Michael Apted, whose claim to fame till now has been the respected 7 UP documentary series, directs this lavish costume drama whose heart is as big as its budget. Though a marked departure, Apted?s idealistic interests are well served by the story, which is based on the true tale of the 18th-century British politician William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd, who played Horatio Hornblower in the HORNBLOWER series). Though as a young man Wilberforce is torn between politics and the church, he is inspired to action by John Newton (Albert Finney), a penitent monk who is haunted by his past as a slave-ship captain. Wilberforce makes it his mission to end slavery in the British Empire, and, aided by a small band of radical thinkers and unlikely supporters, he annually presents a bill for abolition to Parliament. When the war with France generates a patriotism in the people that makes opposition to slavery seem seditious, Wilberforce becomes disillusioned, and he retires to his cousin?s (Nicholas Farrell) house, physically ill and emotionally destroyed by his perceived failure. When he meets the beautiful and righteous Barbara Spooner (Romola Garai, AS YOU LIKE IT), however, he gains new determination to pursue his dream of abolition. The talented cast includes Michael Gambon as Lord Fox, an old gent who turns out to be more lucid than anyone would have guessed, as well as Senegalese musician Youssou N?Dour as Oloudaqh Equiano, a regal former slave turned activist. Terrence Malick (BADLANDS), who produced the film, leaves his mark in the stunning visuals.
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This film surprised me with it's power and grace. I did not know what to expect from this film and was pleasantly surprised. A great historical biography that was so well-written and superbly crafted and performed. These days, I rarely by DVDs to own but this one was so inspiring I had to have it in my library and to loan out to others.
How often do you shop at Overstock.com? Few times a year
This movie depicts the true story of a man struggling with how to make a difference on such a horrible and massive issue like slavery. God gets ahold of his heart and William Wilberforce dedicates his life to the eradication of it. Throughout the movie, people make a huge difference, not the least of whom is John Newton, who in real life was a personal friend of Wilberforce. Newton, past slave trader, came to Jesus and later wrote the song that has meant so much to people--Amazing Grace.
Watch the movie, please! You will come away shaken and moved to dedicate yourself to whatever it is God calls you to do as well!
How often do you shop at Overstock.com? Few times a year
This is an excellent movie depicting the life of slave abolitionist William Wilberforce. At times it is a little slow paced but I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a better background of the wonderful hymn "Amazing Grace". John Newton, who was a former slaveholder and who also penned the hymn "Amazing Grace" appears in the movie. It's good to know that ahead of time so that when John Newton appears as a clergyman in the film you will know that it is him and grasp the story behind the hymn.
How often do you shop at Overstock.com? Few times a year
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