AMAZING GRACE — ** 1/2 — Ioan Gruffudd, Romola Garai, Rufus Sewell; rated PG (violence, racial epithets, brief drugs, mild profanity, vulgarity).

In terms of performances, "Amazing Grace" is more wasteful than graceful. This fact-based historical drama uses venerable actors Albert Finney and Michael Gambon only part of the time, while it gives the lion's share of the work to the considerably less interesting, younger actors Ioan Gruffudd and Romola Garai.

It's clear that the filmmakers believe a movie about political debate has to have a lot of speechifying. Consequently, it's so talky that it gradually loses our interest, which is a real shame.

Still, the powerful subject matter — which deals with the African slave trade — may be enough to make the film worthwhile for some audiences.

Gruffudd ("Fantastic Four") stars as William Wilberforce, the son of a merchant who became a mover-and-shaker in the British Parliament, where he served from 1780-1825.

In this version of events, the idealistic young politician seeks to have slavery abolished, but he encounters fierce opposition from his fellow lords and others.

Still, he continues to push the issue. He draws inspiration from his friend John Newton (Finney), a former slave-ship captain seeking redemption. (Newton is credited with writing the words of the hymn "Amazing Grace.")

The approach taken by veteran director Michael Apted and screenwriter Steven Knight ("Dirty Pretty Things") makes this promising material less interesting than it should be. One scene of parliamentary arguing is fine. Two are all right. More than that is pushing it.

It doesn't help that Gruffudd isn't fiery enough to be convincing as Wilberforce. That's why seasoned pros such as Gambon, Finney and Ciaran Hinds are welcome — that is, when they're given screentime. (And Rufus Sewell is fine, despite the ridiculous hair he's forced to wear.)

Also, the obligatory romance subplot really drags things down. Garai ("Scoop") is a dull presence at best.

"Amazing Grace" is rated PG for scenes of violence (including an act of animal cruelty), racial slurs and mild language (religious profanity and crudity) and brief drug content (use of medicines). Running time: 118 minutes.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com