“Amazing Grace” (Samuel Goldwyn Films)
The Fight In Britain To End The Slave Trade
The new film “Amazing Grace” is not the story behind the beloved hymn, but rather is the story of one man’s battle to end slave trading by the British. The song ties in because a friend of the main character in this film wrote the hymn.
William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) was a member of the British Parliament in the eighteenth century. He was a progressive who fought for the rights of the underprivileged. One of his biggest battles was to have the practice of slave trading made illegal. It took him most of his life to accomplish this, and his fight makes up the plot of “Amazing Grace.”
One of William’s dearest friends is John Newton (Albert Finney), a former slave ship captain. He regrets his past and is forever seeking to atone for his sins. He also is the author of the hymn “Amazing Grace.” William picks up his friend’s feelings and leads the battle against slavery in Parliament.”
William Wilberforce and William Pitt (Benedict Cumberbatch) are friends. Later when he becomes Prime Minister, Pitt remains friends with William and advises him. William also has a loving wife, Barbara (Romola Garai). She becomes his closest friend and most avid supporter.
The ups and downs of political life in Britain are shown in detail. Wilberforce thinks over and over again that he will be successful in getting Parliament to pass his bill, but over and over again he is disappointed. Eventually the strains of his actions affect his health.
Gruffudd is excellent as William Wilberforce. He gives him the passion and the eloquence the role requires. Also shining in her role is Garai. She shows the intelligence and the passion this woman had to possess. Others who offer strong support with their performances are Michael Gambon, Ciaron Hines, Toby Jones and Rufus Sewell.
Still it is Albert Finney who is the most impressive. He takes a very brief role, actually just a cameo appearance, and makes his presence dominate the film. He is that powerful and that believable.
The film is rated PG for mild profanity.
The film gets a little tedious in spots but overall it is a powerful depiction of a battle we know too little about in our history books today. William Wilberforce made history and he should be remembered. “Amazing Grace” will help assure that he is.
I scored “Amazing Grace” a sweet sounding 7 out of 10.
