I watched the trailer for Amazing Grace months ago, and knew immediately that it would be the third movie in my triple-play of must-see inspirational movies (the others being Chariots of Fire, and Shadowlands), then last week my Dad emailed me that he had seen it and that I needed to get to the theater.

The movie tells the true story of William Wilberforce and his battle to abolish the slave trade in Great Briton. The movie takes its name from the famous song written by John Newton. Newton was an ex-slave trader turned repentant Christian that was instrumental in helping Wilberforce decide if he should take on the task of fighting the slave traders.

Amazing Grace starts Iaon Gruffudd (pronounced Yo-wan Griffith) as William Wilberforce, and Albert Finney as John Newton. Interestingly, Nicholas Farrell who stared as Aubrey Montague in Chariots of Fire, also plays a part in Amazing Grace as Henry Thornton. Iaon Gruffudd has been on my top actors list since his starting role in Horatio Hornblower. Albert Finney has been on my top actors list since his 1970 portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in Scrooge.

Perhaps the most poinent moment of the movie is when Newton says to Wilberforce, “There are two things I know if my life. I am a great sinner and Christ is a great savior.” While we should celebrate the accomplishments of men like Wilberforce, the real celebration should be for the Man Jesus Christ whose sacrifice on the cross can give every human being the right to say, “I once was lost, but now I am found.” Truly, Amazing Grace!