AMISH GRACE was viewed by more than 4 million viewers yesterday making it the highest rated Lifetime movie premiere ever. It won all demographics (meaning more than women).
AMISH GRACE will air again this Thursday and Saturday: check local listings.
For those asking about the DVD, it is in the works (this was planned from the beginning; will post the release date when it is available.)
AMISH GRACE, premieres tonight on the LMN (8ET/5PT). I just received this list of reviews for the Lifetime television movie with a note from the executive producer, Larry A. Thompson, expressing hope that “… tonight’s broadcast will inspire many and awaken them to the healing powers of faith and forgiveness.” This is a story for all seasons, but what a way to begin Holy Week and Passover. You have time to set your TiVo’s and DVR’s if you won’t be at home or record it so you can go back and savor it. -Sr Rose
Lifetime Movie Network
Selected Reviews
And News Items
March 28, 2010
Christian Science Monitor
Amish Grace
Staff
“This is a gentle, well-crafted, made-for-TV movie about a difficult subject done with dignity, insight, and yes, grace.”
Preview Online
by Phil Boatwright
“Riveting, emotionally stirring, a powerful television experience.”
“…a penetrating examination of the concept of true forgiveness.”
Click here: And on TV… Amish Grace
National Enquirer
Amish Grace
by Len Feldman
“…this is a masterfully acted, written and directed emotional powerhouse of a movie…”
Catholic Exchange
Amish Grace: A Time for Forgiveness
by Sister Rose Pacatte
“Amish Grace is a powerful television production that belies its simplicity. The performances are strong, unadorned, and credible. The filmmakers avoid explicit violence by suggesting it instead. They chose to make a movie about, and with, grace and they have succeeded. As I watched the film, I just let the story wash over me and I could not stop crying.”
Click here: Amish Grace: A Time for Forgiveness | Catholic Exchange
Also on Sister Rose’s weblog:
Click here: Amish Grace on LMN March 28 « Sister Rose’s My Movies Weblog
Huffington Post
Amish Grace is a Story of Grace Under Fire
By Jackie K. Cooper
“The overall theme of the film is one of forgiveness and love.” .” “It is a performance with range and shows Kimberly Williams-Paisley’s growth as an actress.” “Tammy Blanchard can convey an enormous range of emotions with just her body language.” “An inspiring movie and a totally believable one.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jackie-k-cooper/emamish-graceem-is-a-stor_b_507564.html?view=print
Entertainment Tonight
Amish Grace
by Mark Steines
“…an inspirational true story of forgiveness”
Catholic On-Line
By Leticia Valasquez
“Tammy Blanchard is passionate as Amy Roberts”…”Highly recommended for the whole family
Click here: Review of “Amish Grace” – Catholic Online
Variety
Amish Grace – TV Review
by Brian Lowry
“The most compelling reason to tune in is Blanchard, who — after CBS’ “Sybil” remake and “Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows” — conveys the pain of a woman who keenly realizes it’s not merely her own life that’s been devastated.”
“Onscreen depictions of the Amish have a way of feeling stilted, unless Harrison Ford happens to be in them. To their credit, the filmmakers seek to go beyond that, capturing in a more generic sense how religious faith can help people endure when confronted by such a horrible and capricious act.”
“…if thee like the occasional tearjerker, thou hast good reason to watch.”
Click here: Amish Grace Review – TV Show Reviews – Analysis Of Amish Grace The TV Series
Hollywood Reporter
Amish Grace – TV Review
By Randee Dawn,
“Bottom Line: Effective and heartfelt”
“To the credit of the screenplay, the dialogue works, relying less on Bible quotations than gently espoused faith.”
“The story is assisted by solid, convincing acting — including a moving turn from Emmy winner Blanchard as Amy Roberts. It’s almost impossible not to tear up when the Amish first approach her or when they turn up later at Charles’ otherwise sparsely attended funeral.”
“Amish Grace” is an effective, heartfelt take on walking the walk and talking the talk. By avoiding peachiness, it proves that one can live a religious ideal — even in the face of disbelief from an entire outside world.”
Click here: Amish Grace — TV Review
MovieGuide.com
Amish Grace: Coming to a Greater Understanding of God’s Grace
by Dr. Ted Baehr and Jeff Holder
“Kimberly Williams-Paisley as Ida gives a terrific performance”…”The story is well written and moves along quickly”…”Amish Grace is a gripping story that is profoundly touching and contains a message of grace that is sure to inspire.” “It will bring many to tears and many more to a deeper understanding of God’s amazing grace in Jesus Christ.”
Click here: ‘Amish Grace’ – Coming to a greater understanding of God’s grace
Lifetime Moms
by Nicole Smith
“It was harrowing, exhausting, and amazing to watch this story unfold…It will move you to understand how faith and forgiveness go hand in hand to help people move beyond the most difficult and heart wrenching experiences…It’s forever changed my views of how to have faith and how to forgive whenever I feel forgiveness isn’t an option.”
Click here: My Connection to “Amish Grace” the LMN Original Movie Airing March 28
Catholic Exchange
Forgiveness, Not Just An Amish Grace
by Patti Maguire Armstrong
“Amish Grace is a portrayal of how forgiveness can overcome tragedy. Emotions are shown as very real but something that can be guided by Christian teaching if one has the desire. It’s a movie both simple and complex in Bible teachings.”
Click here: Forgiveness, Not Just An Amish Grace | Catholic Exchange
World Magazine
Supernatural Reaction
by Megan Basham
“Blanchard’s performance as a shattered woman overcome by miraculous love is gripping.”
Click here: WORLD Magazine | Supernatural reaction | Megan Basham | Mar 26, 10
ChristianCinema.com
by Angela Walker
“Amish Grace is Amazing”
“Movies about tragedies have a challenge: to walk the fine line between over-dramatizing and sensationalizing an event, or under-dramatizing an event, denying the impact it had on the victims. The producers of ‘Amish Grace’ maintain a fine balance, never really straying to one side or the other in their portrayal of the events at Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania.” “In contrast to so many of today’s fast-paced thrillers and procedural shows, the story is allowed to unfold gracefully.”
“Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Matt Letscher, both familiar from television series, give finely-tuned performances in leading roles as Ida and Gideon, the parents of one of the dead girls.” “In this graceful retelling of the event that brought forgiveness to the forefront of world news, we’re reminded that although the words of the Lord’s Prayer sound simple, the actual accomplishment of them is not easy.”
Click here: Amish Grace review by Angela Walker
Parents Television Council
Best TV Show of the Week
by Ally Matteodo
Click here: Best Family TV Shows of the Week – Amish Grace on Lifetiem — 03-26-10
Additional Quotes
“Well-acted and moving. A story that drives home the incredible healing power of God’s forgiveness.” – Bob Hoose, Focus on the Family
“Tammy Blanchard…gave a wonderful and very believable performance. 5 stars for her!” Crystal Elwell – The Mungle Show
“Director Gregg Champion shows us individual Amish families struggling with their loss in often heartbreaking ways.”
“As we approach Easter, and consider the cost God paid to forgive us of our sins, ‘Amish Grace’ is a timely tale.”
“My hope is that ’Amish Grace’ will inspire more people to live their faith out loud…”
Christian Post – Marc Newman
“This movie shows a realistic response through characters who forgive even while also suffering incredible pain, anger and even guilt.”
“’Amish Grace’ serves as a great reminder that forgiveness can be a long, ongoing journey, but always one worth taking.”
Charisma Online – Leigh DeVore
The Patriot News
Amish Grace Movie Fictionalizes Nickel Mines Tragedy, Generates Debate
By Ivey Dejesus
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Amish Grace poor retelling of Lancaster County tragedy
by Rob Owen
Click here: ‘Amish Grace’ poor retelling of Lancaster County tragedy
Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10084/1045345-67.stm#ixzz0jDWXgLJM
Suite101.com
Amish Grace on Lifetime Movie Network
by Francine Brokaw
Click here: Amish Grace on Lifetime Movie Network: Based on a True Story
Lifetime Moms
Amish Grace Explores the Question: What Is Unforgivable?
by Lindsay Maines
Click here: LMN’s “Amish Grace” Explores the Question: What is Unforgivable? | Lifetime Moms
Movieguide
Behind the Scenes of AMISH GRACE: A Universal Story About Dealing with Anger and Grief By Jeff Holder, Managing Editor
Click here: Behind the Scenes of AMISH GRACE: A Universal Story About Dealing with Anger and Grief
New York Daily News
Amish Grace Gets To the Heart of Faith
Click here: Lifetime’s ‘Amish Grace’ gets to the heart of faith
New York Times
TV Movie on Amish School Shooting Draws Criticism
Click here: TV Movie on Amish School Shooting Draws Criticism – NYTimes.com
The Blade
Toledo, Ohio
Amish Grace Producer says controversy based on misinformation
by David Yonke
Click here: toledoblade.com — The Blade ~ Toledo Ohio
New York Post
Grace Under Fire
by Linda Stassi
Click here: Lifetime movie ‘Amish Grace’ comes under fire for its fictional treatment – NYPOST.com
New York Post
Grace Notes: Amish Have Mercy on School Shooter
by Paige Albiniak
Click here: ‘Grace’ notes – NYPOST.com
USA Today
Click here: Movie on Amish school shooting draws criticism – USATODAY.com
Yorkdispatch.com
Local Amish express concern over Lifetime’s ‘Grace’ (video)
by Peter Mergenthaler
Click here: Local Amish express concern over Lifetime’s ‘Grace’ (video) – York Dispatch
Tidings
Transforming Forgiveness
by Sister Rose
Click here: Transforming forgiveness: ‘Amish Grace’ | The-Tidings.com
ChristianCinema.com
Producer Larry Thompson Delivers Amish Grace
Click here: Producer Larry Thompson Delivers “Amish Grace”
KansasCity.com
By Aaron Barnhart
The Kansas City Star
River View Observer
National Catholic Register
Amish Grace: Forgiving our enemies
by Steven D. Greydanus
Click here: Amish Grace: Forgiving Our Enemies | Blogs | NCRegister.com
Crosswalk.com
Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley Finds Inspiration in Amish Grace
Kelley Mathews
Click here: Actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley Finds Inspiration in Amish Grace,
CT Entertainment
A Story of Grace, Forgiveness and . . . Doubt?
by Laura Leonard
Click here: Christianity Today Entertainment Blog: A Story of Grace, Forgiveness and . . . Doubt?
National Catholic Reporter
Without Forgiveness: There’s no room left for love
by Sister Rose Pacatte
Click here: Without forgiveness, there’s no room left for love | National Catholic Reporter
The Street – Jim Cramer
Kimberly Williams-Paisley Stars In Lifetime Movie Network’s Original Movie Amish Grace
Beliefnet
Click here: Interview: Karley Scott Collins of ‘Amish Grace’ – Movie Mom
Guideposts
Amish Grace – Video Review
Click here: Amish Grace | Guideposts
Tidings Online
Transforming Forgiveness
Sister Rose
Click here: Transforming forgiveness: ‘Amish Grace’ | The-Tidings.com
Every year Cornerstone Media releases a CD of the traditional Stations of the Cross complimented by a brief selection from a pop song that reflects the themes of prayer and life. Actually, it comes with a whole kit of resources.
I listened to this year’s CD on the way home from the Religious Education Congress last Sunday. What a way to make holy the task of driving for an hour in Los Angeles traffic.
As I listened and prayed I reflected on how catechisms and youth ministers, indeed anyone leading the Stations of the Cross, could transform this practice into a relevant spiritual moment. If you visit the website you will discover the many applications. The first thing I wanted to do was to prepare a PowerPoint of visuals to go along with the CD (which can be paused to add reflection time). Then lo and behold, you can actually download PopwerPoints from the website, too.
Some of the artists included are Shakira, Carrie Underwood, and 12 others. A second CD has reflections that you can use as a guided meditation for Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.
Cornerstone Media has been producing “The Dirty Dozen (The 12 worst songs of the year) and Psalm 151 (the 21 best value songs of the year)” for sometime now. The 2009 edition is available now.
I don’t think I can say enough how important these resources are for religious education, catechesis, evangelization, and so fourth. All ministries. The exercise of focusing on values in popular media can lead all of us to be more media mindful, to discern our media choices, and once we choose, to make meaning from the media we experience. To ask what the story means, does it make a difference, how can I make a difference?
Of course, it is understood that each person reflects on and articulates the values they live by first of all.
Cornerstone’s mission is faith formation, to integrate discernment skills with popular culture, spirituality, and scripture.
I once heard Anna Scally, president of Cornerstone Media, speak to a group of Catholic communicators. The most important thing she said, if I recall well, is that we are to honor our students, our young people. If we honor young people, our whole attitude and ways of relating changes. To honor their music may seem more of a challenge, but there is a lot to savor and contemplate in popular music.
Now I look forward to listening to the Scripture Themes & Popular Music CD kit and The Gifts of the Holy Spirit 2 CD kit.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley in “Amish Grace”
Amish Grace: A Time for Forgiveness
Television movie review by Sr. Rose Pacatte, FSP
On Palm Sunday, March 28, the Lifetime Movie Network will premiere a made-for-television film about the October 2, 2006 shootings of ten Amish schoolgirls in Nickel Mines, PA: “Amish Grace”. Five of the girls, aged 6-13, died at the hand of an “English” milkman, that is, non-Amish, known to all the children. Charles Carl Roberts, 32, took his own life as state troopers prepared to storm the school. Then, in the immediate aftermath of such tragedy, the Amish parents and community forgave Roberts, astounding the media and people around the world who watched the story unfold on their televisions.
The film respects the facts of the event, but takes some artistic license in order to explore the Amish belief in unconditional forgiveness as well as their practice of shunning, which seems to contradict the act of forgiving. When the Amish community extends forgiveness to Roberts and then visits his wife Amy (Tammy Blanchard) to console her and her children for their loss, Amy is astounded. But one Amish mother, Ida Graber (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), tells her husband, Gideon (Matt Letscher) that she cannot forgive the man who murdered her daughter, Mary Beth.
Ida accuses Gideon of making Mary Beth’s life and death cheap by his “easy forgiveness.” He replies by telling her that the Lord does not ask them to follow an easy path: “… faith when everything is the way you want it is not true faith. It is only when our lives fall apart that we have the chance to make our faith real….”
This fictionalized account of those events takes its name from the 2007 non-fiction book “Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy”, by three Amish scholars, Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher. Executive producer Larry A. Thompson said in an interview that even before he obtained rights for the book Kraybill had explained that the authors would not be able to consult on the film. This was due to their close relationship to and respect for the Amish community that lives “plain” and does not seek notoriety nor approve of film and photography.
Thompson, a television and film professional, is a life-long Catholic and member of St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Los Angeles. He explained that his reasons for making the film emerged from his reflection on the words of Jesus in the Our Father. “When I heard about what happened to these Amish children, I recalled that I have prayed these words all my life, ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’. I don’t think I really understood what they meant until I heard of this astonishing and powerful story of how the Amish people forgave. Their actions made me realize what God has really asked us to do as Christians. I talk the talk; these people walk the talk.”
Two documentaries made by Catholic filmmakers take the events at Nickel Mines as their point of departure to explore forgiveness. The Big Question: A Film about Forgiveness (2009), directed by Vince DiPersio, was produced by Paulist Productions (www.BigQuestionTheMovie.com) and The Power of Forgiveness (2008) by Martin Doblmeier, Journey Films (www.JourneyFilms.com). Both films look at forgiveness from various religious, spiritual, and philosophical perspectives and are available from Amazon.com.
“Amish Grace” is a powerful television production that belies its simplicity. The performances are strong, unadorned, and credible. The filmmakers avoid explicit violence by suggesting it instead. They chose to make a movie about and with grace and they have succeeded. As I watched the film, I just let the story wash over me and I could not stop crying.
“Amish Grace” airs on Palm Sunday, March 28, at 8ET/5PT on LMN. Check local listings for reruns during April and May.
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It is with great enthusiasm that you are invited to share in the experience of the Los Angeles Religious Education Congress 2010.
A NEW AND EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE CONGRESS FROM YOUR HOME OR OFFICE FROM ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD!
We know that not everyone can make it to this annual event of over 40,000 Catholics, so we are hoping to bring the event to you this year. Simply, login to Religious Education Congress Live anytime between 8:30 am – 10 pm PST on Friday, March 19th or at 3:30 pm on Sunday, March 21st. You will be able to experience everything from prayer experiences to workshops! Also, join us on Facebook Religious Education Congress FACEBOOK or Religious Education Congress TWITTER (with hash tag #REC2010) to let us in on how the experience is for you while hearing from others onsite throughout the weekend!
Don’t forget that Sr Gretchen Hailer and Sr Rose Pacatte are presenting on saturday, March 14:
Session 4-10
Eight Ways to Navigate “Our Media World”
Kids K-8 are immersed in their preferred media zones; catechists already know this. “Sister Catechist” and “Sister Media” will share with us what they have recently concocted in their media mindfulness lab in this highly interactive presentation. Whether you share faith as a parent, catechist, Catholic schoolteacher, scout leader or Vacation Bible School director, join the sisters to learn exciting new ideas to help kids make wise media choices. Handouts will be provided.
Gretchen Hailer, RSHM
Sr. Gretchen Hailer, a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary, is a lifelong catechist practitioner and author. She has been engaged in faith formation of children, youth and adults for over 40 years, and focused in media literacy education since 1975. Sr. Hailer was a member of the staff of the Office for Religious Education for the Los Angeles Archdiocese, and headed their media center. She presently is a retreat facilitator and spiritual director.
Rose Pacatte, FSP
Sr. Rose Pacatte is Director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies, located in Culver City, Calif. As a media literacy education specialist, she is a national and international speaker on the subject. A Daughter of St. Paul, Sr. Pacatte is the film/TV columnist for St. Anthony Messenger magazine and a contributor to the National Catholic Reporter. Her most recent book is “Our Media World,” with Gretchen Hailer, RSHM.
Check out the film slate at The City of Angels Film Festival
There will also be an alternative track
Founder’s Forays into Film
Saturday, March 13
hosted by the City of Angels Film Festival co-founder, Scott D. Young.
Theater 3, Directors Guild of America
1 pm FOR THE LOVE OF MOVIES Director, Gerald Peary
Documentary on the (melo)dramatic story of film criticism
“a fascinating look at the vibrant personalities who changed the way we look at film” Chris Gore
Screening followed by panel discussion: “Writing On Film”
Panel Moderator: Scott Young
Panelists: Claudia Puig, USA Today film critic, Scott D. Young, and Sr Rose Pacatte, FSP, film journalist and author
3:30 pm BEST FILM RESTORATION OF DECADE
KILLER OF SHEEP Director, Charles Burnett
Considered one of the finest student films ever produced. Selected as one of the 100 Essential Films by the National Society of Film Critics.
“an American masterpiece,independent to the bone” Manohla Dargis, New York Times
Post-screening discussion: Scott Young
7:00 pm BEST FILM OF THE DECADE
MULHOLLAND DRIVE Director, David Lynch
Voted Best Film of the Decade by Film Comment (survey of 100 international moviemakers/critics/academics)
“Hypnotic” Roger Ebert “A Maniacal Thrill” New York Times
Post-screening discussion: Scott Young
Very impressive online access to some fantastic movies…. http://www.OpenCulture.com
I predict a girl singer will win this season; and so far Lilly is my favorite, though there are four others (at least) who are really good. Go girls!
I saw this film yesterday and it haunts me still, not because it is a psychological thriller but because of how it questions the essence of what it is to be human and who has the power to define humanity and the human condition.
A friend suggested that I look at it through the lens of Flannery O’Connor. I am still pondering this but after seeing the film, I think it is a valid and rich approach. Watch this space.
Bl. James Alberione (1884-1971) believed in the power of the media to communicate God's Word and a culture of peace
“We need to put down the scissors of censorship and pick up the camera” because “the power of the cinema surpasses that of the school, the pulpit, and the press and always produces greater results.”
These are the words of Blessed James Alberione, who initiated his apostolate of the cinema and film activity on March 18, 1938.
Sister Rose's My Movies Weblog 
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