Critic Reviews

An unusually satisfying and inspiring historical epic from one of contemporary cinema's best filmmakers.

The movie is the usual kind of film biography of a respected figure from the distant past - honorable, oversimplified, handsome.

Fortunately, director Michael Apted and his team understand the challenges of this kind of story and have met them with intelligence and energy.

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.

Unlike its subject, Amazing Grace won't change the world, but its quasi-religious sense of conviction proves rousing. Apted's unexpected crowd-pleaser is inspirational, but also surprisingly entertaining.

A workmanlike piece of storytelling elevated by fine performances.

This is the British way to mingle ideas and entertainment.

Anyone who has ever felt morally right and completely in the minority will have a point of entry into this movie.

Compelling and highly informative.

Apted delivers a fine, righteous climax and packs his film with some of Britain's best character actors.