BEHIND THE SONG YOU LOVE, IS A STORY YOU WILL NEVER FORGET
AMAZING GRACE, the story of William Wilberforce (1759 – 1833) was released in New Zealand cinemas on July 19, 2007. Much anticipation and excitement within the Christian community surrounded the release of this remarkable film. It has received glowing reviews (see below).
AMAZING GRACE tells the stories of two very important Christian icons, John Newton and William Wilberforce.
John Newton (played by Albert Finney) wrote the words to Amazing Grace, one of the most beloved hymns of all time while working as an evangelical pastor. Son of the commander of a merchant ship, Newton was captain of a slave ship for many years, until he underwent a dramatic religious conversion while steering his vessel through a storm. Repenting and regretting the misery he had inflicted on the thousands of human cargo he had transported across the Middle Passage for many years, he devoted his life to the Church, and wrote the lyrics to many hymns which are still popular today.
William Wilberforce was elected to the House of Commons at the age of 21, and over the course of two decades, took on the English establishment and persuaded those in power to end the inhumane trade of slavery. He pursued a life of service to humanity. Not limiting himself to just abolitionist work, he dedicated his life to what he called his "two great objects:" abolishing slavery in the British Empire and what he called "the reformation of manners [society]." To this end, he advocated for child labor laws, campaigned for education of the blind and deaf, and founded organizations as diverse as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) and the National Gallery (of Art). "Good causes," it has been said, "stuck to him like pins to a magnet."
AMAZING GRACE is rated PG so it is a film families can attend together..
This film would ideal to attend in a group as it is a catalyst for thought and further discussions. To make group bookings please contact your local cinema.
The film is directed by Michael Apted and has a Running Time of 118 Minutes. It has been rated PG (Adult Themes) and stars Ioan Gruffudd (Black Hawk Down), Romola Garai, Youssou N’Dour, Albert Finney (Erin Brockovich), Benedict Cumberbatch (To the Ends of the Earth), Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell (The Illusionist, The Holiday), Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones.
For further information please visit www.amazinggracemovie.co.nz
PRESS QUOTES
"Just as The Nativity Story last year, and The Passion of the Christ in 2004, Amazing Grace this year presents the Christian community general and local Churches in particular, with a golden outreach opportunity."
– Christian Today, Australia
"A brilliant and powerful presentation of one of the most moving moments in modern history. William Wilberforce is the model and hero of my life. I was thrilled to the bone watching this "amazing" movie. No Christian should miss this film." – Chuck Colson, Founder
– Prison Fellowship Ministries
"Amazing Grace is an epic story that calls attention to the works of God in the life of man. It reminds us of the power of the individual to make a difference in the lives of others."
– Reverend Floyd Flake
"Amazing Grace illuminates a pivotal moment in world history…an important story…compellingly told, sumptuously shot, and masterfully acted."
– Rebecca Rothbaum, O Magazine
"Amazing Grace," a story of idealism, idealists and speaking truth to power, understands there is something inordinately moving and dramatic about a man who stands up for what is right and makes a difference in this life"
– Kenneth Turan Los Angeles Times
"A movie that dazzles the eye, touches the heart, and stirs the soul’
– Michael Medved
Amazing Grace follows Wilberforce’s career through his 20’s and 30’s, as he and his fellow humanitarians make the issue of slavery a talking point, not only in political circles, but also throughout the country. They wage the first modern political campaign, using petitions, boycotts, mass meetings and even badges with slogans to take their message to the country at large.
Boasting a terrific ensemble cast, Amazing Grace also stars Romola Garai as Barbara Spooner, the beautiful and headstrong young woman who shares Wilberforce’s passion for reform, and who becomes his wife after a whirlwind courtship. Michael Gambon (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban) is Lord Fox, an MP that is convinced by Wilberforce to join the fight against the slave trade. Rufus Sewell (Legend of Zorro) plays Thomas Clarkson, one of Wilberforce’s allies in the anti-slavery movement, and Grammy winning Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour is Olaudah Equiano, an African sent as a slave to the Colonies who bought his freedom and made his home in Londonwhere he became a leading figure in the fight to end the slavery of his fellow countrymen.
Leave a Reply