Amish Grace (2010)

When a gunman killed five Amish children and injured five others in a Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania schoolhouse shooting in October of 2006, the world media attention rapidly turned from the ... See full summary »

Director:

Gregg Champion

Writers:

Micky Levy (as Sylvie White), Teena Booth

Stars:

Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Tammy Blanchard, Fay Masterson

5 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Kimberly Williams-Paisley	...	Ida Graber
Tammy Blanchard	...	Amy Roberts
Fay Masterson	...	Jill Green
Madison Mason	...	Levi Brennaman
Gary Graham	...	Henry Taskey
Darcy Rose Byrnes	...	Rebecca Knepp
Karley Scott Collins	...	Katie Graber
Eugene Byrd	...	Danny
Bruce Nozick	...	Leonard
Amy Sloan	...	Rachel Knepp
John Churchill	...	Charlie Roberts
Madison Davenport	...	Mary Beth Graber
Matt Letscher	...	Gideon Graber
Eric Nenninger	...	State Trooper
Willow Geer	...	Judith

Storyline

When a gunman killed five Amish children and injured five others in a Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania schoolhouse shooting in October of 2006, the world media attention rapidly turned from the tragic events to the extraordinary forgiveness demonstrated by the Amish community. Through the eyes of a grieving mother, Ida Graber, and other devastated families, this movie explores the Amish's astonishing reaction to the horrific shootings - of forgiveness and compassion.

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Plot Keywords:

laundry drying on a clothesline | schoolhouse | television reporter | amish | forgiveness | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

On Palm Sunday, March 28, 2010, "Amish Grace" premiered on the Lifetime Movie Network and became the most-watched, highest-rated, original television movie in the history of that network.

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Quotes

Sarah Knepp: [Referring to Dirk's demise] They burned him, at the stake.

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Crazy Credits

Opening title card reads: "Based on a True Story. However, certain events and characters have been fictionalized including the Graber family."

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Connections

Features NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (1970)

User Reviews

Acting elevates it above other Lifetime movies

WHAT IS AMISH GRACE ABOUT?

Tells the story of the 2006 massacre of Amish schoolchildren by a mentally unstable gunman, that religious community's subsequent forgiveness of the murderer, and their outreach to his widow.

IS IT ANY GOOD? (GRADE: B)

Despite its status as a Lifetime movie and criticisms that it takes artistic liberties with actual events, Amish Grace emerges as a poignant and inspiring little movie. Due largely to acting and screen writing that are far better than expected, the film transcends its made-for-TV cinematography, editing, and musical score.

It's true, some of the peripheral characters aren't well-developed and come across as caricatures, but the lead performances by Kimberly Williams-Paisley (Father of the Bride), Matt Letscher (The Mask of Zorro), Tammy Blanchard (Bella), and Amy Sloan (The Day After Tomorrow) are all captivating, each giving wholly credible explorations of pain, loss, redemption, and healing. The screenplay intelligently makes a case for forgiveness, love, and faith without any trace of condescension or criticism. The paradox of the Amish shunning those who've left their faith while forgiving the greater sin of murder is brought up, but sadly left unexplored; still, this is a minor issue for a film this well-performed and moving.

Historical fiction has always created characters who are composites of actual people in order to streamline the narrative. Films like Titanic and Glory have done this to memorable effect, but rarely has this been attempted with events that are so recent. One may question the choice to focus on a fictional couple rather than actual people whose stories are certainly inspiring. However, by having protagonists who struggle and doubt more than the almost superhuman real-life Amish seemed to, the filmmakers have given the audience someone to relate to. Amish Grace, therefore, should be taken as very good historical fiction, not as history itself, though it will hopefully motivate viewers to learn more about the actual events.

IS IT OKAY FOR YOUR KIDS? Amish Grace was rated TV-PG. It tastefully addresses the true story of the massacre of Amish schoolchildren by a mentally unstable gunman. The shootings occur off-screen and though the characters see the bodies, the audience does not. Though it contains nothing offensive and is appropriate for families, the film is thematically intense as it deals with the emotional and spiritual aftermath of murder, so parents be aware and ready to discuss the story with mature children.

ANY WORTHWHILE MESSAGES? Forgiveness doesn't mean condoning wrong actions or letting someone escape consequences, it means letting go of bitterness and hate. You can find peace in loving those who've wronged you.

Details

Official Sites:

Lifetime [United States] Silver Screen Pictures [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 March 2010 (USA)

Also Known As:

Amish Grace

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Larry Thompson Organization

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1