Michael Apted's period drama about 17th-century social reformer William Wilberforce — who devoted much of his adult life to the abolition of England's slave trade — is a workmanlike piece of storytelling elevated by fine performances.
1797: The 34-year-old Wilberforce (Ioan Gruffudd), a wealthy, unmarried tradesman who's channeled his intense Christian faith into an uphill battle to force England's elite to listen to their consciences rather than their pocketbooks, is persuaded to take a break by old friend Henry Thornton (Nicholas Farrell). Addicted to laudanum that had been prescribed to ease his agonizing colitis, as well as sleepless and hau...
Released:
2006
Rated:
PG
Length:
111 mins