Amazing Grace Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Aretha Franklin sings gospel in a church, and everyone’s super into it, especially Mick Jagger who probably just wandered in looking for a party.

🍿 Amazing Grace: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Concert Setting

The documentary captures Aretha Franklin’s live recording of her gospel album ‘Amazing Grace’ at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles, in January 1972. This setting is significant as it represents a return to her gospel roots, a genre she grew up with in her father’s church in Detroit. The intimate and spiritual environment of the church provides a powerful backdrop for her performance.

The Performance

The film showcases Aretha Franklin’s mesmerizing performance, backed by the Southern California Community Choir and Reverend James Cleveland. The songs, including ‘Amazing Grace,’ ‘Mary Don’t You Weep,’ and ‘Climbing Higher Mountains,’ resonate deeply with the audience. Franklin’s emotional delivery and vocal prowess create an atmosphere of spiritual ecstasy and communal joy. The documentary captures the raw emotion and energy of the live event.

Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses

While primarily a concert film, ‘Amazing Grace’ offers glimpses into the production process and the challenges faced during the original filming. The presence of director Sydney Pollack and the crew highlights the effort to capture the event. The film also subtly touches on the technical difficulties that led to its shelving for decades, adding a layer of historical context and intrigue.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Aretha Franklin (Aretha Franklin): A gifted singer returns to her gospel roots for a powerful live recording in a church setting.
• James Cleveland (James Cleveland): A charismatic reverend and gospel musician who hosts and participates in Aretha’s concert.
• Alexander Hamilton (Alexander Hamilton): The choir director who skillfully leads the Southern California Community Choir.
• C.L. Franklin (N/A): Aretha’s father and a reverend himself, shown expressing pride in his daughter’s performance and success
• Sydney Pollack (Sydney Pollack): The director who filmed the concert in 1972, but faced technical difficulties that delayed the film’s release.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rev. Franklin: “If you want to know the truth, she has never left the church.” – Reverend C.L. Franklin’s remarks about his daughter Aretha’s deep connection to gospel music.
• James Cleveland: “(No specific quote, but his presence is a key element)” – As the host and a fellow gospel singer, James Cleveland’s enthusiastic participation shapes the concert’s energy and spiritual atmosphere.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $750,000
• Domestic Gross: $4,450,456
• Worldwide Gross: $7,796,112

💥 Amazing Grace Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely blown away by ‘Amazing Grace.’ It felt like being transported back in time to witness a truly legendary performance. The way Aretha Franklin connected with the music and the audience was incredible, and I got chills during ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Mary Don’t You Weep’. Definitely a must-see for any music fan!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Aretha Franklin”
  • “Lovers of gospel music”
  • “Those interested in music documentaries”
  • “Viewers seeking uplifting and spiritual content”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “None”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A compelling glimpse into Aretha Franklin’s artistry, ‘Amazing Grace’ captures the raw emotion and spiritual intensity of her gospel performance. The film’s restoration allows audiences to experience a truly unforgettable moment in music history.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite its technical challenges, ‘Amazing Grace’ is a triumph. It’s a testament to Aretha Franklin’s unparalleled talent and her deep connection to gospel music. The film’s simple, direct approach enhances the power of her performance.
• The New York Times: “A mesmerizing document of Aretha Franklin at her peak, ‘Amazing Grace’ offers a profound spiritual experience. The film’s intimate portrayal of the concert reveals the depth of her musical genius and her profound impact on American culture.

Audience Reactions

The raw emotion and power of Aretha’s voice left me speechless!: Viewers consistently praise Aretha Franklin’s stunning vocal performance and the spiritual atmosphere of the concert.

Mick Jagger sighting in the crowd!: Unexpected cameo of Mick Jagger and other celebrities who witnessed this iconic moment.

Overall Consensus: ‘Amazing Grace’ is celebrated as a powerful and moving tribute to Aretha Franklin’s gospel roots, showcasing her unparalleled talent and the spiritual impact of her music.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Sydney Pollack was inexperienced in shooting music documentaries and didn’t use clapperboards, leading to decades of difficulty synchronizing audio and video.”
• “The ‘Amazing Grace’ album was released in June 1972 and became a massive hit, but the film project was shelved due to the synchronization issues.”
• “After Pollack’s death, the project was taken over by producer Alan Elliott, who finally managed to sync the footage for release in 2018.”

🖥️ How to Watch Amazing Grace?

Amazing Grace is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and other streaming services offering documentaries. The film is also available for purchase or rental through digital retailers like Google Play, Vudu, and YouTube. Check your local listings for theatrical showings or special events featuring the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Amazing Grace, you might like these similar films:

• Gospel (2005): Features a blend of gospel music and narrative elements, similar to Amazing Grace’s focus on gospel performance.
• Wattstax (1973): A concert film documenting a benefit concert in Watts, offering a glimpse into African American culture and music of the era.
• Summer of Soul (…Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021): Another documentary resurrecting lost footage of a significant music event in Black culture, focusing on the Harlem Cultural Festival of 1969.

🛒 Amazing Grace Related Products

• Amazing Grace: The Complete Recordings: Experience the full magic of Aretha Franklin’s iconic gospel performance with this complete digital album. Includes remastered tracks and previously unreleased recordings for the ultimate ‘Amazing Grace’ experience.
• Aretha Franklin: Respect – The Soundtrack: While not directly ‘Amazing Grace,’ this soundtrack offers a broader exploration of Aretha’s career, providing context and appreciation for her gospel roots and transition to soul music.
• Queen of Soul: Aretha Franklin – Limited Edition Book: A beautifully bound coffee table book featuring rare photos, behind-the-scenes stories, and insightful essays about Aretha Franklin’s life and career, with a special section dedicated to the ‘Amazing Grace’ concert.
• Funko Pop! Rocks: Aretha Franklin: A stylized collectible figure of Aretha Franklin in her iconic gospel attire. A great addition to any music lover’s collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Amazing Grace features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Amazing Grace” – performed by Aretha Franklin
• “Mary Don’t You Weep” – performed by Aretha Franklin
• “Wholly Holy” – performed by Aretha Franklin
• “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” – performed by Aretha Franklin

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

You Missed One Of The Best (And Most Haunting) Movies of 2019

Wondering if you missed a hidden gem from 2019? This video breaks down why this movie was considered one of the best and most haunting of the year – I totally agree with his points about the atmosphere, prepare to be captivated!

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