“Amazing Grace” is a motivational and touching historical drama about British Minister William Wilberforce, brought to screen by director Michael Apted (“Enough”) in a traditional biographical style that makes the man’s lifelong journey comprehensible. Wilberforce was one of the predominant figures who helped end the British slave trade in the late 18th century, but he is a man few Americans have heard of.
Wilberforce is vividly portrayed - weaknesses and all - by Ioan Gruffudd (“Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”) who made a living doing period pieces prior to becoming Mr. Fantastic. After seeing his virtuosity and grace in this role, perhaps he should be doing more work that is dramatic, where his true skills seem to lie.
Wilberforce is a young man who is able to sway the staunchest critics with his extraordinary oratory abilities. However, he is a man without a cause equal to his talent, until a friend and fellow Parliamentarian makes a plea for Wilberforce to take on the inequity and barbarity of the slave trade by bringing abolitionists to his estate one evening.
They were not wrong to place their faith in the young politician, who worked tirelessly to tear down the impossible. He was able to do it with the assistance of a female acquaintance, who was unwavering in her support for him and the cause, as well as his mentor, the Reverend John Newton (Albert Finney, “The Bourne Ultimatum”), a former slave ship captain who reversed course after seeing the folly of his ways.
Newton would go on to write the song “Amazing Grace,” appealing to God to forgive him for his prior indiscretions. Wilberforce adopts the song as his personal battle cry as he fights against an entrenched trade - and his own health - for the rights of his fellow man.
The dialogue feels historical and poetic, yet it will move your heart. While the costuming is somewhat drab for the period, and the expansiveness of the story causes some loss in momentum, the film will resonate with those who want to be moved by a cause bigger than themselves.
Rated PG for thematic material involving slavery, and some mild language.
