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| Lowest Recommended Age: | High School |
| MPAA Rating: | Rated PG-13 for violence and thematic elements |
| Profanity: | Some language, implied racist term |
| Nudity/Sex: | None |
| Alcohol/Drugs: | Drinking, including drinking to deal with stress, drug dealers |
| Violence/Scariness: | Death of a child in an accident, shooting of a teenager |
| Diversity Issues: | A theme of the movie |
| Movie Release Date: | February 25, 2011 |
| DVD Release Date: | June 13, 2011 |
Anger seduces us because it fools us into feeling powerful.
Anger absorbs so much energy that it helps us avoid the more complicated and painful emotions of loss, guilt, regret, and fear. And that, as “The Grace Card” shows us, is why it is so hard to forgive.
Mac MacDonald (Michael Joiner) is a cop so bitter and angry after the accidental death of his young son that seventeen years later he is consumed with hatred. He subjects his wife, his teenage son, and his co-workers to constant complaints and insults. The escaping drug dealer who killed his son was black, and Mac has allowed racism to poison his heart as well.
His new partner is Sam (Michael Higgenbottom) a part-time pastor who has had to work as a policeman to make ends meet. He has a naturally cheerful and optimistic nature but he is hurt by Mac’s bigotry and hostility. Guided by the wisdom of his grandfather (Louis Gossett Jr.) and his wife (a warm and gracious performance by Dawntoya Thomason), he is able to play the “grace card,” to find forgiveness in himself and, after a tragic twist, to inspire it in Mac.
This is an unpretentious but sincere film with quiet power, and its final scenes are moving and inspirational.
Parents should know that this film has some harsh and abusive language and angry and hurtful family confrontations, sad death of a child, accidental shooting, drug dealers, and issues of hopelessness and loss of faith.
Family discussion: Who did Mac have the hardest time forgiving? Why is it so hard to let go of anger? Who is hurt most when we don’t let it go?
If you like this, try: “Not Easily Broken” and “Fireproof”
posted February 25, 2011 at 12:05 pm
Thanks so much for your review!
posted February 25, 2011 at 12:49 pm
Sam’s wife is actually played by Dawntoya Thomason. Kiana McDaniel plays Sam’s older daughter.
posted February 25, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Thank you so much! I will make the correction.
posted February 26, 2011 at 10:48 am
I loved Lou Gossett in the supporting role. This was a startling look at both sides of an issue prevalent everywhere. I lived in Memphis for 18 years starting just after the Rodney King issue and before the OJ trials. For all the high profile media attention given racial divides…I found it to be a lot of people trying to live so the issues are addressed but not highlighted. I think this movie does a fine job of teaching what that community taught me. When I moved there I saw black people and white people…Now I see people.
posted February 26, 2011 at 2:59 pm
Thank you, Bob, for a wonderful comment, deeply appreciated.
posted March 13, 2011 at 4:39 pm
I think this movie was a great movie. It just shows us that there is alot going on in this world and GOD put people in our lives for a reason and it is by His Grace that each of us get through the difficult situations that we are placed in. Sometimes HE has to puts us to our lowest point in order for us to get it right but in the end if we hold on to HIS grace the end will always turn out for the good.
posted March 13, 2011 at 4:48 pm
Thanks so much, Katrina. I found it very moving. It is so important to find that grace within ourselves to forgive others. I’m so glad you saw it.
posted April 10, 2011 at 12:13 pm
Will you please quote the exact words of the prayer that was used as the Grace card?
God Bless you.
posted April 10, 2011 at 12:21 pm
With pleasure. Here it is: “I promise to pray for you every day, ask your forgiveness, grant you the same, and be your friend…always.”
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posted August 24, 2011 at 2:28 am
I was thinking you might share that clearplay is a DVD player that takes all profanity/sex out of a DVD. I love it.