Film Review

09 January 2009 04:06 BST

Amazing Grace

Directed by Michael Apted, out in cinemas now, starring Ioan Gruffudd, Benedict Cumberbatch, Romola Garai, Rufus Sewell, running time 116 minutes.

In a nutshell…

Passionate, moving, strident political drama.

What's it all about?

Wracked by ill-health and developing a laudanum addiction, idealistic young MP William Wilberforce has retired to the country after failing consistently to drive his anti-slavery bill through the Commons. Despondent and guilt-ridden, he recounts the story of his campaign to the passionate Barbara Spooner and after a whirlwind courtship, her love inspires him to return to Westminster and take up arms against the slave trade once more.

Part love story, part historical drama and part political thriller, Amazing Grace is released during a season of worldwide events to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire.

Who's in it?

Ioan Gruffudd gives a strong performance as Wilberforce, warm and spontaneous. Although he bears little to no physical resemblance to the real-life politician, he captures wonderfully Wilberforce’s unconventional spirit; portraying him as an absent-minded, charming eccentric who sits in wet grass to examine cobwebs and keeps hares and crows as pets. Speaking with a viperish wit in the Commons, but when alone haunted by self-doubt and insecurity, his Wilberforce is a multilayered and enjoyable performance.

The rest of the ensemble cast is equally solid. Romola Garai gives a spirited performance as Wilberforce’s wife-to-be, and Rufus Sewell is a delightfully offbeat campaigner with a dark and potentially revolutionary stripe. Veterans Michael Gambon and Albert Finney also lend their majestic presence. Although each has only a few minutes of screen time, they give standout performances.

As an example…

"I wish I could remember all their names; my 20,000 ghosts. They all had names - beautiful African names." John Newton (Albert Finney) is tormented by guilt over his past as captain of a slave ship.

"The slave trade has 300 MPs in its pocket. It would be just you against them. But you could do it. You would do it.” Wilberforce is urged to take up the anti-slavery banner.

"Are you going to use your beautiful voice to praise God or change the world?" Pitt the Younger challenges Wilberforce after hearing him sing the hymn of the film’s title – written by John Newton after his conversion to the abolitionist cause.

Likelihood of a trip to the Oscars

Reviews for Amazing Grace have been generally favourable, but its limited release in America may count against it in next year’s awards season. Here in the UK, where abolition has become a topic of political debate and examination once more, it may fare a little better.

What the others say

"Despite a rack of truly first-rate performances, this remains overwhelmed by the burden of its message." Channel 4 Film

"Accessibility is one of the movie's virtues: without dumbing down, it makes the workings of Parliament seem as gripping as a good suspense thriller." BBC films

So is it any good?

For all that it's a period piece, Amazing Grace has much modern relevance. The portrayal of consumer boycotts of sugar produced by slave labour, Wilberforce’s canny publicity stunts and not least the link between music, spirituality and political activism keep the film up to date.

Beautifully shot in tones of antique sepia and milky sunlight, the film has an atmospheric, autumnal feel, with a delicate and unobtrusive musical score.

A picture so dependant on politics for its action needs a tight script and Amazing Grace does not disappoint. The exchanges in the Commons between Wilberforce and his opponents are by turns full of intensity and biting wit, and though the pace slows a little in the scenes outside Westminster, there's enough spark in the dialogue to ensure interest doesn’t wane.

With a PG rating despite its heavy subject matter, it’s suitable for all age groups and is a thoughtful, intelligent portrait of one of the great men of British politics.

8.5/10

Rebecca Malings

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