Amazing Grace

[Phil Turner]

This is the new film about William Wilberforce, marking the 200th anniversary of the Bill which outlawed the slave trade in the British Empire. The title refers to Wilberforce's friend and mentor John Newton (played by Albert Finney) who was the author of Amazing Grace, the famous hymn of freedom. It's played in full during the final credits, and very moving it is too.

I read an interview with director Michael Apted who said he wanted to show how "relevant and heroic" politics can be. It's a lofty ambition, but I think he succeeded. It's sentimental and uncritical and tends towards stereotyping, but I found it uplifting, as well as being handsomely produced and impeccably acted. Ioan Gruffudd in the lead role and Benedict Cumberbatch (who played his ally William Pitt the Younger) were compelling, and the supporting cast included a slightly eccentric Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell and Ciaran Hinds.

Overall, I thought this was a classy film and one to recommend, despite some minor quibbles.

Regards
Phil Turner