The new film “Amazing Grace” bears the tag-line, “Every song has its story. Every generation has its hero.” And that is what this movie is all about: the story behind one of the most well known hymnals of all time and the story of one man’s quest to change the course of history with persistence and passion.

Going in to the film, I believed, based on previews, that it would go one of two ways: either it would be an interesting look at an important time in history or a complete bore. Many filmmakers have taken on historical dramas and while some have produced movies that find their way into the canons of superior films, a la “Braveheart,” there are plenty of others that have disappeared from theaters before people even knew they had opened (2004’s “King Arthur” anyone?). Thankfully, “Amazing Grace” leans toward the first category. While it’s no “Braveheart,” it is a worthwhile endeavor on writer Steven Knight’s and director Michael Apted’s parts.

“Amazing Grace” recounts the story of William Wilberforce, the real life antislavery pioneer of the 18th century. At merely 21 years of age, Wilberforce becomes a member of parliament (an MP) and takes on his political colleagues in a fight to end the British Empire’s slave trade.

Encouraged by his friend William Pitt (Benedict Cumberbatch), England's youngest ever Prime Minister at the age of 24, and backed by a handful of passionate activists, Wilberforce spends the next two decades of his life working toward this end. His battle faces highs and lows with the shifting political tide, at one point producing over 300,000 signatures from British citizens opposed to the slave trade. Year after year, however, his bill to end the slave trade is defeated by the back-room politics of the older MPs who have financial and political reasons to keep the trade firmly in place.

After 15 years of fighting, Wilberforce retreats to Bath to try to regain his health, which has suffered as a result of his quest. There he meets Barbara Spooner who shares Wilberforce's passion for reform and who becomes his wife after a whirlwind courtship.

Reinvigorated and reinforced by his new wife, Wilberforce returns to London to take on those in power once again.

Albert Finney plays John Newton, a confidante of Wilberforce who inspires him to pursue a life of service to humanity, and the composer of the song which gives the film its name and acts as the backbone for the story. After 20 years in the slave trade as a slave ship captain, Newton converted to Christianity and eventually became a priest and spoke out against his former industry. His song is a cry of penitence and hope that bolsters those who seek social reform, even to this day.

Ioan Gruffudd (“Fantastic Four”) takes on the role of William Wilberforce and portrays the pioneer’s passion and conviction in a quiet yet forceful manner. Torn between leading a financially successful political career and a struggle to help humanity, Gruffudd’s performance reflects the turmoil Wilberforce faced during his career. Romola Garai (“Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights”) plays Barbara Spooner, Wilberforce’s wife, and it is through their courtship that the audience learns the history of Wilberforce’s fight.

Director Apted does a great job of keeping the film moving, despite the topic, and keeps current-day scenes and flashbacks well marked to avoid confusion.

This historical account of Wilberforce’s fight to end the British slave trade is a powerful and moving film full of messages of equality, freedom and conviction that transcend both time and culture. Rated PG, the film is appropriate for families, a rare thing these days, and while young children may not be able to follow the story-line, ‘tweens and teens might benefit from a film that is both educational and interesting.

“Amazing Grace” is one film I plan to see again.

***1/2

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