Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: March 25, 2016
5.1
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 32 Ratings
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Positive:
10
Mixed:
15
Negative:
7
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7
foxgroveMay 10, 2016
You will know the songs but, like me, you may not know that they originated from Hank Williams. This critically underrated biography of the country singer may be episodic in its presentation, but does a decent job of informing the uninitiatedYou will know the songs but, like me, you may not know that they originated from Hank Williams. This critically underrated biography of the country singer may be episodic in its presentation, but does a decent job of informing the uninitiated about its subject. Both Tom Hiddlesone and Elisabeth Olsen give good performances, although I have no idea how accurate they are in depicting the real people. Production values are ok, but the cinematography, whilst possibly aiming for a particular period look, is depressingly desaturated of much colour. Still, Hiddlestone has a credible voice and the scenes at the Grand Ole Opry are shot to good advantage. Overall an entertaining effort, but it is still a fair way behind the best Country music biography thus far filmed – ‘Coal miner’s Daughter’. Expand
2 of 2 users found this helpful20
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7
BHBarryMar 27, 2016
"I Saw The Light" was written and directed by Marc Abraham based on the book "Hank Williams -The Biography". The film stars Tom Huddleston portraying the ill fated Hank Williams, the country western icon who brought his style and songs to the"I Saw The Light" was written and directed by Marc Abraham based on the book "Hank Williams -The Biography". The film stars Tom Huddleston portraying the ill fated Hank Williams, the country western icon who brought his style and songs to the mainstream of American popular music with such cross-over hits as "Your Cheating Heart", "Cold Cold Heart", "Hey Good Lookin’", "Poor Old Calija" and many many more. Although the film could have delved more into the life of this marvelous singer/songwriter, it gives the audience an overview of his short life and the 6 years in it which brought him to national prominence.
Tom Huddleston, as Mr. Williams, is amazing and the actor’s own singing captures the essence of this immortal performer. Elizabeth Olsen give an outstanding performance as Audrey Williams, the wife that bore him his young son, Bocefus, who country western fans know today as Hank Williams, Jr. This is a story of a life filled with artistic success, ill health and personal failure as Hiram "Hank" Williams strived to attain a place in the world that would give him fame as well as a happy family. Sadly he achieved one but not the other. I give the film a 7.5 rating and whether the viewer is or is not a country music fan, the story of Hank Williams and his place in country music is well worth watching
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6
TVJerryApr 5, 2016
Biopics are most successful with some sort of creative approach that makes them more than a timeline recap. Unfortunately, this one (about country western singer Hank Williams) tries to hit too many high and low lights. As a result, it's aBiopics are most successful with some sort of creative approach that makes them more than a timeline recap. Unfortunately, this one (about country western singer Hank Williams) tries to hit too many high and low lights. As a result, it's a choppy chronicle that doesn't succeed well at creating a compelling story of his career or his personal life. You could probably read Wikipedia and get the same info. Brit actor Tom Hiddleston inhabits the character, thick Southern accent and all. His performance is charismatic and his singing is impressive. There are brief performance excerpts of Williams' greatest hits and plenty of him drinking and having challenging relationships with women. The pacing stays at the same medium level throughout, which doesn't make for dynamic cinema. The whole film feels choppy and incomplete, never taking the time to create any depth and true appreciation for this talented artist. Expand
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5
badgerryan19May 19, 2017
The film never really captures the time period as it should. With that said Tom Hiddleston's performance is mesmerizing. Perhaps his best performance he has ever did. Everything thing is just a backdrop to him. But the rest of the film isThe film never really captures the time period as it should. With that said Tom Hiddleston's performance is mesmerizing. Perhaps his best performance he has ever did. Everything thing is just a backdrop to him. But the rest of the film is painfully average Expand
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5
smiyamotJul 8, 2016
Maybe I'm just not a fan of real country music but this movie just didn't grab me. It's always interesting to see the person behind the music you hear on the radio, but Hank's story was a yawner. Of course, this movie spanned 6 years of hisMaybe I'm just not a fan of real country music but this movie just didn't grab me. It's always interesting to see the person behind the music you hear on the radio, but Hank's story was a yawner. Of course, this movie spanned 6 years of his life so there wasn't much to tell. Expand
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5
EpicLadySpongeApr 11, 2016
With only just a short reaction time before I knew there would be an excellent moment to leave knowing anything about I Saw the Light, the entire scenario's complicated. From watching it to leaving, and then I would know what to think about IWith only just a short reaction time before I knew there would be an excellent moment to leave knowing anything about I Saw the Light, the entire scenario's complicated. From watching it to leaving, and then I would know what to think about I Saw the Light, but I hardly have any reaction for it. Expand
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