Saturday, May 19, 2018

Amazing Grace (2006)

So, Miss March, that is William Wilberforce.
And that is Amazing Grace.
I. Just.


Oh. My. Goodness.

This movie is incredible. 
My family and I watched it a few days ago and we were all blown away.
Then I watched it again a couple days ago because, well, once just wasn't enough.

Now, I really must make this an organised review or it shall certainly be all over the place.

Let's start with The Story.

For those who haven't seen it, this movie is based on the true story of the journey of abolitionists in late-18th-century England to abolish the slave trade. It took years upon years of tireless effort and seemingly endless rejection. But these brave people, led by God, continued to work and fight to get rid of the abominable slave trade.

I was so impressed with how this movie handled the whole issue of slavery. It didn't sugarcoat it, or soften it; the horrors were exposed blatantly and bluntly--and I appreciated that. They really emphasized how horrific slavery is and therefore why it was so important to get rid of it.
I loved how the movie was centered on God. I loved how William Wilberforce chose to serve God in politics and dedicate his career to Him.
And, of course, they hymn, Amazing Grace? I honestly had no idea about all the story behind it. I've always loved that hymn and now it has a whole lot more meaning. What a meaningful history.
Seriously, if you've ever read a description of this movie that made it sound boring or anything like that, just watch the movie. It is far more than what it might appear to be on a back cover or short description. It's absolutely incredible.

Now, on to The Characters.

May as well start with the main character:

William Wilberforce
I am in awe of this man and what he did. The fact that he worked so hard and long for what he knew to be right is incredible and admirable. His strength and courage blew me away. He was such a good man.

And Barbara Spooner?
I. Love. Her. I love, love, love this character. Barbara is a strong, intelligent young woman. She wasn't just the "love interest" or the passive female lead. She was the reason Wilberforce didn't give up forever. She was a helper, a strength, to him when he needed it. She was able to equal Wilberforce in his ideas, intelligence, and spirit. She just can't get enough appreciation for the role she played in this story.

I think it is absolutely fitting and beautiful that in the end *spoiler* it finishes with him looking up at her. To me it's a look of both thanks, and a "we did it". Like he knew who deserved to be looked to in that moment of triumph. It was as much her triumph as his; even though he was in the spotlight, she was the one he turned to. *end spoiler haha*

William Pitt
(a.k.a Benedict Cumberbatch)
Watching this, I realized I don't believe I've ever actually seen Benedict Cumberbatch act in something. And I rather enjoyed it; I see why he's so famous.
But also, William Pitt!
I also love his spirit and his attitude when it came to doing the impossible.
I really enjoyed his character. I like seeing friendships between men that are like his and Wilberforce's.

The Abolitionists
That whole group of people that stood together and stood with William Wilberforce throughout all the years and rejections and hard work have all my respect and admiration. Especially that one lady--Hannah More--that was right there with all those men.

I'm not sure what else to say about it except go watch it (if you haven't). You will absolutely not regret it and you will most likely love it as much as I do.


Ladies and gentlemen, Amazing Grace.

14 comments:

  1. Cool post Rae! I'll have to check out this movie!

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  2. Ahhhh! Lovely review, Rae! And I'm SO glad you loved this movie!! Isn't it great though? I've seen it many times, but it's good every single time!

    I LOVE the friendship between William Wilberforce and William Pitt! It's so cool! And that scene where they're racing in the garden and then start joking around and talking in ryhmes! Awwwww! Love. love. love. <3

    Barbara Spooner is awesome! And oh my word yes, THAT ENDING SCENE!!!! The best. <3 <3

    I'm just SO glad you liked this! And yes, NOW you know who William Wilberforce is. ;) (Your comment to me at the beginning, haha. That made me smile. :))

    Excellent post, my dear!

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    1. IT IS SO AMAZING. I just couldn't believe it.

      Oh my goodness yesss! I love that scene. They are the cutest but like, in a manly way of course. :)

      FOR REAL. Gah.

      Yes! William Wilberforce is a dream. I now see why he's comparable--or, rather, NOT comparable because it's not fair--to Mr. Knightley. :D

      Thanks for your comment, Miss March!!! Thanks for recommending this movie so highly because YES.

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  3. THERE IS NOTHING ABOUT THIS MOVIE THAT I DON'T ADORE.

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  4. I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!! It is so beautiful!!! I haven't seen it in such a long time!
    Great review, Rae!

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    1. ME TOO!!!!!! It is gorgeous. You should totally watch it again. ;) Thanks, MovieCritic!

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  5. Great review, Rae! I watched Amazing Grace several years ago, but since it's been such a long time I hardly remember anything about it. Reading this post really makes me want to try and watch it again, soon! It sounds like an "amazing" story. ;) (Okay, that was a cheesy pun, but I couldn't resist! Haha.)

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    1. WATCH IT AGAIN. You won't regret it. It really is amazing. :D Haha. Thanks for your comment, Molly Rebekah!

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  6. Ugh, yes!!! This is sucha a good movie. It's been a while, though, for me. I should rewatch it again sometime soon!

    (But how is it possible that you have never seen Ben Cumberbatch in anything before??)

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    1. It is so good!!! You should definitely re-watch it.

      (I don't know how??? Like what???)

      Thanks for your comment, Elanor!

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  7. I have one thing to say: YAAASSSSSSSSSSS I LOVE THIS MOVIE SO MUUUUCH!!!!!!!!!!! (heart eye emojis)
    oh, actually I have another thing to say: I'M NOT DEAD AND I'M WORKING ON EMAILING YOU BACK SO PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGIES! (all the crying emojis)
    it will come sooon, I promise. soon.

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    Replies
    1. ISN'T IT INCREDIBLE!!!!

      Esther! No worries!!! I'm only getting to this comment exactly two months later...and I've seen on G+ that you've written a couple of blog posts since I last got on blogging stuff but I haven't read themmmm...I must!

      I should dearly love to hear from you, though, dear, especially as I'm taking an official blogging break here in a minute so I don't feel so awful about accidental breaks (like the 2 month one I just took :/)! So whenever it's convenient and you get a chance, I'd love to get an email. I'll respond to it...as soon as possible, hopefully less than a month. :)

      Thanks for your comment, Esther!

      Delete

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