Amazing Grace (2007)

Based on the life of Christian activist and British parliament member William Wilberforce, Amazing Grace is a very important and powerful film. Wilberforce is a unique and extraordinary man to say the least. The story opens as a dreadfully sick Wilbeforce takes a holiday at the home of some close friends. They introduce him to his future wife Barbara Spooner, however to begin with they resist any romantic involvement and remain friends. He relates his story to her about how he became an Evangelical Christian while also a popular member of the British Parliament. He had considered leaving politics for theological studies, however he is persuaded by friends including William Pitt to continue in parliament. He is asked to tackle the highly unpopular issue of slavery and after a visit to his aging mentor John Newton (Albert Finney), Wilbeforces’ fervor increases. Due to his own regrets about formerly being a slave trader, Newton is hounded by guilt and urges Wilbeforce to end the trade. Soon William Pitt becomes prime minister and Wilbeforce gets ready to bring a bill outlawing slavery to the house. He gets some unexpected support, but his popularity dwindles and he is strongly opposed by a coalition with a large stake in the trade. His bill is ultimately beaten outright but William continues the cause for numerous years to no avail. Now back in the present, Wilberforce is sickly and dejected, but Barbara encourages him to push on. They get married soon after and the fight continues without much progress. However, finally William devises a clever plan to cripple the slave trade and he gains some new allies. His colleague and friend Pitt is slowly dying but he supports Wilbeforce. After many years of tireless struggle a bill is passed in parliament that effectively ends the slave trade in 1807. Wilbeforce is one of those often unsung Christian heroes who truly did something extraordinary. With the release of Lincoln more recently, there were definite connections that could be made between the films. Like Lincoln, Wilbeforce worked for more than political clout, because he knew what was good and right and so he struggled for those principles. That is the sign of a truly great man. Much like Wilbeforce himself, this film is less heralded than Lincoln, but I would wager that it is no less  important. 

4/5 Stars

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see."
~ excerpt from Amazing Grace by John Newton