Movie tells of one man's struggle to end slave trade
Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 02/23/07
Michael Apted's "Amazing Grace" is an enlightening saga about that rarest of individuals, a morally uncompromising politician. William Wilberforce was a key figure in the 16-year struggle to get England out of the slave trade in the early 19th century.
The film has been created to mark the 200th anniversary of the key vote in Parliament, and is an intriguing historical piece that will almost certainly be as instructive for most viewers as it is entertaining. Don't shy away for fear of a dry bit of educational cinema; "Amazing Grace" is a well-told and very human story.
Ioan Gruffudd stars as Wilberforce, whom we first view after several years of legal struggles have left him weakened and ill. Then, through a combination of flashbacks and flash-forward, we learn the story of a bright, up-and-coming politician who has had a religious conversion, and nearly quits public office. Fortunately, such friends as William Pitt the Younger (Benedict Cumberbatch), convince Wilberforce he can do more good, and remain true to his religious beliefs, if he stays in the House of Commons. As Pitt angles for the prime minister's post, he selects Wilberforce to spearhead the movement against the slave trade. Working with other noted abolitionists, like Thomas Clarkson (Rufus Sewell) and the African Olaudah Equiano (Youssou N'Dour), and a powerful new recruit, Lord Fox (Michael Gambon), Wilberforce carries the battle.
Inspiring Wilberforce is another strong moral force, his former minister, John Newton (Albert Finney), a man of the older generation who had given up the sinful life of a slave trader for the ministry. (As part of his self-imposed penance, Newton has composed hymns, including the immortal "Amazing Grace.")
For many of us, who've long seen the slave issue as an American and African scandal, we now learn the important English chapter, and witness the difficult struggle to end it.
0 comments:
Post a Comment