Amazing Grace - film review.

Amazing Grace is the story of the abolition of the slave trade through the efforts of the Member of Parliament William Wilberforce and John Newton, a former slave ship sailor who later turned to Evangelical Christianity to help atone for the 20,000 Africans he had transported to America. these he calls his "ghosts". It is set in the late 18th century and the film follows the factual course of events that lead to this great breakthrough in justice.

The director Michael Apted has done a truly wonderful job here in keeping the viewer's interest. Some historical films can end up being either confusing or failing to provide the pathos that the subject matter deserves. This film succeeds in presenting an interesting and important story and keeping it so.

Visually the film is beautiful....the locations are by turns grand and squalid..Parliament or slave ship, the feel of the scenes is very authentic.

The acting is superb - there are many big names here; Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Ioan Gruffudd, Rufus Sewell.......but to single individuals out would be wrong. The whole cast put in fine and moving performances.

The soundtrack swells and compliments the story fantastically. It could hardly fail to. The hymn "Amazing Grace" was written by John Newton and features throughout..

I feel that this film is so strongly made that it would interest even those who at first might feel that they are not concerned about factual historical dramas. I would strongly urge them to "give it a go". They won't be disappointed.

I seem to be watching films with a sombre tone recently...I watched the Boy in the Striped Pyjamas in the last fortnight (see my other review - plug!)..Sadly these are true events and it won't do to shy away from them.

Go on.....educate yourself and enjoy doing it!

I know I'll keep coming back to this......a GREAT work of art.

9/10.

Review: Mark Woods, 2009 (LordBeanpod@GMail.com)

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Film Review: Righteous Kill.

A film with both Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, two of my favourite actors, in the old-school style of cop movies....what's not to like?!!

I found this film to be a classic blend of not too complex plot, atmospheric direction and grittiness which, along with obviously fine performances from the lead actors, which satisfied me. There's a clever twist at the end which I was leaning towards but is still enough of a shock to please.

It's nice to see a script which doesn't rely overly on shoot outs and car chases but rest assured there are enough scenes of firefights to keep lovers of the style grinning. The atmosphere of paranoia is well built and keeps the suspense high.

To summarise without giving too much away De Niro and Pacino are two long serving members of the New York Police Department who have 30 years service each under their belts. Fed up with watching the guilty walk from courtrooms on technicalities and finding the injustices too much to bear finally they decide to embark on a vigilante plan of their own to bring their own flavour of justice to the streets. All is not plain sailing however as suspicion descends and defensive shields go up. Fiery personalities and tension give rise to flare ups which are constantly on the verge of blowing the whole show wide open.

You'll have to watch the thing for the ending. I won't spoil it here...Recommended viewing. 7/10

Memorable stakeout quote of the day; "Is it killing time or is he just killing time?".

Reviewed by: Mark Woods, 2008, LordBeanpod@GMail.com

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