Product Description Period biopic based on the real life of British slavery abolitionist William Wilberforce. Director Michael Apted pays tribute, on the advent of the bicentennial of the abolition of slavery, with a loving biography of the man who, almost single-handedly, made it happen. Wilberforce's is a story of Herculean courage and absolute dedication to compassion - the noblest cause. The film follows Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) as a young parliamentarian in the late 1700's with socialist ideals that sit poorly with the generally older crowd in government. He does, however, make one very important and lifelong friend in parliament - future Prime Minister William Pitt (Benedict Cumberbatch). Disgusted by what he sees around him in the homes of the privileged - African slaves treated as less than human - Wilbeforce grows to be a strong proponent of ending the trade entirely. He also takes counsel in an elderly clergyman, John Newton (Albert Finney) - writer of the eponymous hymn - who advises him to stick to his guns and abolish this vile business once and for all. desertcart.co.uk Review In this inspirational costume drama, Michael Apted (49 Up) recounts a important period in British history. Unsurprisingly, however, his eye-opening biography of 18th century abolitionist William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) is likely to come as a revelation to many Britons. After all, despite the presence of his wife, Barbara (Romola Garai), this isn't a particularly "sexy" story, but it is a powerful one. The title comes from John Newton's hymn "Amazing Grace" ("I once was lost but now am found"). Newton (Albert Finney) was a former slaveholder, who became a clergyman and spent his days repenting. While America had John Brown, England had Wilberforce, and Newton is one of many who helped the MP to abolish slavery in the UK. The story begins towards the end of Wilberforce's mission when he's sick with colitis and addicted to laudanum. Apted continues to alternate between 1797 and 1789, when Wilberforce was fitter and more idealistic, and ends in 1807 as his efforts come to fruition. Apted and writer Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things) do right by their hero. Unlike Amistad, however, slaves are largely off-screen, with the exception of author Equiano (Senegalese vocalist Youssou N'Dour). Amazing Grace reserves its focus for the politicians who risked their reps for the greater good, like Wilberforce and Prime Minister Pitt (an excellent Benedict Cumberbatch), and those more concerned with the income slavery provided their constituents, like Lord Tarleton (Ciarán Hinds) and the Duke of Clarence (Toby Jones). --Kathleen C. Fennessy Review: True record of History in the UK - A truly wonderful movie. Gives an excellent about the fight for the abolition of slavery in the UK. Wonderfully put together and the actors were superb. Truly Inspirational Review: Amazing Grace - One of the greatest acts of sustained brutality that has stained the history of the human race was slavery and in England, William Wilberforce, in the early years of the 19th century along with a very small number of people who shared his conviction sought to ban slavery by persuading and pressurising Parliament to outlaw it. In the beginning virtually everyone was in favour of slavery or were indifferent to the inhumanity of the trade. There were many vested interests who greatly profitted from slavery so they fought the abolitionists at every turn. Wilberforce's struggle lasted for decades at great cost to his health but his cause eventually triumphed and he saw slavery banned throughout the British Empire in his lifetime. Sadly we know that slavery still exists in some parts of the world even today and millions of people in the third world also eke out a living by working in conditions that are akin to slavery so Wilberforce's work is still incomplete. The rich countries of the western world have always greatly benefited from the cheap labour of the third world as a result of globalisation and we consume products that originate in countries where working conditions are such that they would never be tolerated in this country. The film is sensitive, absorbing and powerful and a fine account of one man's quest to rid the human race of the scourge of slavery. As it is focussed on one man it probably does not give sufficient credit to the contribution of others who were involved in the fight against slavery but this is unavoidable and should not detract from its message. Ioan Gruffudd is superb as Wilberforce and proves that he is one of the foremost young actors around, Albert Finney is moving as a sea captain haunted by the memory of his years commanding slave ships and Michael Gambon is outstanding as a politician who is converted to the cause of abolition. Michael Apted creates authentic looking settings in Parliament and in the ports where the slave ships berthed and the film is very impressive and one of his best works to date.
R**P
True record of History in the UK
A truly wonderful movie. Gives an excellent about the fight for the abolition of slavery in the UK. Wonderfully put together and the actors were superb. Truly Inspirational
D**D
Amazing Grace
One of the greatest acts of sustained brutality that has stained the history of the human race was slavery and in England, William Wilberforce, in the early years of the 19th century along with a very small number of people who shared his conviction sought to ban slavery by persuading and pressurising Parliament to outlaw it. In the beginning virtually everyone was in favour of slavery or were indifferent to the inhumanity of the trade. There were many vested interests who greatly profitted from slavery so they fought the abolitionists at every turn. Wilberforce's struggle lasted for decades at great cost to his health but his cause eventually triumphed and he saw slavery banned throughout the British Empire in his lifetime. Sadly we know that slavery still exists in some parts of the world even today and millions of people in the third world also eke out a living by working in conditions that are akin to slavery so Wilberforce's work is still incomplete. The rich countries of the western world have always greatly benefited from the cheap labour of the third world as a result of globalisation and we consume products that originate in countries where working conditions are such that they would never be tolerated in this country. The film is sensitive, absorbing and powerful and a fine account of one man's quest to rid the human race of the scourge of slavery. As it is focussed on one man it probably does not give sufficient credit to the contribution of others who were involved in the fight against slavery but this is unavoidable and should not detract from its message. Ioan Gruffudd is superb as Wilberforce and proves that he is one of the foremost young actors around, Albert Finney is moving as a sea captain haunted by the memory of his years commanding slave ships and Michael Gambon is outstanding as a politician who is converted to the cause of abolition. Michael Apted creates authentic looking settings in Parliament and in the ports where the slave ships berthed and the film is very impressive and one of his best works to date.
M**R
"A Shrimp that became a Whale"
If you're not into history, Christianity or politics, then this film probably isn't for you. If you are, then this film is pretty much definitive of its class in being the story of how one man can, within his lifetime, achieve something noble and leave the world in a far better place than if he'd never existed. Though it is quite a predictable plot - starting with his friendship with William Pitt the Younger and ending with his success in banning the slave trade - the film maker has done his best to take slightly different tangents, such as including hymnwriter John Newton and making his lesser known wife and William Pitt into central charactors in the tale. With these charactors, it is also worth mentioning that the actors chosen are generally first rate, and the script they're given doesn't have any special howlers within it. In being a story that is as well-known as this one, it would be easy to get this film totally wrong. Just imagine a story of Martin Luther King to see how wrong it could go (e.g. doing a 'postmodern perspective' or, conversely, sucking up to his legacy). But as I sit here in the aftermath of the film, it feels like the first time I'd seen Braveheart - the movie may not be perfect, but the bagpipes linger on (playing Amazing Grace), as does the spirit of the film. So even if your normal films include The Expendables or Sahara (i.e big budget and simple), do give this a go as it is truly a rewarding film, and not just some exercise in evangelism or boring politics. As a non-believer and B-movie junky, I can honestly say that this film is well worth watching, even if it's only to make you a better person. P.S. In light of the recent Jeremy Clarkson scandal, it's interesting to note that Wilberforce's right-hand man in the film was a guy called 'Thomas Clarkson'. If only he'd lived up to the promise of his ancestors...
S**O
Amazing Grace
'Amazing Grace' is the story of William Wilberforce and his fight to abolish slavery in Britain. The first part of the film is told via flashback and then after shows how he finally managed to pass his abolition act. Ioan Gruffudd acts the role of Wilberforce supremely and very soon into the film you are completely gripped and are following the story intently. The excellent costumes and scenery really add to the overall feel of the film and help immerse you in the period. The politics of the time are explored reasonably well and the details of the act and Wilberforce's struggle are recounted in enough depth, but without becoming too dry. At just under two hours, this film manages to keep you interested for the whole duration and yet makes you feel you have a good understanding of the issues. This is well worth a viewing, it's not your fast paced action film (nor does it try to be), but a slow, steady builder and all the better for it. Feel free to check out my blog which can be found on my profile page.
J**Y
...und zum Teil erheblich über 50% lag der Schwund bei einer wichtigen Handelsware Ende des 18ten/Anfang des 19ten Jahrhunderts, nämlich den Sklaven aus Afrika, die hier vom Empire in großer Zahl und mit wahnsinnig hohen Verlsuten an Menschenleben unter unvorstellbaren Bedingungen in Ketten und Sarg-engen Verschlägen aus ihre r Heimat in die Neue Welt gebracht eine wichtige und profitable Handelsware waren. Michael Apteds Historienfilm mit großartiger Ausstattung, authentisch wirkenden Spielorten wie z.B. der Londoner Hafen mit den zahlreichen Segelschiffen würdigt einen Mann, der sich, unterstützt durch nur wenige Gesinnungsgenossen wie auch den späteren Premier Pitt (Benedicct Cumberbatch) und der hübschen jüngeren Barbara (Romola Garai), die er später heiratet, nämlich den Parlamentsabgeordneten William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd), der Jahrzenhne seine Gesundheit (langjährige Opiatabhängigkeit wegen wahrscheinlich psychosomatischer Schmerzen) strapazierte und unermüdlich im Parlament und in der Gesellschaft dafür kämpfte, den Sklavenhandel abzuschaffen. Zu Beginn bekam sein Antrag nur 16 Stimmen, zuletzt nur 16 Gegenstimmen. Sehr gut gespielt sehen wir Wilberforce und seine Unterstützer, aber besonders im Parlament auch seine Gegner. Er ist ein brillanter Rhetoriker, den auch die politischen Gegner wegen seiner Schlagfertigkeit bewundern, was aber lange nichts an ihrer Argumentation ändert, dass der Verzicht auf das schmutzige Geschäft und das Überlassen des Sklavenhandels den politischen Feinden zum Untergang des Empire führen könnte. Im Gegensatz zu einigen Weggefährten bleibt er königstreu, während sich diese die Übertragung der Französischen Revolution auf Grossbritannien wünschen. "Amazing Grace" lautet der Originaltitel, und dieses vielleicht bekannteste Lied weltweit ist die Hymne der Sklaven und der Gegner der Sklaverei. Auch nach deren Abschafffung bis zu seinem Tod 1833 widmete sich Wilberforce sozialer Ungerechtigkeit, er fand seine letzte Ruhe neben seinem Freund Pitt in Westminster-Abbey, ein großartiger Mann, dem mit diesem sehensweten Film ein würdiges Denkmal gesetzt wurde. Doc Halliday
M**L
J'avais entendu ce chant à un mariage et je l'avais trouvé touchant. Lorsque j'ai vu le film, j'ai pleuré comme une madeleine car il traite un aspect extrêmement poignant de l'esclavage à travers le combat acharné d'un homme politique pour le faire abolir, porté essentiellement par ses convictions religieuses. De plus c'est une histoire vraie - assez peu connue - d'un homme d'exception. Servi magistralement par Ioan Gruffudd qui incarne le personnage avec une profondeur qui ne peut pas laisser indifférent, ce film réconcilie l'Histoire dans cette page odieuse de la traite négrière (je suis de race noire) et nous fait connaître le compositeur de cette magnifique oeuvre musicale qui me fait toujours pleurer, mais de joie et de fierté.
T**C
Muchas son las producciones cinematográficas que han tratado la temática de la esclavitud en Europa y Estados Unidos desde la perspectiva y denuncia de la tremenda injusticia con la que se trataba a los negros , quienes eran capturados y llevados como esclavos a los diferentes países que consideraban que su raza solo servía para formar parte de la servidumbre. Amazing Grace es una película que sitúa al espectador en el debate o sobre la esclavitud que se llevó a cabo en el mismísimo corazón del parlamento británico. Con un guión bien escrito y una banda sonora que dota de un ritmo trepidante esta producción , la historia llega a conmover , pues el reparto se entrega a una buena interpretación. El regalo de la película es esa melodía o himno tan conocido , que plantea la condición del hombre frente a Dios y a sus semejantes . Adquirida en formato Blu-Ray. Buena calidad de imagen , aunque se echan de menos algunos extras, como el videoclip de la canción principal interpretada por Chris Tomblin. Recomiendo su compra.
C**T
Honestly, I was looking to rent, but after years of inability to do so, just bought the movie. It's old now, 2006(?), but is based on a true story about ending slavery in England, and unflinchingly highlights the worst and best of our species. The hero - who by all accounts actually was one - had to learn politics while retaining his integrity. Some of our modern leaders could learn a lesson. Beautifully written, acted, directed and photographed. A must-see movie.
A**ー
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