Reviews

This film is great because it manages to give us all the complex details of the political debate in England regarding the slave trade while involving us emotionally in the life of William Wilberforce, played superbly here by Ioan Gruffudd. The themes of passion for a cause and a desire to change the world are intertwined with the story of a very human hero who is also inspiring and charismatic. Not only was he devoted to the anti-slavery cause, he also managed to found the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and to work passionately on behalf of the working men and women in his own country (mentioned at the conclusion of the film). The film left me wanting to know more about the people involved, especially Wilberforce and his good friend, Prime Minister William Pitt. A gripping and inspiring film, well-acted, written, and directed. Bravo!

You've seen it all before: the cafeteria food fight, the stupid, egocentric adult authority figures, the boy smitten by the sexy older girl who realizes the girl who really loves him is his not-so-sexy but loyal friend of many years, the animal sanctuary threatened with destruction that the boy must save, the cruel, sadistic older boy who has it in for our hero, etc. etc. This is a predictable, totally unoriginal movie which is composed almost entirely of such cliches and sight gags. Save your money. (by the way, my kids loved it)