” AMAZING GRACE “…Film Review

PEDRO’S WORLD OF CINEMA

” AMAZING GRACE ”

UK dir. michael apted 2007

most of us have heard the song, some may know the lyrics were
supplied by an ex-slave ship captain, john newton…who knew much about william wilbeforce???

apted(7 up) brings his assured eye for character development to this period piece, wilberforce is a politician with a conscience,introduced to us at first by standing up to 2 men beating a horse,even though he is sick…he already has failed to abolish slave trading…he is sick+ medicated ,but stays with his loyal cousin…so he begins doubting his mission,sick+slightly balmy (cue sweet scenes with his butler who quotes francis bacon,”i don’t just dust your books m’lord”)…with the help of a motley crue of like-minds,rufus sewell as a delightfully sly+tipsy clergyman,a majesterial michael gambon+a deeply impressive john newton,played by albert finney-the mop scene in the abbey-
alone is worth a supporting oscar…and there’s y’usson n’dour(sic) playing a ex-slave turned author…plus the scrumptious flame-tressed maiden,played ravishingly by romola garai, who woos him back to the fight+into her heart…luminous+challenging,she renews his (ahem) spirit+ yes gives him a “life”…

paul byrne in the www.smh.com.au said the film shows politics can still be used for good…lobbying the good fight against vested interests,being accused of sedition in fearful times,being lied about,being defeated time+time again…in one memorable scene sewell confronts wilberforce with the news that paris is planning revolution…wilberforce stays loyal to his king and abhors violence…the man is worthy but apted never permits the film to be too worthy+dull—often gambon,sewell or his wife puncture the solemnity with wit—cue great golf scene with prime minister william pitt, and also delightful homage to chariots of fire…toffs enjoying a good stride together…

we are not spared the horrors of the slave trade, some MP’s on a pleasure cruise are tricked into being berthed next to a death-reeking ship,n’dour shows his branded flesh…still this film is just one part of that large tale–how one man summoned the guts to keep fighting against injustice, year after year,without violence,just bringing his best argument–no plot spoilers but the film turns on a delightful legal anomaly…

wonderful performances,script+production…a shameful period that should never be forgotten+ wait for the credits—you may never say you hate bagpipes again…not too many dry eyes as i left….

4 **** outta 5
so what do you think?

see trailer at www.amazinggracemovie.com
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