Synopsis

In late 18th-century Britain, idealistic parliamentarian William Wilberforce risks his health, friendships, and political future to challenge the transatlantic slave trade. Supported by fellow reformers, including William Pitt and former slave-ship captain John Newton, he confronts entrenched interests and public indifference while seeking to turn moral outrage into lasting legislation.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 16, 2006. Its U.S. theatrical release followed on February 23, 2007, timed to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Parliament's vote to abolish the British slave trade.

• Much of the production was shot in and around Hull, a city strongly associated with William Wilberforce. Other locations included Chatham Historic Dockyard, Greenwich, Syon House, and Gloucester Docks.

• Several ships, including Kaskelot, Earl of Pembroke, Johanna Lucretia, and Phoenix, were used to recreate the maritime world of the period.

• Dialogue in the House of Commons scenes was drawn in part from historical parliamentary transcripts, giving the debates a basis in documented speeches and exchanges.

• The card-house performance of "Amazing Grace" was sung live by Ioan Gruffudd rather than taken from playback. The performance became one of the film's most memorable musical moments.

• The title refers to the hymn associated with John Newton, whose past as a slave-ship captain and later repentance form an important moral thread in the film.

• The movie presents Newton as a direct influence on Wilberforce's abolitionist convictions, while also linking personal religious remorse with a wider campaign for political reform.

• The film was produced by companies including Bristol Bay Productions, FourBoys Films, Walden Media, and Ingenious Film Partners. Terrence Malick was among its producers.