Amazing Grace (2006)

The idealist William Wilberforce maneuvers his way through Parliament, endeavoring to end the British transatlantic slave trade.

Director:

Michael Apted

Writer:

Steven Knight

Stars:

Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai, Albert Finney

1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ioan Gruffudd	...	William Wilberforce
Romola Garai	...	Barbara Spooner
Benedict Cumberbatch	...	William Pitt
Albert Finney	...	John Newton
Michael Gambon	...	Lord Charles Fox
Rufus Sewell	...	Thomas Clarkson
Youssou N'Dour	...	Olaudah Equiano
Ciarán Hinds	...	Lord Tarleton
Toby Jones	...	Duke of Clarence
Nicholas Farrell	...	Henry Thornton
Sylvestra Le Touzel	...	Marianne Thornton
Jeremy Swift	...	Richard the Butler
Stephen Campbell Moore	...	James Stephen
Bill Paterson	...	Lord Dundas
Nicholas Day	...	Sir William Dolben

Storyline

In 1797, William Wilberforce, the great crusader for the British abolition of slavery, is taking a vacation for his health even while he is sicker at heart for his frustrated cause. However, meeting the charming Barbara Spooner, Wilberforce finds a soulmate to share the story of his struggle. With few allies such as his mentor, John Newton, a slave ship captain turned repentant priest who penned the great hymn, "Amazing Grace," Prime William Pitt, and Olaudah Equiano, the erudite former slave turned author, Wilberforce fruitlessly fights both public indifference and moneyed opposition determined to keep their exploitation safe. Nevertheless, Wilberforce finds the inspiration in newfound love to rejuvenate the fight with new ideas that would lead to a great victory for social justice.

---

Plot Keywords:

slave | slavery | olaudah equiano | abolition | hymn | 

---

Taglines:

One man led a movement that changed the world.

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Romance

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic material involving slavery, and some mild language

Details

Official Sites:

Official site Official site [Japan]

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 February 2007 (USA)

Also Known As:

A szabadság himnusza

Filming Locations:

Ashridge Park, Little Gaddesden, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£431,967 (UK) (23 March 2007)

Gross:

$21,208,358 (USA) (8 June 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

FourBoys Films, Walden Media, Bristol Bay Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

117 min 111 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During the conversation between Thomas Clarkson and William Wilberforce it is questioned how a person can remain loyal to a king who shakes hands with an oak tree and see Germany through his telescope. The quote, spoken by Clarkson, is a reference to King George III who, by the contemporary belief of history and scientific research, was known to have suffered from porphyria which was possibly provoked by his use of arsenic.

---

Goofs

The movie originally portrays Banastre Tarleton, the Liverpool MP, participating in a Commons debate in 1782. Tarleton did not enter the House of Commons until 1784, and could not have debated on negotiations with Americans as he was not yet an MP and was in fact, on parole from his disastrous performance in Virginia.

---

Quotes

Lord Tarleton: [walks into what looks like an empty room] Where the hell is everyone?
Lord Charles Fox: Everybody's at the races in Epsom. They were given free tickets. I saved one for you.
[holds up ticket]
Lord Charles Fox: A free gift from William Wilburforce.
[smiles]

---

Connections

Referenced in How Sweet the Sound: The Story of Amazing Grace (2007)

---

Soundtracks

"Amazing Grace"
Lyrics by John Newton
Music by William Walker
Performed by Ioan Gruffudd

User Reviews

a must see film

I saw Amazing Grace on Thursday at a private showing. The film has everything that I love about theater...passion, conflict, struggle, faith, redemption and grace. The story is true... making this film one of reality and substance. The struggle to rid the world of slavery has been a black mark against humanity. The British are to be applauded as the leaders in this journey to freedom. The actors' performances were incredible. Albert Finney's portrayal of John Newton is an Oscar possibility. The scenes were period and perfection. Even the dark mood of the times were reflected in the lighting and how the director portrayed the message of bondage. Go see this film...acquaint yourself with this powerful story and this man William Wilberforce. I rate it a 10!