Abolition exposition

The issue of slavery and its eradiction was certainly not exclusive to America, as evidenced by the carefully constructed film "Amazing Grace," which depicts one man's political struggle to free those in bondage within his native Britain. Here are some conclusions on the movie reached by our CineVerse throng:

WHAT IS DISTINCTIVE, NOTEWORTHY OR DIFFERENT THAN YOU EXPECTED ABOUT “AMAZING GRACE”?

• As a costume drama and period piece, it seems to represent its subject and setting with precision and accuracy.
• It tries to be entertaining and versatile tonally instead of being somber, preachy and portentous throughout: consider, for example, how many lighthearted and comedic moments we are given.
• This picture tackles a very serious subject—slavery—without resorting to sermonizing, excessive emotional manipulation, or terrifying violence. Case in point: they don’t show you slaves being whipped or abused, and they avoid depicting the almost fatal beating that the real Thomas Clarkson endured from ruffians paid to keep him quiet. Instead, they talk about the suffering and show symbols of it (shackles).
• On the other hand, we are predominantly shown the “great white hope” Caucasian figures that helped fulfill the cause of abolition, at the expense, perhaps, of black characters who were enduring the real struggle and torment.
• Interestingly, we suddenly hear a short bit of voiceover narration in the middle of the film, but nowhere else. Some would argue this is lazy filmmaking, as it’s not consistently used throughout the movie.
• This is a curious lovestory subplot: we are not shown the typical courtship kissing/obligatory lovemaking scene. Suddenly, he’s married and his wife is pregnant.
• It’s a bold attempt to biograph an important historical figure who is not well known on these shores. Granted, director Michael Apted is British, and this is a film made primarily in the U.K., so Wilberforce would be more familiar to the English. However, you don’t need to know much about Wilberforce to appreciate his story—although, as with any biopic, you can’t take this as gospel truth and historical fact.
• The real Wilberforce and John Newton were extremely religious; but this film arguably plays up their political beliefs more than their spiritual beliefs, focusing more on their social conscience instead of their moral and religious righteousness.
• The film also doesn’t quite show the warts-and-all Wilberforce: according to Wikipedia: “His underlying conservatism led him to support politically and socially repressive legislation, and resulted in criticism that he was ignoring injustices at home while campaigning for the enslaved abroad.” 

WHAT IS THE MORAL TO THE STORY HERE?

• David vs. Goliath, or one man’s passion and conviction can help change history: despite extreme odds, Wilberforce helped end slavery in a country where the economy depended upon forced labor and the politically and financially powerful had a vested interest to keep slavery entrenched.
• Men and women are capable of enlightenment and moral salvation, despite any darkness or previous trespasses. “I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see” are among the lyrics of the titular song, after all.
• Evil and corruption prevail when good men do nothing: this movie is meant to inspire us and bring out the better angels of our nature.
• Treating people (slaves) as animals and animals (Wilburforce’s pets) as people.
• Playing a high-stakes game (cards and politics) and gambling everything on a cause. 

OTHER FILMS THIS ONE REMINDS YOU OF

• Amistad
• Lincoln
• Belle 

OTHER FILMS BY MICHAEL APTED

• The “Seven Up” series of documentaries tracing the same Brits every 7 years for several films
• Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
• Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
• Nell (1994)
• The World is Not Enough (1999)