Review of “Amazing Grace”

Reviewing films and actually getting paid to do so is not the most onerous of pastimes. Still there are opening days — normally Fridays — when, all things considered, a trip to the dentist might be a more enjoyable alternative to the new fare being offered at the cineplex.

Take last Friday for example, two days before the Oscars, Hollywoodland’s annual homage to itself. One would hope the studios would save something enticing to foist on a public preparing for the red carpet hoop-de-dooh. I don’t consider “Reno 911!: Miami.” such an eye-catcher. Nor “The Number 23.” Watching Jim Carrey go mad because of some mathematical devil inside is not my idea of a healthy way to spend two hours.

Thus the Film Babe and I were forced to see “Amazing Grace.” Why “forced” you might ask with some legitimacy? Well, I’ve never been a big fan of historical drama, especially ones placed in the 18th century with a gaggle of talking powdered wigs. And there seemed something self righteous on the if come about a portrayal of an idealistic member of the House of Commons hellbent on abolishing the slave trade in the British Empire.

Shame on me.

They got me at the credits. As soon as I noticed that my favorite African musician Youssou N’Dour was featured as an ex-slave turned novelist in this essentially true melodrama, I sat up in my seat. Then when I realized the title was connected to the iconic hymn of the same title and that the story of its origins would be revealed, I set down the popcorn and paid attention.

Ioan Gruffudd — he’s Welsh, that’s not a spelling typo — plays William Wilberforce, a focused and well-meaning member of the House of Commons back in the day. He’s gentry but his estate is open to proletarian riff raff, who supp at his table. He’s a humanist who finds the slave trade abhorrent, despite its importance to the economy of the British Empire.

So he spends decades, fighting his painful colitis, and fighting for abolition of the heinous practice. He’s aided by a stalwart crew, played by such professionals as Peter Finney, Michael Gambon, Rufus Sweeney, and the support of his raven-tressed bride, Romolo Garai.

Finney plays John Newton, the man who wrote “Amazing Grace.” Seems he was captain of one of those slave ships and saw the light. He gave up the job, lived the humble life in a hair shirt — literally if the film is accurate –  and wrote the song that has become justifiably revered through the centuries.

The movie is somewhat pious. Yet it is far from overbearing and tells a tale that deserves exposure. Wilberforce was a man of humility and compassion. In the opening scene he comes to the rescue of a horse, being beaten along a country rode by a carriage driver. The film rectifies the injustice that history essentially ignored Wilberforce’s noble deeds.

There weren’t any explosions or police stupidity played for the cheap guffaw. No shots of glassy-eyed Jim Carrey frothing at the mouth. “Amazing Grace” was a graceful, illuminating, relatively understated film that deserves attention.

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