Synopsis

Directed by Michael Apted (Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Dian Fossey, Enigma, Enough) and original screenplay written by Academy Award® nominee Steven Knight (Dirty Pretty Things), Amazing Grace tells the story of a young British politician who over two decades fought against the English government to abolish slave trade.

William Wilberforce, played by Ioan Gruffudd (King Arthur, Fantastic Four, Black Hawk Down) was elected to the House of Commons at the young age of 21. Inspired by his close friend and mentor John Newton, played by Albert Finney (Erin Brockovich, Traffic, A Good Year) to campaign for the rights of freedom for all people; Wilberforce was unable to deter the fact that thousands of slaves were being inhumanly treated for the benefit of the English colony. Aided by his friend William Pitt played by Benedict Cumberbatch, who at the age of 24 became England's youngest ever Prime Minister. Pitt supports Wilberforce in his campaign against the British parliament to abolish the slave trade law.

With the help of a former slave turned businessman Olaudah Equiano, played by newcomer Youssou N'Dour, Wilberforce is able to document how brutal and callous slaves are being treated on British ships. Romola Garai plays Barbara Spooner, Wilberforce's future wife, who is equally as determined for alteration under the slave trade act and continued to support Wilberforce long into their marriage.

Amazing Grace also stars Michael Gambon (Sleepy Hollow), Rufus Sewell (Tristan + Isolde) and Ciaran Hinds (The Nativity Story, Miami Vice).

Feature Running Time: Approx 1:50:00

PG - Mild Themes

Cast

Ioan Gruffudd (William Wilberforce)

Born in Cardiff, Wales, Ioan Gruffudd has graced theatre screens most notably for his role in the acclaimed Fantastic Four movie. Taking up acting in his teens at his hometown of Cardiff, Gruffudd won international acclaim for his role in the Emmy Award Winning TV series Hornblower. Other movies in Gruffudd's filmography include 101 Dalmatians 2, Black Hawk Down, The Gathering and the upcoming sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.

Albert Finney (John Newton)

Nominated five times for an Academy Award®, Albert Finney has vast theatrical and stage accomplishments which span over half a century. Widely renowned for his performances notably in Erin Brockovich and Tom Jones, Finney's depiction of John Newton in Amazing Grace is exceptional.

Romola Garai (Barbara Spooner)

Born in London, UK, Romola Garai was first spotted by a talent agent whilst performing in a school play. Her first major role was playing alongside Judi Dench in The Blonde Bombshells. She is also known for her roles in Nicholas Nickleby, Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights and her noteworthy performance in the Australian TV mini-series The Incredible Journey Of Mary Bryant.

Benedict Cumberbatch (William Pitt)

Benedict Cumberbatch is most likely known for his role in the BBC drama, Hawking, which he played the role of genius and mastermind, Stephen Hawking. He was nominated at the 2005 British Academy Television Awards for Best Actor. He is the son of Timothy Carlton and Wanda Ventham - both experienced actors.

Crew

Michael Apted - Director
With a vast repertoire of movies over 30 years, it's no wonder Michael Apted was asked to take on the directing role of Amazing Grace. With many of his movies garnering both Golden Globe® and Academy® nominations and awards, Michael Apted is a well respected director and producer amongst the elite of Hollywood. He is currently in pre-production of the third instalment in The Chronicles of Narnia series, Dawn Treader.

Steven Knight - Screenplay
Receiving an Academy Award® nomination for Best Original Screenplay and winning the London Film Critics' Circle Award® for Best British Screenwriter, Steven Knight hit the ground running with his first screenplay, Dirty Pretty Things, filmed by Stephen Frears. He is now in post-production for Eastern Promises (Screenplay), starring Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts.

David Arnold - Composer

David Arnold is a well renowned professional when it comes to movie compositions. He has attained recognition from the BMI Awards, the Grammy's®, the Ivor Novello Awards® and recently won the Royal Television Society Award. His composition work includes Zoolander, 2 Fast 2 Furious, Casino Royale and Hot Fuzz.