Amazing Grace review

DVD of the week – Highlighting William Wilberforce’s one-man plight to end the slave trade, Amazing Grace might not be wholly accurate when it comes to historical facts, but the poignant tale leaves an indelible impression.

Set in 1797 London, when it was widely accepted to bet your slaves in a light-hearted game of poker, Amazing Grace is the tale of one man’s 20-year struggle to abolish the slave trade. Based on true events, the central character William Wilberforce is portrayed as an idealist, unsure of whether to dedicate his life to God or politics. As it turns out, he did a bit of both.

With the noble cause of educating 21st century audiences about a dark period in British history, Amazing Grace is understandably dry in parts. But where it does achieve success is in highlighting the bigotry, ignorance and down-right callousness that Wilberforce (well played by Ioan Gruffudd) was up against in Britain’s parliament.

The film’s supporting actors can also be commended throughout, with Albert Finney playing an excellent role as the captain-of-a-slave-ship- turned-repenting-monk. Romola Garai, who plays Barbara the beautiful and opinionated English rose who Wilberforce marries, also successfully carries off the role as the driving force behind her husband – with the old adage that behind every great man is a great woman, ringing truer than ever.

Despite a well-written script, which was based on Wilberforce’s diaries, Amazing Grace has been criticised for being somewhat historically inaccurate in giving the white protagonist all the credit. In reality, the former slave Equiano – played as a minor role by Youssou N’Dour – was integral to the abolishment of the slavery. The more observant will notice that Gloucester Docks was used as the location for one of the film’s more powerful scenes, and the origins of the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’ is a nugget of pub quiz wisdom you will take away with you, however.

Lacking in the dramatic punch viewers may have been expecting, the poignant story is more of a subtle biography than a shocking account of brutality. We are faced with a constant dialogue – verbally hearing about the horrors of the slave trade at length – but without any visual evidence, the audience isn’t enticed to commit an emotional attachment. Still, the overriding theme of Amazing Grace is one of dedication and persistence in the face of adversity, with an inspirational narrative praising an inspirational man.

Film: Amazing Grace
Directed by: Michael Apted
Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Rufus Sewell, Romola Garai, Albert Finney, Youssou N’Dour
Classification: PG
Release date: 6 August 2007
Available from: Amazon for £12.98

Katherine Bebo
6 August 2007