Amazing Grace Review
by Patiche (larts AT juno DOT com)April 28th, 2007
Written by: Steven Knight
Directed by: Michael Apted
Produced By: Edward Pressman, Terrence Malick,
Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Ken Wales
Genre: Drama/Historical
Rated: Not Rated
Running time: 2:00 HRS.
Theatrical Release: February 2007
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Films, Bristol Bay Productions, Roadside Attractions
The Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai,
Ciaran Hinds, Rufus Sewell, Youssou N'Dour
Michael Gambon, Albert Finney
When I learned that my reservation to attend the advanced screening of Steven knight's outstanding work "Amazing Grace" was excepted I was excited. I was excited because I knew I had gotten a rare opportunity to not only attend a very exclusive screening but to see a beautiful film that highlighted the work of William Wilberforce, an English abolitionist who worked very hard to end England's slave trade, and abolish slavery in England.
After watching "Amazing Grace" I concluded that "Amazing Grace" is an outstanding and powerful movie, however, I would be remiss if I didn't mention "Amazing Grace" merely amounts to a television program. A historical TV program that you might see on the historical channels PBS and AE a historical network on cable TV rather a major motion picture that will capture huge audiences. "Amazing Grace" is indeed a moving motion picture with a heartfelt message of hope and victory. "Amazing Grace" also offers an outstanding ensemble of cast members that do an excellent job in their lead roles. This movie is also a wholesome and clean movie that delivers tasteful humor and lively performances by some of England most noted and respected actors such as Albert Finney (Harry Potter), and Loan Gruffudd (Titanic). Its beautiful Victorian ambiance of artecutecture, costumes, and wonderful scenery of Flora and Fauna is very appealing to the human eye.
In this movie, Loan Gruffudd plays the role of William Wilberforce, an English abolitionist who sets out on a mission to end the slave trade, and abolish slavery in England. Wilberforce and Olaudah Equiano, a slave portrayed by Youssou N'Dour begins their task by exposing the atrocities of the slave trade, and the brutal elements of the middle passage that consisted of dangerous voyages slaves endured while aboard the slave ships that ultimately result in mistreatment, starvation, rape, and death. William Wilberforce continues his anti slavery compaign when he exposes the brutal working conditions that encompass the slaves and slave children while working on sugar plantations in the Caribbean who suffer, and die due to extreme heat when their bodies catch on fire, and over exhalation due to excessive work.
Meanwhile, Parliament in its first set of hearings ignores the pleas to pass a bill that will end slavery and England's slave trade. Many years later Wilberforce continues his mission, this time developing a new and effective strategy with Parliament with the help of John Newton guilt ridden Minster portrayed by Albert Finney who benefited from the lucrative slave trade, and eventually goes blind. As this guilt ridden Minster reveals more disturbing events of slavery and the slave trade he helps Wilberforce's efforts when returning to Parliament a second time with an even more shocking out come. You'll find out what this out come is when you see this outstanding movie. "Amazing Grace."
Final Thoughts
As I mention earlier " Amazing Grace" is a very special, and interesting historical movie that wonderfully chronicles the life and work of England's most noted British statesman, Abolitionist, and reformer of the early 19th Century, William Wiberforce. "Amazing Grace" is an inspirational and very informative movie that vividly depicts a terrible and triumphed chapter in England's history. The cast members provide outstanding performances, and outstanding contributions to this film. Overall "Amazing Grace"is a 4 star movie that's a must see.
Reviewed by Lisa Smith
(c)2007
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