AG in NZ....

So glad to hear how much you loved the movie. I haven't gone to one so many times since I saw the original Star Wars and loved it each time. GG

The Amazing Grace of Freedom
I bought the book, the Amazing Grace of Freedom as this has some photos and other bits from the movie. Producer Ken Wales has a whole chapter in the beginning, so I will put a couple fo things here. Book details are - ISBN 13: 978-0-89221-673-4 ISBN-10: 0-89221-673-5 Library of Congress cat #: 2006937538 publisher - New Leaf Press, Jan 2007; the book was printed in the USA other details at www.newleafpress.netRRP: USD19.99, I paid NZD29.99 Ken Wales - "The actors were equally pleased with our directorial choice. After filming Amazing Grace, Ioan Gruffudd, who plays William Wilberforce, praised (Michael)Apted. "He is one of the best directors I've worked with, well prepared, with confidence in the actors, the script, and the crew. Every day we knew exactly what we were doing and that inspires actors and gives them confidence to do their best work." KW - Casting Wilberforce ... Exceptional casting director, Nona Gold, suggested Welsh actor ian Gruffudd play the role, the decision to hire him was unanimous! KW goes on to say that Ioan "possessed all the characteristics needed to play wilberforce, and was hire immediately." KW then talks about becoming acquainted with Ioan in Hornblower and that he was outstanding in this role and his performance alone proved that he could play Wilberforce with passionand perfection. He also speaks about Ioan in the F4 franchise saying, through that perfomance I identified many more qualities that proved to me he was out Wilberforce. Ioan explains what attracted him to the role. "It was a comgination of the director, the script, and the story. Adding, "It's rare to find all three of such a high standard in the same project. I was convinced that I could play this role and that I'd be skillfully guided by Michael Apted." Ioan also has a quote on the page - "I'd like the film to show that standing up for your rights takes courage and will reap rewards in the long run." Ioan goes on to say that he knew little about William Wilberforce before being cast for the role, but he read extensively to prepare for the role. He said "I found William Wilberforce to be a likeable man, constantly conflicted between his faith and work in Parliament, but at his core he was a humanitarian, filled with compassion and courage. At only 5'4" he had a towering presence and an incredible voice." more tomorrow with a picture!!

Thanks for typing some very interesting snippets from the Amazing Grace of Freedom, Marian. It was very kind of you.

Thanks, Marian. I'm always interested in why casting directors pick the people they do. I look forward to reading more snippets. FloMo

Marian ~ I enjoyed reading the quotes you typed from the book. Thanks!!

Thankyou for the snippets Marian it was interesting and enjoyable to read.

Thankyou, marian :hug I'll bet this was a very interesting project to work on!

Re: The Amazing Grace of Freedom
Ioan also has a quote on the page - "I'd like the film to show that standing up for your rights takes courage and will reap rewards in the long run." :plotting

Yes, Sylvaine, I felt very sad when I read that given the :censored that has been going on. One of my personal mottos comes from the book of psalms and, to paraphrase, exhorts people to speak up the those with no voice. I'll bring my Bible tomorrow and type the verse in. :blush2: Sadly, that is one of the bad things about not having a working pc at home. Favourite Scenes Ioan Gruffudd describes one of his favourite scenes. "William Wilberforce sings 'Amazing Grace' in a gentleman's club in a very aggressive manner to show his peers who he is and what he stands for. It's very a startling image and an arresting moement in the film." Also: - affirming Nina Gold's fine work (casting), Ioan Gruffudd accurately describes the importance of casting: "It really bolsters up a project when every role is casst so brilliantly." My personal favourite scene was any interchange that Wilberforce had with his butler. Teaching with humour!! Always gets the messaage across. My economics lecturer at the moment does it all the time and it does get the message home. More on Ioan by these people. Ken Wales: Ioan's exceptional charm, and wit made him a splendid and authentic Wilberforce. He bought the necessary passion to the role, which was no easy task, especially considering how absorbed Wilberforce was in the call that God had for his life. I believe you wil find Ioan Gruffudd's performance in the movie is truely passionate and superb. Michael Gambon (he shares Ioan's enthusiasm over his fellow cast members) and says "I knew Ioan's work. He's young, intelligent, and handsome, and I enjoy working with him."

Re: The Amazing Grace of Freedom
Ioan also has a quote on the page - "I'd like the film to show that standing up for your rights takes courage and will reap rewards in the long run." :plotting Says it all, doesn't it, Sylviane? Srange thing is, I think Ioan truly believes what he's saying each time (maybe that's his next role - Jekyll and Hyde! :plotting )

Re: The Amazing Grace of Freedom
Thanks for the further snippets, Marian. Srange thing is, I think Ioan truly believes what he's saying each time (maybe that's his next role - Jekyll and Hyde! :plotting ) I agree. I guess it proves how difficult it is to put principles into practice, no matter how earnestly you believe in them (if ifs and buts were candy and nuts, we'd all have a merry Christmas :wink: ).

Hi Frances, I had never heard that rhyme about the "ifs and buts" before------I really like that one!

Thanks so much Marian for taking the time to share all that great info with us!! I really appreciate it!! :) --Sarah

In his play 'Saint Joan' (i think it was) George Bernard Shaw says "If ifs and ans were pots and pans, we'd have no need for tinkers." I've always liked this line. :cool:

Both those quotes are great and oh so true. Marian thanks for posting the snippets. GG

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