"Amazing Grace" is based on the true story of William Wilberforce, a British statesman and reformer from the early part of the 19th century. This feature film chronicles his extraordinary contributions to the world, primarily his 20-year fight to abolish the British slave trade, which he won in 1807. Wilberforce was also instrumental in passing legislation to abolish slavery in the British colonies, a victory he won just three days before his death in 1833.
"Amazing Grace" stars Ioan Gruffudd as William Wilberforce, Albert Finney as John Newton, and Youssou N’Dour as Olaudah Equiano. It was directed by Michael Apted (Coal Miner’s Daughter, The World Is Not Enough) and produced by Terrence Malick (The Thin Red Line, The New World), Ed Pressman, and Patricia Heaton (“Everybody Loves Raymond”). The screenwriter is Steven Knight (Academy Award® nominee for Dirty Pretty Things). Ken Wales (whose screen credits include Christy and whose book credits include Sea of Glory) was executive producer.