"By the late 18th century, over 11 million African men, women and children had been taken from Africa to be used as slaves in the West Indies and the American colonies. Great Britain was the mightiest super power on earth and its empire was built on the backs of slaves. The slave trade was considered acceptable by all but a few. Of these, even fewer were brave enough to speak against it."

So opens the film Amazing Grace, which is based on the life of British statesman and reformer William Wilberforce and chronicles his 20-year battle to abolish the British slave trade. Wilberforce was a man gripped by the cruelty and injustice of men, women, and children being kidnapped from their homes, shackled, and stuffed into the bellies of ships to be carried across the Atlantic and sold into slavery.

Amazing Grace stars Ioan Gruffudd (Blackhawk Down) as Wilberforce, Albert Finney (Erin Brockovich) as John Newton, and Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour as Olaudah Equiano.

The film does a good job of recounting the struggles, defeats, and illness that plagued Wilberforce. Along the way, director Michael Apted (Coal Miner's Daughter, The World Is Not Enough) and screenwriter Steven Knight (Oscar-nominated for Dirty Pretty Things) manage to balance effectively the historic narrative with Wilberforce's wit, his quirkiness, and his strong faith. Filmed in Britain with an all-British cast, the film stays true to 18th century British history as well as the landscape of the political times, and admirably does not shy away from the "spiritual" aspect of the story.

Woven throughout this film is the relationship between Wilberforce and his pastor, John Newton. Newton, the ex-slave ship captain, had an experience with God during a storm that almost took his entire ship down, and converted to Christianity. He penned one of the most widely recognized and frequently recorded songs ever, "Amazing Grace," and was both a mentor and inspiration to Wilberforce.

While Amazing Grace didn't register as a blockbuster during its theatrical run, it is definitely worth watching. The DVD offers some great extras, such as a tour of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, an "Amazing Grace" music video featuring Chris Tomlin, and even an interactive study guide (accessible by your computer) that explores the historical roots of the film. Even if you saw the film during its theatrical run, it's worth grabbing the DVD for these extras (and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy the film anew).

Amazing Grace is a timely reminder that films celebrating the lives of good people who left their profound mark on our world for the better can succeed in both artistic and commercial terms.
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