The movie is about William Wilberforce and his efforts to bring about the abolition of slavery. Its release today,February 23, 2007, coincides with the 200th anniversary of the date the Parliament of the United Kingdom voted to ban the transport of slaves by British subjects. He worked many years in Parliament to see this day.
The title of the movie is taken from the song "Amazing Grace" written by John Newton, a man who had formerly carried slaves on his ships. He later became a Christian and penned the words that were later set to music.
The theater was full, as I hoped it would be, and I hope it will continue to have a good showing. It's too bad that it isn't being shown in more theaters. There is certainly a movement to bring worthwhile movies to Hollywood, and this is certainly a good movie to see. It certainly has a strong Christian message, as well as telling the history of the abolitionist movement of that day.
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.
’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!
Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, Who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.
When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.
from Cyberhymnal
According to Cyberhymnal, the last verse was not in the original poem, but was added later.
