Mr. Thompson is correct. In fact, Apted played down Wilberforce's Christian motivations. "Too preachy," he said. (I watched the interview) Wilberforce & his allies did more that just change the policy of HM Gov't; they changed society's thinking about slavery. The RN made that policy a reality.

John Schedler, Seattle, WA

There is only one real critcism to make. The media hype and the film amply demonstrates the battle in Britain for human rights. However, the whole commemoration, this film and all, totally ignores the slavery we support every day by buying cut-price clothing in our supermarkets. If you really hate slavery, especially child slavery, vote with your wallet by refusing to buy the proceeds!

Slavery isn't dead and most of you are supporting it openly!

KR, Stockport,

It surprises me that most recent observations about slavery focus on the inhumanity of the traders and/or the courage of the abolitionists when, to me, the most important consideration by far is the passive tolerance of slavery in the social status quo of the time. There was the same uncritical support for the present that forms the backbone of so much of today's politics, or lack of it. We would do well to consider whether the line of least resistance in a non-political world leads, inevitably, to pragmatic immorality, and, if so, whether this is an outcome we are prepared to accept.

Simon Stephenson, Windermere, UK

Excellent article Libby. I wonder too if part of the criticism could be that secular crtics are uncomfortable with a film with a positive take on Christian faith by showing that parliamentary abolition of slavery was at least in part down to the role of vibrant Christians like Wilberforce?

Kevin Thompson, Reading, UK

An amazingly ignorant remark from Mr Holland there. The slave trade in British ships was outlawed 200 years ago. Slavery itself persisted in the British Empire for another quarter century. And elsewhere almost to the end of the 19th century.

Laurence Eyton, Taipei, Taiwan

Actually there is more slavery now than ever

Becca, Hull,

An excellent film in every respect; how we relished the development of the campaign on its merits alone, bringing to the fore Wilberforce's character and determination and Pitts political mastery and understanding. The absence of sqeamish horror shots and the usual degradations served to enhance the enormous struggle the anti-slavers had, ultimately bringing triumph. But this was only the beginning of a long and continuing saga; Christopher Holland, you are wrong, it didn't all end 200 years ago - there are millions of slaves today in 2007 and where are the modern-day versions of Wilberforce and Pitt - certainly not in Westminster.

Ian Maitland Hume, Greenlaw, Berwickshire

Slavery ended two hundred years ago. Get over it.

Christopher Holland, Canberra, Australia

What an excellent article. I rarely read fiction or watch a film but this article tells me that here is a factual and interesting film and I shall look out for it.

Roger Sykes, Christchurch, New Zealand