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The only thing missing here is the sort of inspired moviemaking that sets apart a landmark motion picture. Chariots of Fire had those scenes on the beach and an unforgettable score. Amazing Grace has an impressive finale with a bagpipe band, but that's not enough. Like Shadowlands, it's played rather strait-laced and predictably, like a glorified Masterpiece Theater special on BBC or PBS. That's primarily what keeps this movie from earning our highest rating, but it's certainly not enough to dampen a whole-hearted recommendation.

What's particularly interesting about Amazing Grace is that the abolition of slavery is the driving force behind it, yet the movie is more about one man's response to injustice—thus hopefully inspiring reactions of our own. It's an example of how we're called to step out of our comfort zones, even when our words and actions are not easily embraced. It's a well-told cinematic example of a man who used his faith and God-given opportunities to change the world for good.

Talk About It

1. What are your thoughts about Wilberforce's prayer time in his backyard garden (see Matthew 6:5-7)? Does God provide an answer to his prayer? In what form?
2. In the movie, Wilberforce describes his life as changed by God—"He found me." Is Wilberforce's initial response proper or misguided? Are we called to a life of piety, or to serve as the hands and feet of God? What does it mean to be "in the world, not of it," and how do we avoid "cocooning"?
3. Wilberforce makes many "unpopular" decisions in this story. Would you have done the same under similar circumstances? What about pressures to your health or your individual freedom? What temptations does Wilberforce face in his efforts? How do we find the courage to press on for what's right? What guidance do we have?
4. Wilberforce helped spark change that affected world history and social justice for good. Where does such change begin? What qualities need to be secure in order to take such action?
5. Wilberforce is depicted as a skilled orator. What makes him so effective? Wit? Intelligence? Persistence? His faith? What can we learn from the manner in which he engaged his opponents? Do you believe Wilberforce wins his cause honorably? Does he "cheat," as said in the film, or is he simply playing to the faults of his opponents?
6. John Newton tells Wilberforce that faith sometimes comes more like a slow drip than a bolt of lightning. Do you agree? Can you give examples in your own life? Is either more or less powerful than the other?
7. Read 1 Timothy chapters 1 and 4 In what ways does Wilberforce characterize Paul's instructions to Timothy?

The Family Corner

Amazing Grace is rated PG and suitable for most audiences. There are some graphic descriptions of how the slaves were treated on the ships, but no violence is depicted other than a man beating a horse off screen. Words like "hell," "damn," "ass," and "nigger" are used, but sparingly. Viewers under 12 or so will likely be bored by the film's historic content and talky tone, but can otherwise handle it if they're familiar with the subject of slavery from school.

Photos © Copyright Samuel Goldwyn/ Roadside Attractions

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