Performances, history, and interviews that inspire and rouse emotion
UNDOUBTEDLY one of Bill Moyers' finest triumphs in TV documentary related to faith. This 1990 production not only acquaints the viewer with the history of the song but the writer, John Newton, and his life leading up to and beyond the 1779 publication of "Amazing Grace". Moyers does not do this one alone, although interviews with people and artists are led by Moyers. Jeremy Irons (`Brideshead Revisited'-must own that one) narrates much of the story behind the song, as John Newton's voice, using Newton's own words recorded in diary's and logs from when he was captain of a slavery-boat.
You get song renditions from Jean Ritchie (folksinger on the dulcimer) and Fannie Lou Hammer (Civil Rights activist/singer), to mega stars like Johnny Cash and Judy Collins. It's Collins' recording, that once #15 on the pop charts, that I enjoyed best. Other notables in their fields of musical presentations include Marion Williams, Boys choir of Harlem, Jessye Norman, some inmates at...
Great film
This is a great film concerning one of the best known and most loved hymns. This film is in the great tradition of Bill Moyers.
Absolutely thrilling!
The 5 star rating is because this DVD is thrilling and gives new depths of appreciation and understanding to a very old and beautiful hymn. It lives because it seems to adapt to many cultures and musical genres...from Jessey Norman's operatic take to the shape-note singers to Johnny Cash to the Harlem Boys Choir.I loved it from beginning to end. (I even learned from another video that it can be played on all black keys...and it can!)
Most of all it speaks of the grace of redemption.
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