In 1797, William Wilberforce, the great crusader for the British abolition of slavery, is taking a vacation for his health even while he is sicker at heart for his frustrated cause. However, meeting the charming Barbara Spooner, Wilberforce finds a soulmate to share the story of his struggle. With few allies such as his mentor, John Newton, a slave ship captain turned repentant priest who penned the great hymn, "Amazing Grace," Prime William Pitt, and Olaudah Equiano, the erudite former slave turned author, Wilberforce fruitlessly fights both public indifference and moneyed opposition determined to keep their exploitation safe. Nevertheless, Wilberforce finds the inspiration in newfound love to rejuvenate the fight with new ideas that would lead to a great victory for social justice.
Director: | Michael Apted |
Genre: | Historical Drama |
Year: | 2007 |
Territory: | Czech Rep, Slovakia, Hungary |
Cast: | |
Ioan Gruffudd (William Wilberforce) Romola Garai (Barbara Spooner) Rufus Sewell (Thomas Clarkson) Albert Finney (John Newton) Benedict Cumberbatch (William Pitt) |
Screenplay by: | Steven Knight |
Produced by: | FourBoys Films |
US Distributor: | Roadside Attractions |
US Release Date: | February 23, 2007 |
US Box Office: | $21.3m |
International Box Office: | $10.8m |
Budget: | $29m |
Run Time: | 117' |