Amazing Grace (B or 3/4 stars)
Focusing on one man's idealistic approach to end slavery in England and the British Empire, 'Amazing Grace' could have been an amazing bore. But director Michael Apted keeps this biodrama interesting. As a concerned member of a finicky Parliament, William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffud) stayed the course of old world 18th century politics. Many men knew slavery was bad; but too many also knew the livelihood & benefits it unfortunately offered. 'Amazing Grace' is the famous hymn written by Wilberforce's old friend and clergyman, John Newton (Albert Finney), as a sort of apology for when he worked on the deadly slave ships. This film meanders a bit in the middle. But some truly stellar acting by a who's who of wonderful character actors make this 'history lesson of a film' palpable.
Wilberforce was an abolitionist, but also a religious man. It was probably his faith in religion that drove his noble cause to free every man. But it was quite difficult for him to persuade the many blow-hards in Parliament to pass the Bills that rid slavery for good. Such blow-hards include Lord Charles Fox (Michael Gambon), Lord Tarleton (Ciaran Hinds), & the Duke of Clarence (Toby Jones). But with the help of Newton, his loyal wife (Romola Garai), a freed slave named Equiano (Youssou N'Dour), Thomas Clarkson (Rufus Sewell), & various others, they're able to convince, at least, some of those blowhards to convert. But was it enough? Could they keep the issue in the public long enough to hold effect? Were Wilberforce's ethics & religion enough to inspire him further? How could the abolitionists change the attitudes of both the Parliament AND the people of England? How would a bit of strategy & luck play a part in passing the Bill?
The music score is pleasant. The 18th century period details are scintillating. The care that is given to the topic at hand & to the man who slowly, patiently accomplished his goal is executed very well. The story is certainly serious & inspirational. It's good to know & note (at the end of the film) that a Bill that ends slavery in the entire British Empire, actually passed (conveniently) a month after Wilberforce's death in 1833. But he did live a long, fulfilling life, highlighted by his one main victory. Ioan Gruffud is compelling as Wilberforce. And the conviction with which each supporting actor (including Benedict Cumberbatch as PM William Pitt) lends is a true asset to the whole of the film. The acting is the best part of 'Amazing Grace'.
But aiming for greatness, the movie falls a tad short. Cumbersome dialogue from our respective characters kind of bogs down portions of the plot in the middle. An attribute of these men (of the time) was to speak intelligently & to speak an awful lot. Also, the climax of the film, while uplifting and righteous, is completely predictable, & therefore, loses some effect. And the story itself is more compelling than the actual movie; so this is a slight problem. 'Amazing Grace' isn't for everyone. But if you're in the mood for a low-key historical drama that educates and uplifts, then this is the movie for you. I happened to be in the right mood.
Wilberforce was an abolitionist, but also a religious man. It was probably his faith in religion that drove his noble cause to free every man. But it was quite difficult for him to persuade the many blow-hards in Parliament to pass the Bills that rid slavery for good. Such blow-hards include Lord Charles Fox (Michael Gambon), Lord Tarleton (Ciaran Hinds), & the Duke of Clarence (Toby Jones). But with the help of Newton, his loyal wife (Romola Garai), a freed slave named Equiano (Youssou N'Dour), Thomas Clarkson (Rufus Sewell), & various others, they're able to convince, at least, some of those blowhards to convert. But was it enough? Could they keep the issue in the public long enough to hold effect? Were Wilberforce's ethics & religion enough to inspire him further? How could the abolitionists change the attitudes of both the Parliament AND the people of England? How would a bit of strategy & luck play a part in passing the Bill?
The music score is pleasant. The 18th century period details are scintillating. The care that is given to the topic at hand & to the man who slowly, patiently accomplished his goal is executed very well. The story is certainly serious & inspirational. It's good to know & note (at the end of the film) that a Bill that ends slavery in the entire British Empire, actually passed (conveniently) a month after Wilberforce's death in 1833. But he did live a long, fulfilling life, highlighted by his one main victory. Ioan Gruffud is compelling as Wilberforce. And the conviction with which each supporting actor (including Benedict Cumberbatch as PM William Pitt) lends is a true asset to the whole of the film. The acting is the best part of 'Amazing Grace'.
But aiming for greatness, the movie falls a tad short. Cumbersome dialogue from our respective characters kind of bogs down portions of the plot in the middle. An attribute of these men (of the time) was to speak intelligently & to speak an awful lot. Also, the climax of the film, while uplifting and righteous, is completely predictable, & therefore, loses some effect. And the story itself is more compelling than the actual movie; so this is a slight problem. 'Amazing Grace' isn't for everyone. But if you're in the mood for a low-key historical drama that educates and uplifts, then this is the movie for you. I happened to be in the right mood.