Amazing Grace Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Behind the song you love is a story you will never forget.
Every song has its story. Every generation has its hero.
One voice changed the lives of millions
The idealist William Wilberforce maneuvers his way through Parliament in 19th century England, endeavoring to end the British transatlantic slave trade.
| Ioan Gruffudd | William Wilberforce |
| Romola Garai | Barbara Spooner |
| Benedict Cumberbatch | William Pitt |
| Albert Finney | John Newton |
| Michael Gambon | Lord Charles Fox |
| Rufus Sewell | Thomas Clarkson |
| Youssou N'Dour | Olaudah Equiano |
| Ciarán Hinds | Lord Tarleton |
| Toby Jones | Duke of Clarence |
| Nicholas Farrell | Henry Thornton |
| Sylvestra Le Touzel | Marianne Thornton |
| Jeremy Swift | Richard the Butler |
| Stephen Campbell Moore | James Stephen |
| Bill Paterson | Lord Dundas |
| Nicholas Day | Sir William Dolben |
| Michael Apted |
7.70 out of 10 (4033 votes)
Visitor Reviews
An appalling film,
posted on 08 Aug 2009This was a dreadful film. I should have stopped watching when the first scene made a show of presenting exactly which actor was playing Wilberforce, but I didn't. The script was of the worst kind, full of clichés, error-ridden, and designed for fake 'dramatic pauses' (presumably expecting limited education and intelligence in the audience). There were many gross errors of fact. No educated man of that age would translate a Latin phrase for an educated audience. During the House of Commons scenes there were many problems. Perhaps the biggest was the declaration by the speaker that the bill to abolish the slave trade had been passed and so was now law. The British Parliamentary system requires all bills to be passed by the House of Commons, and then by the House of Lords, and then to be signed by the head of state (the monarch) before becoming law. Educated British people know this. In the end, Amazing Grace was a classic British attempt to present a film to the US market. They always fail (at least in quality), because the main points are trivialised, facts are ignored, and there is an assumption that the audience has limited intelligence. Perhaps it works for the US audience; but it is an embarrassment to the British.
What a man, what a man, what a man, what a mighty good man
posted on 17 Jul 2009Had been interested in seeing this for a while, but wasn't in a big rush. When a movie is set in the 1800's, it's hard to get excited about it. I'd been let down by "Picnic At Hanging Rock" and that was in the 1900's, so this was even older."Amazing Grace" tells the story of William Wilberforce's push to abolish slavery in Britian. It's based upon a true story and follows his life from when he first entered politics through to when he finally oversaw slavery's downfall (sorry to ruin the end for you if you didn't know this).It's not overly enthralling, but does pretty well for a movie set in the olden days. Gruffud does a solid job as Wilberforce, and the rest of the cast is pretty good and it's probably a little better than I imagined, but I won't be rewatching it anytime soon. There's good insight into his battle with working his faith with his career, plus the battles he faced along the way. Some inspiration to be drawn from following through on his believed calling in life and how to carry yourself in an uphill battle.
Apted was deft and subtle--- the perfect touch for a spiritually profound movie
posted on 03 Jun 2009The nobility of this movie humbled me, and inspired me. I had heard of some so-called 'black activists' via BBC Radio 4, complaining that larger portions of the movie were not devoted to black actors and depictions of actual slavery. I cannot understand their concerns, however heartfelt (or even PC) they might have been. What was shown of the blacks themselves was enough to horrify and move anybody. I have seen many movies over the years depicting some aspect of the slavery of the Africans. Many are fine films, too. But funnily, just the few brief verbal descriptions (from diaries of a real historical figure at that time, himself a former slave), and the few visual scenes brought the horrors of slavery home to me in a way that no amount of typical cinematic 'slavery grammar' could have done.The words rang true, because they were true--- they were spoken at the time by someone who had lived through it. And in the movie, being aboard the empty slave ship with the characters Wilberforce and Oloudaqh Equiano, the real-life ex-slave, was horrifying. Touring the storage holds with the two characters, and hearing the day-to-day torture details, and being shown the actual chains and how they were applied to the human body, etc., etc., and all of the conditions endured by the Africans aboard ship, and at in Jamaica was by far more real and more moving, for me, than anything else I have ever seen in a movie, a book, or on TV. It was SO simple, with no big melodrama or theatrics or histrionics. And yet, it was the most powerful anti-slavery vision ever presented.And... as director Michael Apted said in defence of his choices: the movie was about the courage and struggles of the abolitionists in England. It was a morals story, and somewhat of a political movie. It was a movie about how the rich and privileged aristocracy in Britain could turn their backs on humanity and Heaven for the sake of preserving their wealth and status. For that purpose, the movie's tone and balance was perfect.I really think that if Oloudaqh Equiano, the real-life ex-slave depicted in the movie were alive today, he would be brought to tears by this movie. And he would have approved. Apted's touch was subtle. It was deft. Anything more would have descended into a bratty and self-absorbed and self-serving 'PC-fest' that we so often see. As it was, experiencing this movie is a spiritual experience.And... don't be mislead. It is exciting, dramatic, moving, and very, very solid entertainment as well. Well done!
I highly recommend it! Bring tissues!
posted on 24 May 2009I was concerned that this film would be long dull boring preachy and dark like many British films usually are. I am happy to report that I was wrong. It is not too talky either as such films tend to put me too sleep. I was wide awake and following every moment. Even though the end is a forgone conclusion, the story holds up so well. If you are on the fence, get off of the fence and go. This is a Christian film that tells the story in a straight forward manor that in my opinion is not meant to be a conversion piece. Although, it could be depending on how the Holy Spirit chooses to use this wonderful film. If you are a hypersensitive Christaphobe trust me you will find things to be offended about. Without giving any spoiler details, there will be moments that will offend you. I would suggest that you try to be open minded and go anyway as it does also handle this historical event marvelously, but that is between you and God. I still highly recommend this wonderful film.
a beautiful and moving movie
posted on 24 May 2009Amazing Grace is a fantastic biopic of William Wilberforce, a parliamentarian who campaigned for the abolishment of the slave trade in Britain. The acting is superb, particularly by Cumberbatch, Sewell and, of course, Gruffudd, and the script stays close to historical fact, making it easier to trust and enjoy without worrying about being fed mis-information.One of the more prominent issues to do with the film's reception is the complaint that it doesn't show much of the perspective of the black slaves. This may be true, but this criticism is missing the point; the movie is about using the law positively, the constant struggle for equality, and the life of one man who dared to stand up for others less fortunate than himself. The fact that he was white and British is a fact, not a statement.I found Amazing Grace to be truly inspiring, and would recommend it to those over the age of about 15- it isn't that it isn't appropriate, more that the subject matter is less likely to interest younger viewers.
A 100% feel-good movie
posted on 16 May 2009If there is ever a 100% feel-good movie, this is it, the story of 18th century legendary British parliamentarian and abolitionist William Wilberforce whose relentless perseverance was instrumental to ending the atrocious slave trade in the British Empire. The cause is impeccably noble. The fight is conducted under a civilized system – the British parliament. The heroes are all so lovable, despite their imperfections. Even the villains display the gentlemanly conduct of applauding their opposition's victory. There is the hero's tireless pursuit of justice and humanity. There is friendship tried, wavered but came through and held to the end. There is sweet romance nourished by a common ideal blossoming and bearing fruit. There are those who "once were lost, now found; were blind, but now can see". And of course the song, sung twice briefly (much too briefly) during the course of the story then concludes the movie starting with a solitary bagpipe and culminating in the full glory of a brass and wind marching band. If you don't emerge from the cinema feeling elated you are probably a cynic beyond redemption. And then, what a cast! Albert Finney plays John Newton, Wilberforce's mentor whose soul is burdened with "20,000 ghosts" of Africa slaves who had died on the slave ships. He is the one who actually wrote "Amazing grace" which becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy when he becomes blind in old age as sees the way to absolving himself by publishing his first-hand account of the extreme cruelty on the slave ships.Michael Gambon is Lord Charles Fox, influential parliamentarian who surprises everybody by championing Wilberforce's cause. In the opposite camp are two aristocrats played by Ciaran Hinds (who is equally comfortable as a Russian president and a FBI agent) and Toby Jones (whose portrayal of Truman Capote is unfortunately overshadowed by Philip Seymore Hoffman's award-winning portrayal of the same legendary figure).In the lead role is Ioan Gruffudd whose notable performance of Lancelot in King Arther (2004) probably led to his likely financially rewarding but entirely uninspired role in the "Fantastic Four" trilogy. Wilberforce finally gives him a chance, and he portrays convincingly a character that is almost too good to be true, a saint with a faint trace of madness. Barbara (who becomes Barbara Wilberforce during the course of the movie), is another too-good-to-be true character, supporting Wilberforce since as a teenager before meeting him, with and ever indomitable sunshine disposition. After watching Romola Garai recently in a rather pathetic, unlikable title role in Francois Ozon's somewhat unsuccessful attempt at an English language movie "Angel" (2007) in was a joy to see her in such perfect positive light.There's more. Relatively unknown Benedict Cumberbatch is quite unforgettable as William Pitt, Wilberforce's best friend (and later prime minister) who shares his ideal. A little better known is Rufus Sewell (small but impressive roles in "The illusionist" and "Paris, je t'aime") as zealous priest Thomas Clarkson. Stephen Campbell Moore plays the lawyer James Stephen who comes up with a brilliant tactic that scores their first victory. Youssou N'Dour is the African slave to has survived a most inhumane ordeal on a slave ship to publish a book that reveals the atrocity of the slave trade to the general public. None of these actors has yet attained the status of a Finney or a Gambon. But they are all solid performers who, once they take their position on stage, so to speak, they command your attention.One last comment. This is one of the rare movies these days in which you can still hear something that truly deserves to be described with the word "dialogues". Just try watching the same Gruffudd in "The fantastic Four".
I am, as they say, surprised
posted on 14 May 2009My little sister asks if I wanted to watch it and I said sure, why not. I was positive that this movie was about John Newton (Who wrote Amazing Grace) but it was about someone I'd never really heard of.My overall opinion was that it was powerful. Some might argue it was a lot of just talking but considering how captivated I was with "just talking" it was AMazingly written. I was taken in by William Willboreforce's character and detecation. The acting was very well done and there were perfect subtleties to each and every character. The movie was a political drama and I can't say I've ever seen one that I've enjoyed so much.Maybe I'm a bit bias, considering that I'm also in love with a red head and I can relate to Willboreforce's character but I loved it.
Worthwhile Movie
posted on 04 May 2009Watching this movie gave me chills, finding out how the slaves were treated on-board the slave-trade ships, which stank like hell!Learning the life of Wilberforce is truly inspiring: how we need such politicians in America today, politicians with faith, integrity and tenacity. I recommend this movie to people of all ages, and would like more movie studios follow the suite, and produce contents that will last. The only draw back of the movie is the Reality Check - the fear of showing some graphic scenes of the slave trades (corps, blood, human excrement, etc.) lest it gets an "R" rating. However, for people with some imagination, such graphic scene could be filled in by our minds. However, the director could tone down the graphic by using black-n-white footage for such scenes, but at least show it. That's my take of it.Over all, it's a very constructive, beneficial movie for all ages. Take the kids to see it, and you never know who among them may grow up to be the next Wilberforce in America, or in any other country that need them - maybe in China - who knows?
Brilliant casting
posted on 04 May 2009This is one of the most perfectly cast movies I have seen yet, with brilliant performances by some of Britains biggest names. There is not a wrong note. Even the smallest one-line characters are perfect. The depiction of London life at the end of the eighteenth century is so real one almost wants to hold a perfumed handkerchief to one's nose to ward off the smell. The parliamentary scenes of sparkling oratory and wit, and back-room deals, has changed little as we can see from "Question time in the house", which we can view today on CSPAN.Half-way through the film I was reduced to tears, not by the descriptions of the slave trade, bad as it was, but by the realization that so many people in those callous indifferent times were willing to stand up and oppose inhuman conditions and devote their lives to reform.The film is set at the end of the eighteenth and early nineteenth century, just after Britain had lost the American colonies. The British financed the French Revolution as payback to the French for supporting the Americans, which they had done to undermine Britain. So much for the Entente Cordial!Life was cruel and hard. The industrial revolution and wars had turned the country upside down and driven many agricultural workers into the towns and cities to find work. The press gang roamed the country kidnapping any man they could find for service in the Navy, often leaving their families destitute. There were no pensions or social welfare system of any kind and injured servicemen were left to beg in the streets. Children slaved in mines and factories with no limit to their hours, petty criminals were hanged or transported to Australia for what we consider misdemeanors today. And yet there were many people who saw the injustice and worked for change. William Wilberforce and John Clarkson were two of those men.Many people of the time accepted slavery as necessary for the economic good, and feared that without slaves, Britain would suffer losses and loose its power base, just as today any attempt to increase the basic wage is met with howls of protest and dire predictions of massive layoffs and potential bankruptcy of businesses. The Duke of Clarence spoke for many when he stated that the slaves were better off than most of the poor in Britain, having their own vegetable garden and poultry, their miserable lives were far better than they would have been in Africa. The lack of freedom notwithstanding, he was wasn't all that wrong.Unfortunately the film did not address many issues due to the necessity of keeping it to a reasonable length. Wilberforce was strongly criticised in his lifetime for trying to better the lot of the African slaves, rather than trying to help the poor in Britain. The passage of the slave trade act was a start, the actual abolition of slavery took another 20 years. One unintended consequence of banning the trade and not prohibiting slavery itself was that slaves then became vastly more valuable as they became a scarce commodity.Because there were so many omissions, and one of two minor discrepancies, e.g. the Duke of Clarence would not have sat in the House of Commons, the film would have benefited greatly from optional pop ups such as the DVD's of Rome, which could have explained who was who, and more detail: "Wilberforce inherited his wealth from his merchant family" "The Duke of Clarence was the son of King George III, had served in the Navy with distinction, and became King William IV. He was known as the Sailor King, and proved to be a surprisingly good King.""Britain and France were old enemies. The French had supported the American Revolution to undermine its old enemy Britain. In turn the British supported the French Revolution as payback."
An Important Subject, But The Movie Disappointed Me A Bit
posted on 26 Apr 2009I say that I was disappointed not because this was a poor movie. Quite the contrary, in fact. It deals with a very important subject - the struggle to ban the slave trade in the British Empire, it features good performances, especially from the two primary leads (Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce and Benedict Cumberbatch as the Prime Minister, William Pitt) and it even manages to successfully incorporate some bits of humour to lighten the subject. What disappointed me though was that I anticipated that a movie called "Amazing Grace" would have offered far more of the personal story of John Newton - the hymn's author. Instead, aside from 2 or 3 scenes (in which he's played by Albert Finney) Newton is barely mentioned.That's a shame. Newton's story is a fascinating one - a story of a powerful religious conversion that turned a slave ship captain into an Anglican priest and ardent abolitionist who was nevertheless tormented all his life by the thought of those he had carried into slavery. That particular point is made a couple of times in the film, when Newton speaks about his "20,000 ghosts" who haunt him, but he's really a rather obscure character in this movie, which, rather than using Newton's life as background to the hymn, uses the hymn as an introduction to a story about the slave trade debate. I suppose that's the other problem I had with the movie.Essentially, this deals with the parliamentary chicanery involved with getting a controversial bill (albeit an important one) through Parliament. That in itself was a bit problematic in that the movie dealt only with the debate in the House of Commons. I'm guessing that there may have been even stronger opposition in the House of Lords, whose members would have been generally wealthier and perhaps more personally entangled in the trade, but the Lords are hardly mentioned at all and, frankly, parliamentary tricks aren't all that exciting to watch.As I said, it's not a bad movie; I just found it a disappointing one. I think far more could have been done with it, although I did appreciate the look at Wilberforce and his life. 5/10
Great story, well told
posted on 12 Apr 2009This is a lovely, moving and intelligent film. I did not detect any notably weak performances among a remarkable cast. The older actors though, Michael Gambon and Albert Finney, were shameless scene stealers, but one can hardly fault them for their excellence. There were many things to like about this film. It was gorgeous to look at, brilliantly capturing the look and sound of a sumptuous age. The pacing and editing were fine, though the device using flashbacks for most of the film occasionally led to a moments confusion about when a scene was supposed to be taking place. And the story itself is quite inspirational. A note for my Canadian readers and the Canadians who attended the TIFF screenings. The film mostly covered the struggle to outlaw slavery in Britain itself, though they did touch on Wilberforce's efforts to have it outlawed throughout the British Empire. This continued in the years after the conclusion of the film, and a Bill to do just that was passed in 1833, a month after Wilberforce died. So the film we watched was very much about our own history, and the story of the abolition of slavery in Britain directly affected the eventual abolition of slavery in Canada.
a must see film
posted on 29 Mar 2009I saw Amazing Grace on Thursday at a private showing. The film has everything that I love about theater...passion, conflict, struggle, faith, redemption and grace. The story is true... making this film one of reality and substance. The struggle to rid the world of slavery has been a black mark against humanity. The British are to be applauded as the leaders in this journey to freedom. The actors' performances were incredible. Albert Finney's portrayal of John Newton is an Oscar possibility. The scenes were period and perfection. Even the dark mood of the times were reflected in the lighting and how the director portrayed the message of bondage. Go see this film...acquaint yourself with this powerful story and this man William Wilberforce. I rate it a 10!
What Better Way To Define A Good Song Than With A Film
posted on 13 Mar 2009The inspiring story of how one man's passion and perseverance changed the world. Based on the true life story of William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd), a leader of the British abolition movement, the film chronicles his epic struggle to pass a law to end the slave trade in the late 18th century. Along the way, Wilberforce meets intense opposition from members of Parliament who feel the slave trade is tied to the stability of the British Empire. Several friends, including Wilberforce's minister, John Newton (Albert Finney), a reformed slave ship captain who penned the beloved hymn Amazing Grace, urge him to see the cause through. Amazing Grace 7/10
The Most Amazing Movie I have ever seen. It is highly recommended to all.
posted on 27 Feb 2009This movie was the most amazing movie I have ever seen. I think that it is an empowering movie to be seen by all. Just the shear magnitude of emotion that is seen on the screen by not only Ioan Gruffard, but the entire cast.If you did not get the chance to watch it at the Toronto Film Festival, then I highly suggest that you see it when it comes out in theatre.After attending the Toronto Film Festival and hearing the Director speak about this movie, I know that this movie is not meant to be only the normal entertaining movie, it is also meant to be a lesson, a tale to be understood and appreciated by many.
Uplifting and inspiring!
posted on 15 Feb 2009This is an uplifting and inspiring movie about a great man and a worthy cause. I have seen it three times and plan to buy it when it comes out on DVD. Most movies leave your mind two seconds after you leave the theatre. But not this one. Unless you have a heart of stone, you can't help but root for this underdog, fighting for this noble but seemingly lost cause for so many years, a struggle which took so much out of him. How could you not be moved at the end? All the actors were wonderful, especially Ioan Gruffudd, Albert Finney, and Benedict Cumberbatch. I wish there were more movies of this caliber. I'd be going to the movies far more than I do.
the name Wilberforce should be a beacon for all that is good...
posted on 13 Feb 2009the most amazing inspirational film of my lifetime, i think every school across the world, should watch this... and use it a exercise... too think that in some parts of the world..human trafficking is still happen TODAY... (East Europe, Africa South America) then we all should learn from the wisdom, courage and valour of such a brave and fore-sighted man...the name Wilberforce should be a beacon for all that is good....the finale of the pipesband..playing the song... it eye watering... the clip is on youtube.. i have watched it time and time again.As an englishman,living in America I am ashamed that we made money on such means... but in atonement, at least we had a democratic systmem that allowed THEN, and today for such honourable men to change the WORLD for good...Wilberforce... should go down in history as equal to Mandela... for in the age, the prejudices, dangers and ingnorance... he truly a saint...
A fine biopic that wins the heart
posted on 11 Feb 2009Amazing Grace is a genuine surprise: while not quite up to the excellence of the Madness of King George it is a meaty, and entertaining, and moving historical drama.We come away knowing a lot more about the politics of the era, the man himself, and the very real horrors that financial expediency justified.The skill of Amazing Grace is that it never feels stodgy, or slow - yet it never feels rushed or over ponderous.Great performances throughout - and it shows a new generation of British actors coming into their own - and very solid production values make the time whiz by.We liked that it showed us that human values are more important than short-term gain - and it is inspirational: even one man can truly change the world for the better.Not too serious, definitely moving, and surprisingly unsentimental.Strongly recommended.
Fascinating, brilliant acting, history brought to life
posted on 07 Feb 2009Nine out of ten, because nothing is perfect. I have read some of the other comments and I agree there were tiny tiny flaws. But overall, a magnificent piece of work.I knew very little about William Wilberforce, except the one fact that he was behind the abolition of slavery. This then was a fascinating, history brought to life story about a really complex and interesting man with a passion. That he finally achieved his goal shows that good can overcome evil eventually and that this portrayal attracted the quality of cast that it did says a lot about the production.I thoroughly enjoyed it, I was almost anxious in the times when he was sick and failing, but he rallied and the end was as we all know, the success of his bill. (Yes, I knew he would win, but the quality you see - had me fooled) Another word on the casting - what joy to see the wonderful Michael Gambon and the incomparable Albert Finney. There were no weak links though and again, the Brits have brought together history, drama and skill. Thank you!
The subject matter deserves so much better . . .
posted on 05 Feb 2009I'm sorry: even the people who are unenthusiastic about this film are being a-way too nice. This is a bad movie. Gorgeously mounted, chock-a-block full of A-list stars, but deadly dull, and on a topic that could have made for a great picture. My companion dozed off on several occasions, and only having recently read Vincent Carretta's biography of Olaudah Equiano sustained me. So it was jarring to find Apted uncritically depicting Equiano's assertions that he was of noble birth in Africa. One of the most pathetically laughable scenes is one in which lawyer James Stephens throws out a critical legal term and then explains that it's Latin: Hellllooo? They've established earlier in the scene that only the abolitionist faithful have come to the meeting, and all educated Englishmen of the time would know Latin, probably even self-educated Equiano. Stephens' remark is for the benefit of 21st century audiences, but surely there was a less ridiculous way to impart that. By the end of the film, I think I was actually cringing and wondering how much of what I was seeing was accurate.
Decent movie!
posted on 16 Aug 2009STORYLINE- "Amazing Grace" follows Wilbeforce's Carrier through his 20's and 30's, as he and his wife fellow humanitarians make the issue of slavery a talking point, not only in political circles, but also through the country.ACTING- Performances by the whole cast is good.The Lead actor Joan Gruffudd is really good in his part.An along with him Albert Finney gives a strong Supporting performance.ENJOYABLE RATE- well this isn't a Enjoyable film but is not boring so I will not scale this section.BOREDOM RATE- this movie isn't Boring.. But if u have no interest what-so-ever to watch a movie like this than this could be boring.EMOTIONAL RATE- 50%.VERDICT- an above Average movie.GENERALLY- well not a movie for entertainment but surely a movie that people wont mind seeing.LAST WORDS- if you know about the movie and if u want to see it than WHY NOT?Rating- 7.5/10