Jeff L. "Quare fremerunt gentes?" (quarefremeruntgentes)

In 1785, the Yorkshire orator and Member of Parliament, William Wilberforce (played by Ioan Gruffudd) experienced a powerful conversion to Evangelical Christianity, and became convinced of the need to abolish African slavery, partly under the influences of the famous convert, pastor, and "Amazing Grace" hymn-writer, John Newton (Albert Finney). This film dramatically portrays the courageous, diligent humanitarian efforts of abolitionists from the late 18th to the early 19th century in Britain. The abolitionists, spearheaded by Wilberforce, pit their sympathies and devoted respect for African victims of the slave trade in an intrepid campaign against the well-established power and influences of wealthy British slave traders and their numerous political allies. _Amazing Grace_ depicts the various difficulties, intrigues, challenges, setbacks, strategies and successes that Wilberforce and his friends experience in their persevering, longsuffering struggle against the political power of the slave-traders. Portrayals of Wilberforce's courtship, marriage to, and life with Barbara Ann Spooner (Romola Garai) provide entertaining diversions from some of the more serious aspects of this idealized drama. The inspiring ethos of this presentation is enriched by its realistic portrayal of the lives of various historical personalities, their struggles and friendships, and also by some aesthetically-pleasing scenes set amid beautiful English countrysides, beautiful landscapes, and era-specific architecture. This film's accounts of various cruelties and injustices should serve to educate audiences regarding the woeful and grievous consequences of slavery. Nevertheless, this content will not be appropriate for young children. For all other moviegoers, I am certain that viewing _Amazing Grace_ shall prove to be as rewarding an experience for them as it was for this fan. I wholeheartedly recommend this masterful account of the triumph of righteousness and good over the evils of African slavery and the contemptuous disregard for human life that accompanied it. I am proud to award this film highest possible Flixster rating of five stars. I finally would add that Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd's remarkable performance in the role of William Wilberforce may also serve as a worthy, encouraging, inspiring and very much needed example for 21st century Welsh moviegoers (this reviewer comes from an American family, of Welsh descent). . . "Hear, O Israel: the Lord thy God is one God. And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart and with thy whole soul and with thy whole mind and with thy whole strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like to it: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is no other commandment greater than these." -- _The Holy Bible_, Mark 12:29-31 -- In Christ, Jeff 'Quare fremerunt gentes?'

This movie's portrayal of Mexican volunteers courageously fighting for the independence of Texas, makes it more accurate that the earlier 60s film with the same title (contemporary historians estimate that about 60% of the defenders of the Alamo were Mexican volunteers). Mark Blucas, Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, Leon Rippy, and Emilio Echevarria all do their part to make this a memorable and dramatic re-telling of the principal events of the Texas War of Independence.