Historically, who do you think tried to exert himself the most to abolish slavery? Maybe your immediate answer to it will be Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of America, who did his best to abolish slavery in the U.S.A. However, there was another person who fought against slavery abolition. He was William Wiberforce, an Assemblyman of the British Parliament in the 18th Century, and he tried to abolish slavery for twenty years. Many people were impressed by his devotion and called him ‘British conscience.’

The British Empire in the 18th Century could obtain one third of its national income through the slave trade and had the most powerful navy. Undaunted by the threats of assassination, conspiracy, and abuse toward him, he fought bravely. Finally, his brilliant achievements came to be realized through slave abolition in fifty years.

Amazing Grace shows how passionate and patient minds can change the world, based on the real life of William Wilberforce’s heroic chronology.

Even though Wilberforce had a natural ability in politics, he had a conflict between his successful career and having a mentally healthy life. Then, John Newton, a composer of the hymn Amazing Grace, as Wilberforce’s confidant, advised him to fight against the injustice. Receiving impetus from John, Wilberforce decided to gather people who had the same mind as him. During his fight for slavery abolition, there were many people against him, but he didn’t step back. As the result of his will of iron, slavery abolition came to be realized in fifty years.

Amazing Grace was directed by Michael Apted, the famous director of 007: The World Is Not Enough, and Enough, music by David Arnold, the famous musician from Hot Fuzz, and Independence Day, with Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce, the famous actor from Black Hawk Down, and The Fantastic 4. Albert finney as John Newton, the famous actor from Erin Brockovich. Michael Gambon, the famous actor from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, as Lord Fox, a noted for anti-slavery campaigner, and by Romola Garai, the famous actress from Vanity Fair, as Barbara Spooner, beautiful and headstrong Wilberforce’s wife.

Being released in America in 2007, it won high praise from all of the American press and the total ticket sales of it amounted to $21 million.

The Wall Street Journal wrote: “It is a well-made wonderful historical drama,”; the New York Times, “It is a beautiful and impressive true story,”; and the Seattle Post: “Amazing Grace is an inspiring historical epic made by the best contemporary filmmaker.”

Recently, the preview of this movie was held at the National Assembly with assemblymen present. Won Hee-ryong, the Assembly member of Hannara party, said, “If politicians and aspirants for politics see this movie, they can perceive what is a true politics and what politicians should do.”

If you want to have an overflowing impression and experience a feeling of justice, I recommend you to see this movie. You won’t be disappointed!