My AG review *possible spoilers*
Finally my local cinema got a movie in that was actually worth watching and something I'd happily pay money for; they also got a movie in that proves Ioan does actually have acting talent. For months I have been trying to persuade my friend to come and see Amazing Grace with me, it took her months to agree to it and the day before we were supposed to go she tells me she has to tidy her room instead resulting in me taking a lonely trip to the cinema and leaving her wallowing in her own filth that is her room. I wonder who got the better deal? :wink: Certain events of late had left me reconsidering whether or not I actually wanted to go to Amazing Grace and let my money go into it's earnings for Australia and then somehow benefit Ioan but a very good friend of mine told me to go with an open mind, so that is what I did. I managed to see past the horrible Ioan that seemed to be coming through recently and just saw a great actor who pulled off a very, very good performance. Infact, there wasn't one bad acting job done by any of the actors and I felt so deeply for every character, in particular Oloudaqh Equiano and John Newton. Feeling for Wilberforce goes without saying, and I cried more than I ever have in my whole life when William and Barbara were discussing their soon to be born child. Infact, I cried more than I ever have in a movie, in Amazing Grace as did many others in the cinema with me. It was almost like we were trying to create a symphony with our sniffles, quite funny considering. Amazing Grace held more humor and wit in it than I expected and it was very warming to hear laughter ring out around the theatre particulary with the 'Dear God'/'Well nearly' comments passed between William and Fox. In seeing this movie it makes me wonder even more about whether or not critics and I were watching the same movie. William's political speeches were inspiring and gave me goose bumps, not boring and long winded at all but I have to say, when Pitt told William that the war was now more important than the slave trade it made me burn with anger, after all he was the one who basically forced the abolition onto William in the first place. Everyone in the theatre really got behind Wilberforce and when his bill was finally passed and Fox gave his fantastic speech about how 'great men' like Napoleon would have been haunted by his actions but Wilberforce would be able to sleep easy and know he had done good, I think just about all of the people in the cinema were crying along with dear Wilberforce who looked so sickly and frail. If we weren't all crying then, we certainly were when the bagpipes began, it was all so moving and the fact that such a fantastic man lived and helped to change this world even with a horrible illness and all odds against him...I have a new hero and I am going to have to read up more on this brilliant gentleman. When the credits began to roll, applause broke out through the cinema and that was just the thing I wanted to hear. Honestly, to know the extent and the brilliance of this film you have to see it for yourself and it is a definite must see, with or without liking Ioan. So much more I'd like to say on this movie but I'll leave it there for now. Ever since I left the cinema this movie has been replaying in my mind and reminding me that no matter the odds people can and will make a difference. As long as they strive for what is right and stand up for what they believe in something good will come out of it in the end. That is what I gained from this movie and that is what I will keep with me for a long, long time.

Kaitlyn, I'm so happy to hear you went see AG and loved it. Thanks for sharing your comments with us.

Glad to hear you enjoyed the film. It is by far my new favorite movie. It is just so inspirational and makes you wanna do more positive things with your life. I saw it three times in the theater and I can't wait much longer for the dvd. :)

Kaitlyn :hug I'm so glad you felt able to go to the film with an open mind. And you seem to have had a very rewarding experience while watching it. it is a very inspiring story, whether you are religious or not and Ioan did the role proud. It's brilliant when you feel a kinship with other movie-goers. I sometimes go on my own deliberately, as it's a totally different experience. Whatever else is colouring my thinking, I'm looking forward to owning the DVD next week and clinging on to that small corner of my brain that knows there's a huge talent lying there.

I love going to the movie by myself and went to this one several times that way. So glad to hear you enjoyed the experience Kaitlyn. Having Michael Apted direct and re-invision the script with Steven Knight to concentrate on an actual story as opposed to a biopic likely made it more interesting and enjoyable for a wider audience. I can hardly wait until they release it in the U.S. Thought I'm glad you have something to look forward to watching during your recovery, Stevie. GG

zoo.station, great job on your review!! So glad you enjoyed it!! When we went everyone clapped at the end of ours as well. It was so good to see such a positive and inspiring movie after all the junk they release now a days. I can't wait to buy the DVD!!

I'm glad that you enjoyed the film Kaitlyn it;s one of those ones that gives you an uplifiting experience and that stays in your mind rather than just blending in like so many others do. It's one of those films that makes you want to go out and do something as well as making you emotional everytime you watch it.

I watched AG yesterday night - yep, I bought the dvd as soon as it came out - and I'm speechless. I expected it to be good, but it's really a wonderful movie, possibly Ioan's best. Both Ioan's and his co-stars' performances are exceptional and the story is so touching and well-written. I can't wait to watch this movie again.

Glad you liked it Frances!!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts

Have you watched it with the commentary on?

No, I've just watched the movie for now. Unluckily, I did not have the time to watch the commentary yesterday, but I'll see to it that I go through it very soon.

YAY!! So glad you got to watch the DVD and that you really enjoyed it!! The story is just so touching & powerful!!

Frances - glad you really enjoyed AG. It is a fantastic film! Does Ioan do the commentary? Ack! I cannot wait for it to be released on DVD in the U.S. :)

So glad to hear you finally got to see AG, Frances. It is just wonderful, isn't it? I'm a little jealous you'll get to hear the commentary before we do, but we got to see the movie so long ago that I guess turn-about is fair play. Glad you are enjoying it. It is certainly one of Ioan's best. GG