Saving Grace

NORML would approve!
by Nonia Bidness

Pros: Excellent acting, beautiful locations and scenery, heartwarming story.
Cons: Some may object to subject matter
Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

This movie is 110% heart. It is delightful and beautifully done, and I hope it is one viewers can see the sweetness and fun in, rather than getting a "bug up the arsse*" about a major plot component, marijuana. *Misspelled intentionally, to get past the censors.

This was filmed on the Cornish Coast, a very scenic and beautiful location in England, with ruggedly gorgeous terrain and spectacular views of the ocean. This alone was worth the price of admission to me - daydreaming about how lovely it would be to vacation there by the sea. A little bit of dialogue was lost to the English accents for me, but not enough to have interfered with my ability to watch (and love) this movie.

Grace is perfectly played by Brenda Blethyn, whom I admired in Secrets and Lies (Oscar nomination #1) and I also believe she played the abusive mother in Little Voice (which earned her Oscar nomination #2). It is high praise to an actress these days that one would not even recognize her from those other 2 roles; she plays her characters so seamlessly, one does not even think about her being someone other than Grace Trevethen.

There is a hint of Waking Ned Devine in this film - perhaps partly because of the beautiful physical environment reminiscent of that countryside... also, I think because this is a tale of community spirit and a village's loyalty to its own. That was one of the heartwarming qualities portrayed here.

There is a lot of wacky silliness that is fun in this movie. But it is not just about the fun parts of life. Grace has a huge pile of "reality" she must deal with, suddenly, that really doesn't seem like her proper rewards. She manages to find a way to use her talents and resources to "save" herself - and finds unexpected consequences that are also heartwarming. I don't want to give away anything but I love the message that a woman "of a certain age" can find happiness and sweet revenge forthe fate she suffered at the hands of a scoundrel she trusted.

There are some wonderful love story touches here - the male lead Craig Ferguson (I read on the official site that he plays Drew Carey's boss; I never watch television myself) and his girlfriend, played by Valerie Edmond, really work wonderfully together and have such a sweet relationship. All of the cast is flawless.

If you are extremely uptight about marijuana use or growing/selling, you will not enjoy this film at all - just save your money and time. I respect your right to those views but think you should be warned and just stay the heck away from this one. The average person who might have experimented with pot in college (NO ONE inhaled! I know!) will relate to the silly parts and just let it be a fun movie with a lot of spirit and a heart the size of Wyoming. I gave this 4 stars on my personal rating list (send for your free copy today!).

Bang for the Buck: Worth full-price to see it on the big screen.
Movie Mood: Feel-good movie.

Recommend to Friends? Yes.

Nonia Bidness October 12, 2000