Amazing Grace

2006

Action / Biography / Drama / History / Romance

39
Rotten Tomatoes Critics - Rotten 85% · 123 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Upright 85% · 50K ratings
IMDb Rating 7.4/10 10 26415 26.4K

based on a true story slavery based on true story hymn british history 18th century

Plot summary

The true story of William Wilberforce and his courageous quest to end the British slave trade. Along the way, Wilberforce meets intense opposition, but his minister urges him to see the cause through.

Director

Michael Apted Photo
Michael Apted

Top cast

Andrew Neil Photo
Andrew Neil as MP 2
Benedict Cumberbatch Photo
Benedict Cumberbatch as William Pitt
Nicholas Woodeson Photo
Nicholas Woodeson as Harrison
Sylvestra Le Touzel Photo
Sylvestra Le Touzel as Marianne Thornton
720p.BluRay 1080p.BluRay
864.93 MB
1280*694
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 58 min
Seeds ...
1.79 GB
1920*1040
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
1 hr 58 min
Seeds 5

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by davispittman 8 / 10

Very well made film

Reviewed by rich-464 7 / 10

Decent movie of a great story

Most people probably have vaguely heard of William Wilberforce without knowing too much about his life. The power of his story, and the power of the central issue (the abolition of slavery), carries this movie that veers from artful to clumsy.The movie can be confusing, as it moves back and forth between phases of Wilberforce's life. Often I found myself wondering for a few moments, "When is this?" Also, much of the political intrigue has to be inferred, since the backgrounds of the various players - particularly Wilberforce's adversaries - are not adequately explained.However, the performances are quite good, some bordering on excellence. Some might argue that the villains are too simplistically presented, but on an issue like slavery, it is expected that the opposition would be completely unsympathetic (just as Nazis are rarely presented with any hint of sympathy).I am sure the writers took some liberties with history. By the way, the tune we now associate with the hymn "Amazing Grace" did not become the melody for John Newton's famous lyrics until after Wilberforce's death.I just watched this movie at a private screening for attendees of the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC (clergy are a natural audience for this movie). The reception was favorable, but this was an audience for which the moralizing of the story would naturally resonate. I'm not sure it will attract a very broad audience - this is a movie that may well find its niche on DVD being shown in high school history classes and at church gatherings.It is a nice, historical, period piece. It is (largely due to subject matter) reminiscent of "Amistad", with similar pacing.Should you see it? It depends on whether you like this TYPE of movie. If this genre (historical drama) interests you, this is quite well-done. It might even inspire you to read more about Wilberforce. Go see it. If you are in search of movies that teach lessons about good values and perseverance in fighting for what's right, go see it.But if you have no idea when the French Revolution occurred relative to our War of Independence, and if it doesn't come naturally to you to remember that the newborn U.S. was allied with France against Britain during that period - and if you don't care - this movie might not be your idea of a fun time.If I were the producers, I would add one of those "scrolling text" historical introductions to the film before final release, though it is probably too late.
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