In the days when slavery was a common part of the commerce of the Western powers, there were not many who were willing to oppose it. William Wilberforce was one of the few who were able to go steadfastly against the tide and especially against the interests of those for whom their own benefit was superior to the value of human life.

Wilberforce comes to the mansion of his friend and colleague to recuperate. He and his wife try to set him up with a certain young lady, which initially pisses them both off, but eventually, after a few more encounters, culminates in her being, as they say, a hand up his sleeve. But the important thing is that they both get along very well, have the same views, share the same values and become each other’s support system.

Wilberforce is constantly plagued by certain health problems and to alleviate them he takes Laudanum, which contains opium. After a while, however, he stops, perhaps because he is aware that it can lead to serious addiction. It is also one of the demonstrations of his strong will and principled nature.

The next act is interspersed with endless debates from the British Parliament of the time, at the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries. However, as one might think at first glance, the debates of MPs are not always dull. Not only is there intelligent humour in the dialogues, but also a number of profound thoughts and statements.

The film also shows how Wilberforce was captivated by the splendour and sophistication of God’s creation. At some stage in his political career, when he was still single, Wilberforce begins to consider taking up a spiritual vocation. Eventually, also on the advice of his supporters, he decides to do both: serve God and remain involved in politics.

Thomas Clarkson, like Wilberforce, is committed to black rights. He encourages Wilberforce to proceed to use more militant means as well. He disagrees, however, and his proposals for revolution are firmly rejected. Wilberforce realizes that achieving a better society through violent revolution is a utopia.

Wilberforce tries in various ways to empathise with the suffering of black people and wants other parliamentary colleagues to have that experience. Wilberforce believes that all men are equal before God. That’s why, for example, he locks himself in a chest that is roughly the size of what a slave would have been when he was transported. He devises a plan to make the dead smell wafting from the slave ship smell of more MPs and their wives as they cruise through the harbour together.

The main idea of the film is the perseverance and indomitable will of the main character. The protagonist and his supporters are an example of respect for the dignity of man and placing man at the top of the value scale. In contrast, they are opposed by corrupt MPs who are primarily concerned with their own interests and therefore have no problem using and sacrificing other people for these purposes.

It is shown how principled and steadfast stand for a good cause can change other people’s minds as well. Achieving the abolition of slavery seemed impossible for several decades. Thanks to Wilberforce’s determination, the impossible is becoming a reality.

Parents Guide: Wilberforce’s future wife’s corset, all too accentuating her breasts.

Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Gambon, Romola Garai, Albert Finney, Ciarán Hinds, Rufus Sewell, Toby Jones, Nicholas Farrell, Stephen Campbell Moore, Bill Paterson, Jeremy Swift, Benedict Cumberbatch, Nicholas Woodeson

Crew: Michael Apted

USA / Great Britain, 2006

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