Amazing Grace (2018) Reviews

• Nostalgic Bliss

  deborahsanders-854542018-12-11

  To watch this movie is to journey between joy and pain. The joy of being able to hear her voice and see her perform as if it was happening right now. To feel the energy. And then the pain of reality...that she is gone and can not be replaced. I hope that this is just one of many to be made about her life and that future productions include a little more of her off-stage life with some minimal narration and analysis. Still, this rendition is deeply moving and I've been listening to her music ever since watching.

• Amazing Indeed

  p-stuemke2019-03-01

  I saw this at the Berlin International Film Festival where the film celebrated its Europe premiere. I don´t remember having such a great time in a cinema ever. This film is so alive and full of joy it makes you tear up. If you can absolutely go watch this in a cinema full of people. One of the best film experiences I ever had!

• The miracle of Aretha Franklin in her prime filmed by Sidney Pollack

  monty-642018-12-27

  I saw this film at its world premiere in NY at the NYDoc Fest. The Rev Al Sharpton gave the invocation. And the Great Rev. James Barber further illuminated all of us about the meaning of Arentha's worrying a note. In between was one of the most remarkable, moving, inspiring evenings I have ever spent in any kind of theater ever. Of course, I'm a fan, I do work in the industry, but I'm first a fan of young Aretha's. There was nothing but grace on the screen and the loving community of church. One is blessed to see this film. Period. I just want to add - I would love to know who the absolute genius was that thought of sending Sidney to film this live recording. He or she should receive an Oscar all his or her own.

• A great concert film.

  razorbackfilms-12019-04-05

  I was raised in this album and both had visited Reverend Cleveland's church thirty years ago while writing a paper for my African American music class and then about ten years ago I heard about the film while Reverend Hamilton the film's choir director mentioned it's possible release. Reverend Cleveland is the film's co star. Saw it twice in November I'm going tomorrow again.

• Aretha's best

  EricScottReed-12019-04-07

  I've been waiting all my life to see this movie; I'd read inside the album jacket that it was filmed for Warner Bros., but could never find out where it was! Seeing the movements matching everything I digested on this record was like a dream. For me, the entire concert could've just been Aretha, James Cleveland, and organist Ken Lupper, and it still would've been great. I suppose I can understand why Aretha wanted her band to be present, but it seemed mismatched in this setting.