I'm looking forward to the release of this film. I only hope that the film-makers manage to do justice to the story which by any standards is an 'amazing' one.
Here's what some of the advance publicity has to say about it:
"The film is based on the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce. The film's release also coincides with the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade.Amazing Grace stars Ioan Gruffudd (Black Hawk Down), Albert Finney (Erin Brockovich), Michael Gambon (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), Rufus Sewell (Legend of Zorro), and introduces Youssou N'Dour. Gruffudd plays Wilberforce, who, as a Member of Parliament, navigated the world of 18th Century backroom politics to end the slave trade in the British Empire. In 1785 Wilberforce underwent a spiritual encounter which he described as a conversion experience. He resolved to commit his future life and work wholly in the service of God, and one of the people he received advice from was John Newton, a leading evangelical Anglican clergyman played in the film by Albert Finney. Youssou N'Dour plays Olaudah Equiano. Born in Africa and sent as a slave to the Colonies, Equiano bought his freedom and made his home in London, where he wrote a best-selling account of his life and became a leading figure in the fight to end the slavery of his fellow countrymen."
4 comments:
I'd never heard of this movie - looks good!
Hi Emma, Hope it is being released in Canada too. :-)
it really is superb (I was lucky enough to get to a pre-release screening... friends in high places!!!).
I hope that everyone will go see it when it is released in March.
It was also really weird seeing one of the most significant battles in this country's history being fought in the corridors that I walk along every day at work... makes me feel very privileged!
Hi Linsay. I'm looking forward to it. (Thanks for the info you passed on)
Of course you ARE privileged! :-)
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