Movie Review of Amazing Grace

These are the words written by John Newton, William Wiberforce's childhood pastor. After serving on slave ships for nearly 20 years, Newton said he lived with thousands of slave's ghost. Those ghosts went on to haunt the younger man in a very unique way.

If you are looking for a solid and inspiring movie then Amazing Grace is the movie for you.

Americans know very little of William Wilberforce. Perhaps this movie and it's commemorative effort will change all of that.

Amazing Grace is the is the story of William Wilberforce's fight to end slavery in England. Wilberforce was a deeply religious man that lead abolitionist movement in Britain. He and his comrades lead a 15 year campaign against the House of Lords members who's pockets are being lined by ship barons and sugar plantation owners.

Wilberforce ran his assault as a member of the House of Commons and confidant to the Prime Minister.

Our story begins with a downtrodden Wiberforce fighting illness and opium addiction. The long fight has worn down a formerly vigorous man. He's all but given up the battle to squelch Britain's slave trade and taken refuge with his cousin. The cousin and his wife believe that the love of a good woman will heal him. Almost immediately they attempt to engineer a romance between Wiberforce and fellow abolitionist Barbara Spooner. Their first meeting does not go well. Soon however, they find much common ground. The pair agree to marry weeks after their first meeting.

The family's plan works. Barbara spurs him to continue his fight and beat the addiction. Neither of which are easy.

The cast of this movie features some of my favorite British actors. The most impressive is Michael Gambon who plays Lord Ford. Fox is a former supporter of slavery who lends his deviousness to the just cause. Gambon is a so good when he being bad.

His clever performance tends to overshadow that of Ioan Gruffud who is a bit too subtle. Despite that Grufford does manage to give us a sympathetic and engaging leading man.

Gambon's performance is followed closely by Ciaran Hinds who does nicely as the resident villain, Lord Tarleton. Rufus Sewell as Thomas Clarkson is a bit wooden but manages to be intriguing none the less. Perhaps it's it's his icey eyes and sculpted cheekbones?

The female lead, Romola Garai does a good turn as strong willed Barbara Spooner. You want a little more from Benedict Cumberbatch as Pitt the Younger but his preformance is not without merits. Making his film debut, Youssou N'Dour is heartbreaking and triumphant. He plays former slave who writes his first hand account to support the cause.

All in all this movie is well worth your time both historically and inspirationally. The plot engages without being overly dramatic.

It would also be a wonderful supplement to any European History curriculum both homeschool or classroom schooling.

Cast

Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce

Romala Garai as Barbara Spooner Wilberforce

Benedict Cumberbatch as Pitt the Younger

Albert Finney as John Newton

Michael Gambon as Lord Fox.

Ciaran Hinds as Lord Tarleton

Oloudaqh Equiano as Youssou N'dour

Rufus Sewell as Thomas Clarkson