Amistad

The film is full of those modern touches that make it so typical of movies of the late 1990's. Subtitles are used as the slaves speak in their own language and the Spanish crews speak in theirs. This adds an authenticity to the story. In contrast, another 1990s touch that detracts from its authenticity is that the slaves all look as if their well-muscled bodies were toned in modern gyms.

The scenes of the Africans on the slave ship are the most moving that I have ever seen filmed. The chains are heavy and real, the terror and despair excruciating, the entire ordeal brought to the screen in horrifying detail. Contrasted to this are the Americans in Connecticut, doing their best to create this new country. There are abolitionists spouting moral values, lawyers debating whether the Africans are slaves or free people because of details of law, and an international treaty with Spain that is rife with politics.

The video is three hours long, which could have been trimmed by at least an hour. The speeches get a little pompous sometimes and go on much longer than they need to. Morgan Freeman plays a role that has obviously been written in to show that there were some wealthy free blacks in that era, a role which should have been either expanded or eliminated.

Although not perfect, this video should be seen. Sometimes it's easy to forget how young the United States actually is and how rooted in the past our politics are. Armistad certain deepens our understanding of this heritage and enlightens us about some unpleasant truths. Truths that we, as a people, need to look at.


Beautifully acted and filmed   August 13, 2005
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

This movie was vastly underrated when it was released. It was one of the best films of 1997, and the incredible Morgan Freeman gives one of his best performances. Anchored by sensitive performances by two great actors, Freeman and Anthony Hopkins, it is one of Spielburg's best films. Amistad is a powerful film without seeming false or manipulative in any way. The film may not be completely historically accurate, but it is an important film. The scenes where some of the slaves are thrown overboard the ship to lighten the load are very difficult to watch and are inappropriate for children. Otherwise, it is a good film for parents to watch and discuss with older children.


POWERFUL   October 24, 2006
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

All criticism aside, one of the most powerful statements against slavery and man's inhumanity towards his fellow man. It seems that when it comes to slavery and America's shameful past, we try to ignore that it ever happened. Too few films have portrayed the slave trade or the continued illegal slave trade, such as that of Spain's, that was still taking place then. No one wants to be reminded of that dark past, but we tend to stand tall concerning other issues, "lest we forget". And yes, Cinque was a man without a language in this foreign land, like any of us would have been. Hats off to Mr. Spielberg, for one of his most powerful works to date.


Well meaning historical drama   November 3, 2006
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

The wills of an 11-year-old girl (Isabella 2 of Spain) battled the US Congress while the British emancipated captured slaves near Africa. Based on one of the earliest international court battles after the British Empire ended slavery whilst the Americans and Spanish were still working it out. Simplified but it may inspire some to read up on the deeper historical facts of the case.