I’m not a big history buff, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this engaging and powerful film. Recently released on DVD, Amazing Grace is based on the true story of 18th century British politician William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd, The Fantastic Four) and his relentless pursuit to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. The film, set during the turbulent times of the American and French Revolutions, follows Wilberforce as he wrestles with what he should do with his life – become clergy or pursue politics. He gets advice from his mentor and pastor John Newton (played by Albert Finney), who convinces Wilberforce he can — and needs to do — both. Newton, a slave ship captain turned clergyman, later wrote the well-known hymn “Amazing Grace"? Though this is just a small part of the movie, his story (and Finney’s performance) is a moving and interesting one. Wilberforce continually lobbies the Parliament to end the slave trade, facing incredible opposition amidst accusations of sedition. His determination and passion for his cause is to be admired, as he doggedly pursues it despite failing health. I was moved by his perseverance and the single-mindedness with which he strove for his goal.
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