Amazing Grace tells the true story of the parliamentary campaign against the slave trade in 18th century Britain, led by the abolitionist William Wilberforce (Gruffudd). The title of the film comes from the well-known hymn written by John Newton (Finney), a former slave ship captain who repented and turned to religion. Wilberforce as a young man was torn between a life in politics or in the church, but inspired by Newton he undergoes a lifelong mission to end slavery in the British Empire, seeing reform as a practical expression of his faith. Through an alliance of radical thinkers and unlikely supporters, such as William Pitt the Younger (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Lord Charles Fox (Gambon), and moral support from his friends and wife (Garai) and a Senegalese former slave (Oloudaqh Equiano), he presents a bill each year to Parliament for the abolition of slavery. This becomes difficult, even courageous, following the French Revolution and Britains long war with France, as opposition was painted as sedition. Director Michael Apted, better known for the 7 Up documentary series and Coal Miner's Daughter, handles the material proficiently. Although a somewhat idealistic account of history, it is impossible not to feel inspired by the film's subject matter, and there are fine performances from the entire cast.'