Amazing Grace Synopsis & Movie Info

Amazing Grace, based on the inspiring true life story of British antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce, is directed by Michael Apted (49 Up, HBO’s Rome, Coal Miner’s Daughter) from an original screenplay written by Academy Award® nominee Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things).

It’s the age of the Great British Empire and William Wilberforce (Gruffudd) is a newcomer to the world of politics. Just 21 years of age when he enters office, he must learn to operate in a world of skillful deception and cunning one-upmanship in order to attain his unpopular goal: the abolition of slavery. As he struggles to find his way, he slowly loses his mind and his health. However, with the support of his closest friend, Prime Minister William Pitt (Cumberbatch) and a dedicated group of like-minded supporters, Wilberforce wages the first modern political campaign, using petitions, boycotts, mass meetings, badges and slogans. Over the course of two decades, Wilberforce takes on the English establishment and finally persuades those in power to end the inhumane slave trade. -