Have you ever heard of William Wilberforce? I hadn't. This film is centered on a man I had never heard of. Maybe it is my ignorance of history, or perhaps the education system is to blame, as I do not recall this figure ever being mentioned in my years of classes.
Whatever the case is, I learned about an important figure with a somewhat unfortunate name. And, before you say it, no I do not accept everything shown in this film as fact; I am aware that many elements may have been touched up, switched, or slightly reimagined in the search of drama, while not betraying the core truths of the tale. The end result is an interesting portrait of a man who was good and worked towards that end for his entire life.
The story covers Wilberforce's life in broad strokes. It is more a film about the movement and the changes that he helped to bring about, rather than the life of the man. This is perfectly evidenced by the lack of any real growth, or connection with anyone in the film. Sure, we see that he is friends with Pitt the Younger, and married to Barbara, and approached by Thomas Clarkson and others to spearhead the movement, but the relationships are more sketched than fully developed.
Would it have been nice to see these in more detail? Yes, it would, it would have made the film stand out more to see more of the person than to just know that he was good. At the same time, it is nice to see an inspirational film like this that doesn't give us a flawed hero — instead, we get someone who has a good heart and puts forth the effort necessary. Is it historically accurate? I have no idea, and frankly, I don't care.
Wilberforce is a young political upstart and idealist, seeing the evil of slavery and seeking to end the practice, he leads a small group against the entrenched pro-slavery crew that is currently in charge. The movie follows him as he struggles against the English political machine in his efforts to win them over, one at a time. While the story is intriguing, and relatively well told, it circumvents most of the character development in favor of hitting the big emotional points and allowing for much oratory.
Michael Apted's direction of Steven Knight's script is earnest. It moves forward in such a way that you never doubt what is going to happen next, and despite it being quite interesting, it is devoid of any real dramatic tension. This coupled with the lack of true character development are what hold this film back. Still, Apted does a fine job of dropping us right into 18th century England. You will feel that you are there, on the crowded streets, in the card rooms, everywhere Wilberforce goes.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
As a fan of Wilberforce, I'll say that it's more accurate than not, and more accurate than most historical biopics. I felt that the portrayal of Pitt the Younger actually had a problem or two, but Wilberforce was close to bang-on.
2 - Brent
Do I dare suggest that your ignorance of William Wilberforce is more a function of you being an American? It seems to me that the US educational system is focussed on American history to the exclusion of all else. Since Wilberforce was British and his accomplishments restricted mainly to Britain and the empire he would have been ignored by American history classes which focus more on the American abolitionist struggle. But where would that struggle have been without Wilberforce and his supporters.
3 - Chris
Thanks for the blog regarding the film, Amazing Grace.
Just wanted to let you know that this weekend and next, supporters of the Amazing Change Campaign are hosting Amazing Nights Of Grace, in a concerted effort to get everyone talking about the issue of modern day slavery. The Amazing Change is a social justice campaign launched in conjunction with the release of Amazing Grace to abolish modern day slavery.
Plan your own Amazing Grace event and use the film to discuss your activism, faith, and other important themes from Amazing Grace. All the tools are ready for your use. The steps to plan your own event can be found at the following website:
Learn about people continuing the work of William Wilberforce today. Thanks again for your support. Please let me know if you have any questions or need any support.
Chris
The Amazing Change Campaign
4 - daniel wilson
amazing grace is a heart breaking movie
5 - cody boothman
i love the chick on amazong grace
6 - alexia
i have the hots 4 william
7 - David A Wright in love
Cub scouts scary stories we try
I am kind of sensitive without the virgin blood flow thick around me... distracting one...
Someone moving chairs saying they were stealing chairs and out of my mouth pops
well, I did not intend to really take anyones heart... valenties cards with hearts are sufficient... David, Judge remember...
They are in my grace... anything they get I am also getting something of... ouch!
I survived I am sure they survived...
David A Wright in love
don't diss Grace or Holy Spirit or Heavenly Father or Material Father please... or Christ it seems some stuff is automatic... DAW language and heavens wall intercession
It would be good to get some virgin blood around one for distractions... it is interesting also to see how fast one's immune system has sped up to without it... DAW language