Yesterday, I needed to veg out by myself. Three options: a. Flip through books and magazines at Barnes and Noble b. Read a book at Starbucks c. Go see a movie. I chose the last option.
I sat in a theatre of approximately 40 people. Exactly 2 of us were under the age of 65, surrounded by a sea of white hair. I saw Amazing Grace, a lower budget film about the abolition of slavery in England in the 18th century, based around William Wilberforce's work, and more loosely, about his connection to John Newton, the pastor and former slave ship master who penned the song Amazing Grace. It is not necessarily the finest film ever made, but it was thought provoking, to be sure.
Wilberforce has been a man I've studied over the years, but it was interesting to see his story portrayed in this film. During his return to faith, Wilberforce struggled with his career in politics and wondered what that meant for his newer call to follow God. This story shows a progress in his faith and vocation, wherein he learned the two were not mutually exclusive: he could follow God and serve in the political realm too. Wilberforce found a way to connect his faith with his vocation and in so doing, persistently fought for the abolition of slavery, and spoke for those who could not speak for themselves. And, after many years of toil, his fight paid off. Obviously, one cannot always trust the factuality of films. I will say that this film has inspired me to read more about Wilberforce's drive and his passion.
Check it out...lets get some non-white haired folks in the theatre to see this film.
you'll be happy to know that one of the evening showings last night was chock full of seminarians.
i agree that it wasn't the best movie ever made but definitely a thought-provoking and wonderful story.
Posted by: kyledawn | February 24, 2007 at 10:23 AM
My parents actually tried to see that movie last night and it was SOLD OUT.
Our pastor had showed a clip of the movie in church last Sunday, and it must have inspired plenty of (non-white-haired) people to go check it out.
Good to know that it is a thought-provoking and interesting story . . . I'm looking forward to seeing it next weekend.
Posted by: susie | February 24, 2007 at 07:52 PM
I see this movie making its rounds quite a bit in the blogosphere. I am looking forward to this one.
Posted by: JP Manzi | February 25, 2007 at 11:37 PM
I heard an interview with the director, Michael Apted, on my favorite Saturday morning show last weekend ("Bob Edwards Weekend"). Apted has also been working on the Up documentary series since the mid-60s. Anyway, that was the first I heard of the movie and it sounded very interesting—mostly because Wilberforce is someone I don't know much about. So thanks for sharing, Josh.
Posted by: April | February 27, 2007 at 08:38 PM