Apr 14th
Amazing Grace**                                                                                                                GB 2006. Momentum/Bristol Bay/Ingenious Film Partners/Sunflower. 117m.

 In the late 18th century William Wilberforce exhaustively campaigns in Parliament for the abolition of slavery.
Glossy, well-meaning historical biopic trying to encompass several decades of political lobbying in two hours, with a good cast and careful observance of period detail, although somehow the general message seems lost.

Written by: Steven Knight.
Producers: Edward R. Pressman, Terrence Malick, Patricia Heaton, David Hunt, Ken Wales.
Director: Michael Apted.
Starring: Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai, Benedict Cumberbatch (as William Pitt), Albert Finney, Michael Gambon, Rufus Sewell, Youssou N'Dour, Ciaran Hinds, Toby Jones, Nicholas Farrell, Bill Paterson, Stephen Campbell Moore, Jeremy Swift.
Photography: Remi Adararasin.
Music: David Arnold.
Editing: Rick Shaine.
Production Design: Charles Wood.

AMAZING GRACE. Ioan Gruffudd strikes a Hornblower-like pose in a (probably) romanticised depiction of William Wilberforce, with Romola Garai as the future Mrs. Wilberforce who helps to bring him round.