Amazing Grace

Actors:  Ioan Gruffud, Romola Garai, Benedict Cumberbatch, Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell, Ciaran Hinds   

Rating:  6 out of 10, A historical drama which tells the story of William Wiberforce who was one of the leading British parliamentarians working to outlaw slavery in the late 18^th century.  It was a little confusing at times for a Yank to understand the working of Parliament; almost as much as the US Congress.  Grufudd is impressive as the lead character but the story, to preserve historical accuracy, kind of jumps all over the place.  In trying to demonstrate some of Wilberforce’s personal idiosyncrasies the pace of the movie is broken up.  One minute he’s on the verge of death’s door and then the plot jumps forward a decade with no explanation of the near death scene.  The movie is extremely well done and it was interesting to view history from the British side, but it really dragged at times.  It completely redeems itself at the end with a massed British military bagpipe band playing the signature song - too cool.
MVP:  Garai as the MRs Wilberforce has real, genuine screen presence