I saw Amazing Grace at the theater last night. The movie tells the story of the life of antislavery pioneer William Wilberforce in 18th Century Great Britain.
We tend to forget how close we are to the days where slavery was part of our immediate universe; we are still paying the price for our father’s sins. This new Sharpton drama is just a reminder of how close those days are. We also deny that in parts of the world slavery is still very real, and we benefit from its fruits. Want it or not, we consume products that are manufactured in sweat-shops and under unfair trade.
But William is fighting not only for the freedom of slaves outside of him; he is also fighting for the liberation of his own soul. Recognizing that he has limited himself William strives to brake free and become free. We are slaves to boundaries that society has put on us, to concepts that were planted in our minds when we were young, but most of all to our self-made limitations. William’s lover Barbara tells him as the sign rises “After the night, there is light.” He finds courage in her words and the love she offers. We have the power to become free and we live in days where we can, not to seize that opportunity is a crime.
Also Romola Garai has a great rack!
Sarah Silverman has another way of putting it all together.
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