I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
‘Amazing Grace’ chronicles the efforts of William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) – a Brit politician who fought to abolish the slave trade in the Empire, during the late 1700s and early 1800s. It’s easy on the eyes, and easy on the brain. A straight forward telling (aside from the ever more tedious device of flashbacks), polished production and performances make for pleasant viewing – if remarkable only by virtue of being a true story.
Choosing to centre the story on Wilberforce’s plight and career, as opposed to slavery itself, the film begins with the young campaigner exhausted and ill from his fruitless fight in parliament, and retiring to the countryside. There he meets buxom redhead Barbara Spooner (Romola Garai). A fan, Barb gets Wilberforce to recount his rise from young idealist to the defeated man we now see.
This friendship turns to romance and eventually stokes Wilberforce’s fire. He heads back to London to resume the fight.
Did you know the ‘Amazing Grace’ hymn was written by slave-shipman turned priest John Newton, and is about his regret of being involved in the atrocities? “… That saved a wretch like me” indeed. Newton is played by the brilliant Albert Finney (‘Millers Crossing’, ‘Scrooge’, ‘Murder on the Orient Express’), and provides the films most effecting moments. The priest, a bundle of fury and remorse for unforgivable sins, provides counsel for Wilberforce - who gains inspiration from Newton’s turn around.
Another veteran British actor, Michael Gambon (‘Sleepy Hollow’, ‘Gosford Park’, ‘Harry Potter’) is also a stand out. Gruffudd, Garai and Benedict Cumberbatch (as Wilberforce’s friend and Prime Minister) are better than good also.
What I found curious is the way in which the film makes Wilberforce out to be such a hero. Though he undoubtedly is, one can’t help feel that anyone with half a conscience should have done what he did. This view most likely neglects the strength of the prevalent thought of the era (ie: a racist one), but the film fails to explain this, or make enough of it. In other words Wilberforce and his supporters seem so clear thinking, and his enemies seem just plain ignorant and/or evil. The fight is then good vs bad, and quite simplistic.
Reviewed by Paul Scantlebury.
This was a great film,excellently acted,historically correct and provided the viewer with a stimulating experience both educationally and recreationally.It was such a pleasure to view a movie of such quality, in stark contast to the outlandish nonsense on which so many of today's movies are based.
Historically Clarkeson was the driving force behind the abolition of slavery but it still took a Wilberforce (if you'll excuse the pun) to bring it through. A great lesson in perserverance and nice to see the director acknowledging Wilberforces faith which was a big part of it. A very well produced and directed movie can't wait to see what Apted does with Voyage of The Dawn Treader
An historical chronicle demonstrating what one man with a strong philosophical view and equally strong character and achieve, how one person can change the world! With one exception (Albert Finny) a cast of unknown, to me anyway, actors have come together to produce a relatively captivating and engrossing movie. Worth going to for many reasons. there's a bit to learn from it, there's the song and there's the entertainment value.
Enjoyed the history lesson on abolishing the slave trade, but felt the focus of Wilberfoce was BORING.
Movie is well done. Refreshing to see a movie that is intelligent, captivating and moving all at the same time. Very thought provoking.
Accessibility is one of the movie's virtues: without dumbing down, it makes the workings of Parliament seem as gripping as a good suspense thriller...
It's a doughty movie, stuck halfway between Masterpiece Theatre and Classics Illustrated, but, to his credit, gifted journeyman director Michael Apted understands he's playing the long game...
There's so much story here that the characters don't have quite enough room to breathe, but it's still a fascinating look at a time, and a man, worth remembering...
Earnest, respectful and thoroughly dull...
This moving tale is peopled with numerous fascinating characters, and is surprisingly affecting for what is largely a political drama set in the House of Commons. It manages to entertain, uplift and teach with a minimum of preaching...
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 19th Jul 2007.
Release date: July 19th 2007.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
