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Amazing Grace

Slavery and bondage still persist in the 21st century.

With 2007 bringing the 200th anniversary of the climax of the 19th century abolitionist movement, the world pays tribute to great visionary figures such as William Wilberforce of the United Kingdom and American Frederick Douglass for their remarkable strides toward framing slavery as a moral issue that people of good conscience could not tolerate. This anniversary serves not only as a commemorative date for battles won against slavery, but also as a reminder that slavery and bondage still persist in the 21st century. An estimated 27 million people around the globe suffer in situations of forced labor and commercial sexual exploitation from which they cannot free themselves. Trafficking in people has become increasingly transnational in scope and highly lucrative. After illegal drug sales and arms trafficking, human trafficking is today the third most profitable criminal activity in the world, generating $31 billion annually. As many as half of all those trafficked worldwide for sex and domestic slavery are children under 18 years of age.

About John Newton

John Newton (played by Albert Finney in Amazing Grace) wrote the words to one of the most beloved hymns of all time between 1760 and 1770, while working as an evangelical pastor. Son of the commander of a merchant ship, Newton was captain of a slave ship for many years, until he underwent a dramatic religious conversion while steering his vessel through a storm.

Repenting and regretting the misery he had inflicted on the thousands of human cargo he had transported across the Middle Passage for many years, he devoted his life to the Church, and wrote the lyrics to many hymns which are still popular today.

In 1780 Newton left Olney to become rector of St. Mary Woolnoth, St. Mary Woolchurch, in London. There he drew large congregations and influenced many, among them William Wilberforce. Newton continued to preach until the last year of life, although he was blind by that time. He died in London December 21, 1807.

Quotes on the Film

Stephen Farber, Movieline
"Triumphant! A dream cast with a dashing hero!"

Jeffrey Lyons, NBC's REEL TALK
"'Amazing Grace' is a sweeping historical epic which tells a story too long forgotten; the birth of freedom, and brings overdue glory to a true hero."

Paul Fischer, Dark Horizons
"Amazing Grace is an old fashioned epic in the tradition of David Lean, featuring astonishing performances in the first must-see film of the year."

Rebecca Rothbaum, O MAGAZINE
"A MUST SEE!"
"Amazing Grace illuminates a pivotal moment in world history...an important story...compellingly told, sumptuously shot, and masterfully acted."

Michael Medved- Nationally syndicated radio host
"A movie that dazzles the eye, touches the heart, and stirs the soul. Elegantly crafted and superbly well-acted, AMAZING GRACE is a remarkably uplifting, substantive contribution to the popular culture -- and to our crucial understanding of freedom's history."

Chuck Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship Ministries
"A brilliant and powerful presentation of one of the most moving moments in modern history. William Wilberforce is the model and hero of my life. I was thrilled to the bone watching this "amazing" movie. No Christian should miss this film."

Reverend Floyd Flake
"Amazing Grace is an epic story that calls attention to the works of God in the life of man. It reminds us of the power of the individual to make a difference in the lives of others."

More than a film, it's a reminder of a movement of inspiration and enlightenment. We must still need that reminder today; the slave trade still exists and there are still those that are waiting for us to free them.

See the website for more information: Amazing Grace Movie.com