Amazing Grace

Rather than write a formal review, I would simply like to encourage anyone who has not yet seen Walden Media’s new film Amazing Grace—go see it. It’s rare to see such a gem come out of modern Hollywood, so we should certainly support them when they do come!

Amazing Grace narrates the incredible story of William Wilberforce, the man who stood against incredible odds for over forty years as he fought for the abolition of the British slave trade and of slavery as a whole. Woven into the story are other significant historical figures, such as John Newton, the man who urged Wilberforce to make use of his God-given talents in the political realm, and William Pitt, Wilberforce’s close friend who became the Prime Minister of England.

Beyond being superbly acted (the ever-brilliant Ioan Gruffudd captures the indomitable strength and self-sacrificing humility of Wilberforce perfectly), beautifully scored, and wonderfully photographed, Amazing Grace also packs a powerful punch in the underlying theological message it portrays. Throughout the film, we see Wilberforce struggling and eventually realizing that God has given him a very specific task: to fight against the British slave trade, for the glory of his Savior. After his conversion, Wilberforce nearly decides to abandon Parliament and become a minister. He feels that if he remains in Parliament, he will be choosing to serve country over choosing to serve God. His friends, however, persuade him that he can, in fact, do both. There is a clear emphasis on God’s calling upon Wilberforce’s life; an almost Calvinistic exalting of God’s sovereignty over a myriad of events. When Wilberforce’s butler asks him if he has “found God,” he replies with enthusiasm, “Actually, I think He found me.” I wanted to stand up in the theater and cheer.

My knowledge of Wilberforce’s life is admittedly small, being limited to the information contained in John Piper’s superb little book The Roots of Endurance (which, by the by, is a truly excellent read). However, the film seems to be accurate in its portrayal of events in Wilberforce’s life, and it has certainly piqued my interest and given me a desire to read more about this extraordinary man.

If you would love to see a beautiful historical film, go see it. If you want to see a clear and refreshingly uncompromising presentation of the Gospel at work in men’s lives, go see it. If you enjoy films that are just plain excellent, go see it.

You won’t be disappointed.

Highly recommended for everyone; rated PG thematic material involving slavery, and some mild language.

(I guess this did turn into a full-fledged review. =P Ah well.)