Fight for freedom

Nobody wants to be a slave but there have been countless numbers of slaves in our history.  Ioan Gruffudd’s moving portrayal of William Wilberforce, a British politician and a leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade in ‘Amazing Grace’ and Gerard Butler’s powerful performance as King Leonidas in ‘300’ which is a fictionalized retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae will remind you people have been fighting for freedom for a long time.

Both of them had to fight with a small number of people.  Although both men fought passionately and supported by their beloved wives,  Leonidas’s power lay in his weapons and Wilberforce’s was political power.

Leonidas’s country was invaded by a Persian king and his army of more than one million soldiers and he led only 300 Spartans and fought against the Persians for their country, his nation and his honour.  ‘300’ is rather fictionalized than historical story and it focuses on visual and action-packed aspects.  Stylish visuals and beautifully choreographed men’s theatrical combat is a selling point.  Sometimes there are monochrome scenes with red blood and this would make it memorable for you. 

On the other hand, ‘Amazing Grace’ may contain fiction but the story flows more naturally than ‘300’.  Its portrayal of the thoughts and feelings of the characters is exquisite.  People who like human dramas such as ‘The Shawshank Redumption’ or who like costume plays will enjoy this film. 

The visual and powerful actions of ‘300’ might appeal to someone who loves fast-moving movies and who likes ‘Sin City’ which was also written by the same author, Frank Miller.  However, if, as I do, you favour something more thought-provoking and moving, then ‘Amazing Grace’ is a definite must-see.