March 3, 2011
Amazing Grace
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2011 This story of the struggle to end Britain’s participation in the slave trade spans a period between 1782, when idealistic MP William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) first introduced a bill to that effect, and 1807, when the abolitionists finally won out. It’s a noble theme, and though the storytelling […]
By Metropolis
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2011
Amazing Grace: ©2006 BRISTOL BAY PRODUCTIONS LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
This story of the struggle to end Britain’s participation in the slave trade spans a period between 1782, when idealistic MP William Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd) first introduced a bill to that effect, and 1807, when the abolitionists finally won out. It’s a noble theme, and though the storytelling is choppy in spots, the movie is elevated by fine performances from a Who’s Who of top British character actors (Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell, Nicholas Farrell, Albert Finney, Ciaran Hinds, Romala Garai and Toby Jones). This journeyman effort is worth watching, but it plays better as a history lesson.
