January 28, 2000
Web posted at: 1:03 p.m. EST (1803 GMT)

By Reviewer Paul Clinton

(CNN) -- The independent film "Saving Grace," starring Brenda Blethyn, is the largest acquisition to date at the 2000 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Fine Line Features snapped up the North American distribution rights to the British comedy for a reported $4 million. This ensemble piece springs from the same comedic genre as "Four Weddings and a Funeral" (1994) and "The Full Monty" (1997).

The power of this comedic gem comes from the characters, not the plot, and the film is full of outstanding faces and performances unique to British character actors. But while this may be an ensemble film, the heart and soul of the movie is contained in Blethyn's delightful performance.

Blethyn plays Grace Trevethan, an upper middle-class woman leading a calm and predictable life in a charming village on the Cornish coast. After the sudden death of her husband she's left penniless and up to her eyeballs in debt -- to the tune of 300,000 pounds -- and is about to lose her one and only asset, a lovely manor home complete with a greenhouse where she grows prizewinning orchids.

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Craig Ferguson, who also co-wrote the script with Mark Crowdy, plays Grace's now out-of-work caretaker. (He's perhaps best known in the United States as Drew Carey's boss on "The Drew Carey Show.") He's a laid-back kind of guy who is a bit of a "stoner," and known to share the occasional joint with the local doctor, played by Martin Clunes.

When Mark discovers Grace's financial situation the two hatch a plot to make some fast money in order to save her home and his job. Her skills as an amateur horticulturist are enlisted to help grow some powerful weed that the two intend to sell to the highest bidder in London.

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Before long, the whole village is aware of Grace's new occupation as the local marijuana farmer. The people of Cornwall, many of whom made their livings as smugglers in the good ol' days, turn a blind eye.

But Grace's green thumb backfires when London mobsters, the village garden club and the local police all descend on her at the same time, resulting in a somewhat coy and contrived climax.

Director Nigel Cole, who is best known for his theater work in England, keeps things moving in his feature film debut, and offers breathtaking scenic shots of the Cornish coast. The final product is a big-hearted, warm film that should do well with fans of British comedy.

And Blethyn's performance alone is worth the price of admission. This Academy Award-nominated actress (for 1996's "Secrets & Lies" and 1998's "Little Voice") says more with one look than most actors do with an entire speech. In her hands, Grace is full of humor, dignity and yes -- grace.

"Saving Grace" has not been given a release date at this time and is not yet rated. 93 minutes.