - Ioan looks great in the spandex and I love the Dance scene. It may not be my favorite, but I'm usually happy to see Ioan in any role. :sailor: I do hope that some day they will get AG with subtitling in other languages, for personal and educational purposes. Marthe- I hope you'll enjoy AG when you get it.

In my book, Ioan is period compatible (and I so agree that Keira Bloody Knightley isn't!), modern comatible and decidedly no dress at all compatible......... :naughty Time to to take the rusty chains off the gate of The Alley and brush away the cobwebs, General? :whistle

I don't think there are too many people on this forum who are willing to bash FF... :wink: And hey, I was the one who went to the local press preview of the first FF movie and nearly choked to death trying to suppress all the gigglyfits I was having - I was in the company of professionals, after all. They may not have appreciated the gorgeousness that is Ioan in spandex, but I sure as heck was having a blast. :lol: Ah, I'm glad someone agrees with me that Keira, even though I don't mind watching movies she's in, does not really fit period dramas. Whereas I agree totally with you, Stevie, Ioan fits anything. And in general, the less clothes the better. (Yup, the Alley is calling...) :naughty But I have to see how I could get my hands on The TV Set, I'd love to see that.

Yes, I think you'll like him in The TV Set. He does wear suits, but oh so well!

So happy you ladies are getting to see these films. I agree with everything you have said. That suit comment,GG,is oh soooooo true,too!