"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see."

There aren't many that don't know the song. But few people know the circumstances that made it famous.

Amazing Grace tells the story of the fiery political activist, William Wilberforce, who's convictions spurred him to lead a movement that abolished the slave trade in 18th century England. John Newton's lyrics serve as a backdrop to the amazing story of faith and compassion.

The characters in Amazing Grace are excellently crafted, and bring life to the screen in the hands of the cast. Ioan Gruffudd brings passion and compassion to the character of William Wilberforce without laying on the cheese. He is able to stand up and provide ample screen presence even in the presence of costars such as Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell and Ciarin Hinds. Romola Garai, a relative new-comer, also makes a fabulous addition to the cast, matching Gruffudd's gusto.

The writing actually surprised me. Since it was a heavily Christian-themed film, I expected to get the usual load of saccharin-infused syrup. However, Stephen Frears, an Academy Award nominee and Critic's Circle Award winner for Best British Screenwriter for Dirty Pretty Things, delivered a compelling script full of political intrigue. It was impressive that he kept a very objective stance with such a subjective subject, keeping far away from the "black vs white" issue and focusing more on the principle of slavery.

The direction was wonderful. Although, Michael Apted, best known for his direction of The World is Not Enough, Enigma, and the HBO miniseries Rome, probably didn't have to work too hard to get a good performance out of his cast.

David Arnold's score was well done. I don't see it as Oscar material, but it was a wholly functional score that added to the scene without drawing too much attention to itself. Subtle, but very sufficient.

I rate the film 4.5 out of 5. I definitely recommend seeing this as a family in the theater.

Rated PG for thematic material involving slavery, some mild language, and a scene involving to men running barefooted in the grass.

Release: February 23rd, 2007