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November 30, 1999
January 1, 2006
20th Century Fox
PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Nicholas Farrell, Albert Finney, Tom Fisher, Michael Gambon, Ciarán Hinds
"Good we had to watch it for our youth group and I thought it was just gonna be another boring historical movie, but it was actually very interesting and engaging."
- projecthurley, gave it a 4/5
"3.88 Historical based, Entertaining! Engaging as you follow Member of Parliament Wiliam Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) (and the "grace" provided by Romola Garai) . ... Focusing on the struggle for change, rather than the slave trade and abuses itself, which is where a man, with a cause makes a difference.... For a portrait of the times and the man, the struggle, Amazingly Worth a Watch!!! "
- Phoenix, gave it a 4/5
In this inspirational costume drama, Michael Apted (49 Up) recounts a period in British history sure to be unfamiliar to most Americans. In fact, his eye-opening biography of 18th century abolitionist William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) is likely to come as a revelation to many Britons, as well. After all, despite the presence of his wife, Barbara (Romola Garai), this isn't a particularly "sexy" story, but it is a powerful one. The title comes from John Newton's hymn "Amazing Grace" ("I once was lost but now am found"). Newton (Albert Finney) was a former slaveholder, who became a clergyman and spent his days repenting. While America had John Brown, England had Wilberforce, and Newton is one of many who helped the MP to abolish slavery in the UK. The story begins towards the end of Wilberforce's mission when he's sick with colitis and addicted to laudanum. Apted continues to alternate between 1797 and 1789, when Wilberforce was fitter and more idealistic, and ends in 1807 as his efforts come to fruition. Apted and writer Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things) do right by their hero. Unlike Amistad, however, slaves are largely off-screen, with the exception of author Equiano (Senegalese vocalist Youssou N'Dour). Amazing Grace reserves its focus for the politicians who risked their reps for the greater good, like Wilberforce and Prime Minister Pitt (an excellent Benedict Cumberbatch), and those more concerned with the income slavery provided their constituents, like Lord Tarleton (Ciarán Hinds) and the Duke of Clarence (Toby Jones). --Kathleen C. Fennessy - Amazon.com
From the makers of Ray, AMAZING GRACE tells the inspiring story of William Wilberforce and his passion and perseverance to pass a law ending the slave trade in the late 18th century. Several friends, including Wilberforce's minister, a reformed slave ship captain who penned the beloved hymn Amazing Grace, urge him to see the cause through. - Description
