I have never been an Ioan Gruffudd fan and I'm afraid this picture has done very little to change my opinion. Fortunately Benedict Cumberbatch as William Pitt shares many of his scenes and the scenes that he does not are shared by one of the fine supporting cast. Benedict Cumberbatch is an interesting young actor worth keeping an eye on. This is another picture that I think suffered for the choice of the lead actor. A more charismatic lead might have given us a passion to further explore William Wilberforce. As it was the character when right out of my head the moment anyone else came on the scene.

I had several issues with the screenplay which spooned up exposition like a particularly odious medicine with characters walking around relating things that might have been better served on screen. I also found the cinematography and atmosphere more in line with a high-end production from the BBC rather than a theatrical release. The pacing repetitious as the principles tried over and over to abolish slavery without success. I missed the tension of the build up of near successes might have given to a climax where they finally succeed and the non-linear story-telling only exacerbated the issue.

Rufus’ role is a small one but fully realized as we've come to expect from him. He creates a portrait of a gentle man coloured with eccentricities who has a cause and yearns to be a partner to a better world.

One of his very first scenes is a dinner party--the scene with the shackles so widely shown-- the compassion on Clackson's face while he makes his plea is heartrending. It's Rufus at his best (as much of this film is) emotionally raw and allowing us a stolen peek into the horrors in his soul.

There is a lovely scene a bit later on in which Wilberforce is taking the measure of a coffin because, as he tells us that is the size of the berth allowed the slaves as they are brought from Africa. It's another one of my favorite type of Rufus scenes with the genuine surprise and delight at his surprise and sorrow at what his friend is doing all mingle across his features to express more clearly than any words what he's feeling.

One last scene (there are quite a few others but if I describe them all it will take away the fun of discovery) Clarkson strolls through a late summer field carrying a baby in his arms. He's reciting a poem for the child who is barely old enough to hold his head up. He tells the child he has no idea what it means but he was made to memorize it and the child will likely do so as well. The interaction with the child is lovely and whimsical, tender and sweet, and deeply protective. It's a glorious scene that tells us more about the man Clarkson than anything written in the script or dialog. As he smiles at the child, he's interrupted by Wilberforce who comes over the hill and tells him he is needed back in London. "Bollocks" He mutters under his breath and begins the trudge back home-a mixture of regret and anticipation written across his features. This scene could be no longer than 90 seconds and it's so full it's breath-taking.

Magical. Every time I think he can't possibly do better he does. He's a very high bright point in this often depressing unfulfilled picture.

Oh yes, and one more thing that must have pleased him beyond measure: he spends most of the picture looking like the south end of a north-bound mule.

maxx~

Well I did get to see AG last night! OH MY GOSH!

There wasn't a dry eye in the theater by the time the bagpipes played! You could hear sniffles everywhere!

I thought AG was done beautifully. There was the hint of religion, but I never felt hit over the head with it. I never felt "preached" to at all. I think they told this story very well. And as much as I loved the whole film, it was all the little moments that made it work for me. Wilberforce shown strung out on laudanum, his makeup was incredible! His first time on the slave ship, Newton mopping the floor, Newton arriving in Parliament for that final vote, Clarkson with the baby, Clarkson showing up in Parliament and Lord Tarleton realizing something was afoot! The walk in the garden with Wilberforce and Barbara. Clarkson and Wilberforce riding the horse right up to William Pitt as he is golfing! So many moments that just made the film perfect!

I walked away amazed at the story I had just seen, I was completely drawn in to it, completely mesmerized by it. Ioan did a fantastic job! He blew me away actually! Rufus was his usual "done-to-perfection" self as Thomas Clarkson......he could have easily over-acted in this role, but he didn't......he kept it very subdued, yet he was able to convey that Clarkson was passionate about this cause and a bit odd! It was (which is so normal for him) as if he actually BECAME Clarkson, inhabited Clarkson and wasn't just portraying him. I have to say I love the way Ruf just melds into his characters so completely!