DVD
REVIEW: AMAZING GRACE
11/13/07
It's been a long time since
the film industry has not done a piece of work based on an
18th century true story. This time the life of William
Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffud) is highlighted based on his
efforts to pass a law to end the slave trade, yet his
troublesome journey to successfully achieve his purpose was
full of self doubt, disappointment, and grief. This is how
producer Edward Pressman and Terrance Mallick portray this
biography that takes us from Wilberforce's career in the
late 20's to his 30's. For those of us that love history and
for those that don't this film touches the hearts of
everyone with its humane sensibility as a man in history
sets out to challenge society against all odds proving that
the world can be changed for the better.
Not many know the story of this activist of the abolition
movement but screenwriter, Steven Knight, nominated for an
Academy Award for Dirty Pretty Things, brings us this
courageous story of perseverance in the most touching and
clever manner. This movie begins with an ill, and sad
Wilberforce that needs to stay under the care of his cousin
and then he starts to remember his frustrated efforts and
the chain of events that has left him hopeless in making a
difference in House of Commons to abolish African slave
trade. There are two scenes that are memorable and that is
when he sees that his political career is not going well and
seeks guidance from John Newton (Albert Finney) who was a
reformed captain of a slave ship and has chosen a life of
solitude and spirituality in a church. Newton gives him the
best advise of his life and that is that he doesn't have to
give up politics to live in his faith and that on the other
hand he should use all his energy in politics to make a
difference for the good of humanity. With this advice
Wilberforce walks into the bar where all the men in politics
of the time would gather to sing the most beloved hymn of
all times Amazing Grace written by John Newton himself. This
second scene was absolutely powerful and challenging for
director Michael Apted, who did a great job in this one.
After his first downfall Wilberforce is introduced to
Barbara Spooner for whom he falls in love, and marries her
within ten days. This woman empowers him and once again
Wilberforce continues to fight and be proactive in passing
the first law that would eventually open the way to the
fight against slavery.
The story is a golden classic that brings us other
personalities who played a big part in the slave trade and
abolition movement such as Ouladah Equiano, who was a free
slave whose book told of the cruelties of the "Middle
Passage Voyage", Thomas Clarkson, Prime Minister William
Pitt and Henry Thornton to name a few. In the same manner
the hands that made this film possible are talented
personalities themselves. For example, Jenny Beaven for
costume designer (Award Winner for Best Costume in A Room
with a View) did an excellent job in bringing to life that
accentuated British fashion and Jenny Shircore who worked in
the movie Elizabeth, for make up. Overall this movie might
not have been a great hit when it first came out in February
2007 but based on content, and cinematography it has a great
historical value. This DVD is a keeper.
VIDEO:
Anamorphic Widescreen
AUDIO:
Dolby
Digital 5.1 Surround - English
Subtitles - English, Spanish
French,
BONUS FEATURES:
Audio Commentary with Director Michael
Apted and Ioan Gruffudd
“How Sweet the Sound: The Story of
Amazing Grace” – This half-hour documentary provides
an in-depth look at the making of the film and the story’s
relevance to today.
“Finding Freedom” -
A Tour of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
providing factual information about modern-day slavery
practices.
Interactive Discussion
Tools and Study Guides – The discussion guides
provide thought-provoking questions that can be printed out
for use in classrooms or bible study groups.
Music video of Grammy Nominee Chris
Tomlin’s version of “Amazing Grace.”
RATING BREAK DOWN:
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