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The StatWife and I were fortunate enough to see this gripping and uplifting movie in an Edmonton theatre last May. North Americans can buy or rent it on DVD tomorrow, 13 November.
This year marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade in the British Empire. That legislative achievement can be credited to the tireless efforts of one man, MP William Wilberforce. He began his campaign with almost no Parliamentary support in the late 18th century. Subjected to ridicule and disdain at the outset, he nevertheless persevered, submitting his bill to Parliament every year and slowly building political and public support for a measure that, to many, struck at the root of Britain’s economic prosperity.
Wilberforce is flawlessly played by Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd. The film also features a superb supporting cast, including Rufus Sewell as anti-slavery activist Thomas Clarkson, Romola Garai as Wilberforce’s wife Barbara Spooner, and the incomparable Albert Finney as John Newton.
Highly recommended.
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