Make a Date with Amazing Grace in Nairobi
By Emma Kaweria
Published November 17, 2017
As the film starts, we are flashed back to the past when Grace, the main character, experienced abuse at the hands of her husband. However, the movie does not quite detail us on the events afterwards. And I shan’t go into that.
The scenes of AMAZING GRACE, the movie that shall be screened and discussed during Lola Kenya Screen film forum, Nairobi’s premier critical movie platform, on November 27, 2017, pace well into a strategic mystery of Grace’s past and present life. She is in a hurry to get somewhere and this heightens the curiosity of the viewer.
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We are introduced to various perspectives in the film. However, these perspectives are likely to confuse the viewer more than they enlighten them. For instance, we see tradition where Grace finds it wrong to conceive a child before marriage. Yet Grace doesn’t want the baby born out of wedlock. The priest in the movie acts nothing close to a priest.
In terms of costume design, the clothes worn by both Grace and her soon-to-be husband do not reflect that a wedding is about to take place. As a matter of fact, black is not viewed as a wedding colour in many cultures.
The wedding theme appears forced or misplaced as you cannot tell if it is a modern wedding or a traditional one.
The step Grace chooses to take is very abrupt; instead of suspense, the viewer is likely to be confused.
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The body language and facial expressions of the men fighting over Grace does not correlate with their statements. They talk of how much they care for Grace but do not show it in their actions.
Directed by Cajetan Boy of Et Cetera Production, AMAZING GRACE is neither too dull nor too bright. It is a beautiful concept which could have been better implemented, though.
But don’t take my word for it. Please watch the movie at Goethe-Institut on 27.11.17 and let us compare notes, shall we?
LKSff not only screens and critiques movies, encourages moviemakers and explores ways of integrating motion pictures in eastern Africa with other socio-cultural and economic activities in order to come up with a sustainable movie industry, but is often one of the first places where new movies can be seen and young talent spotted.
Presented by ComMattersKenya consultancy in collaboration with Goethe-Institut, LKSff is the most consistent and longest running movie platform on the Nairobi arts and entertainment calendar.
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