|
|
 |
| |
Architect of abolition
AMAZING GRACE
Directed by Michael Apted
Certificate 12a
A FORMIDABLE cast of Britain’s finest, led by Ioan (Hornblower) Gruffudd, Albert Finney and Michael Gambon, step back two centuries to bring us the life and times of William Wilberforce – known as ‘Wilbur’ to his friends – who became the architect of the abolition of slavery in the 1800s.
Ioan plays him as a chiselled hero who takes on the might of Parliament and the British Empire to pass a law abolishing the practice of sending African slaves to the West Indies sugar plantations.
We follow his tenacious struggle against the intrigue and back-stabbing of his fellow MPs – so what else is new? – to push the Bill through against all the odds.
Fine acting performances all round give a degree of dignity and authenticity to the theme.
And if you’re wondering about what the title has to do with it – poet John Newton, played by Finney, wrote the song in 1790 as part of his Olney Hymns.
An earnest attempt by director Michael Apted, hot on topicality with the actual bicentenary this weekend but tepid on any real excitement, which provides a useful insight into one of history’s less savoury episodes. |
 |
| |
|
|
|
