Amazing Grace

The life story of William Wilberforce is fantastic. Elected to the House of Commons at the age of 21 and on his way to a successful political career he finds himself hearing God. John Newton, an ex slave trader turned minister still haunted by 20,000 slave ghosts and something of a spiritual director to Wilberforce convinces him that he can serve both God and humanity by raising his voice against slavery in Parliament. His friend William Pitt the Younger who was scheming and succeeding to become the youngest Prime Minister in history further encourages him to become the voice of the abolitionist movement. Given there was no movement to speak of this surely seems a foolish thing for Pitt to do and yet while Wilberforce dedicates his life to the effort Pitt in fact succeeds in becoming the youngest PM in-spite of promoting the end of slavery which necessarily required directly challenging the economic interests of many members of the Commons. Nothing short of miraculous. Newton of course wrote Amazing Grace and many other hymns still lifting voices to heaven. Wilberforce also worked to promote child labor laws, education and founded The National Gallery of Art. This is one fine piece of filmmaking. The subject of course is worthy of respect and admiration throughout the ages, the writing and costumes are excellent and the actual film work is outstanding. Candles were the only source of light in this time period and while the film makes liberal use of candles as one would expect, the lighting is superb, neither to dark nor artificially illuminated for filming.

Amazing Grace (How sweet the sound)

That sav'd a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears reliev'd;

How precious did that grace appear,

The hour I first believ'd!

Thro' many dangers, toils and snare,

I have already come;

'Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me.

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease;

I shall profess, within the vail,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who call'd me here below,

Will be for ever mine.

John Newton