Amistad
Based on a true story, the movie chronicles the incredible journey of a group of enslaved Africans who overtake their captor's ship and attempt to return to their beloved homeland. When the ship, La Amistad, is seized, these captives are brought to the United States where they are charged with murder and await their fate in prison. An enthralling battle ensues that captures the attention of the entire nation, confronting the very foundation of the American justice system. But for the men and women on trial, it is simply a fight for the basic right of all mankind...freedom.
Member Reviews
Excellent story, poorly told. But a subtle and righteous film with a host of fine performances - moviemonger
Fact-based story of the 1839 revolt by Africans on the slaveship Amistad and their subsequent trial when they are taken on American soil.
Although not as masterful as Schindler's List, Amistad is nevertheless a gripping motion picture. Thematically rich, impeccably crafted, and intellectually stimulating, the only area where this movie falls a little short is in its emotional impact. Watching Schindler's List was a powerful, almost spiritual, experience. Spielberg pulled us into the narrative, absorbed us in the drama, then finally let us go, exhausted and shattered, three-plus hours later. Aspects of the movie have stayed with me ever since. Amistad, while a fine example of film making, is not as transcendent. Amistad does not adhere rigorously to the actual account, most of the basic facts are in order. Several, mostly minor changes have been made to enhance the film's dramatic force. On the whole, while Amistad may not be faithful to all of the details of the situation, it is true to the spirit and meaning of what transpired. At its heart, Amistad is a tale of human courage. Amistad's presentation of the legal and political intricacies surrounding the trial are fascinating, making this movie one of the most engrossing courtroom dramas in recent history.Bravery, compassion, hope - CanCinephile
Amistad functions very well for what it is, but one can’t help but feel a certain degree of cynicism towards the end as the victory is more for the men and not overall for the cause. While this is not the fault of Spielberg or the film, it does demonstrate the overall scope of the narrative and how the removal of one piece of the puzzle exposes that there is still a lot of work to do in terms of the subject matter. Spielberg’s Amistad does not attempt to show how slavery was combated. It attempts to show how the hearts of men can do wondrous things in moments of corruption, fear, and danger. It’s about bravery, compassion, and hope. History is left to play out the remainder.One fabulous movie! - eleanorm
What an incredible movie this is! I was told by a friend that it's
"hard to take," and on one level it is -- the slave ships, the brutal treatment, the political bickering with lives at stake -- definitely hard to take. But the story is so complex that at the end I couldn't tell why I was crying -- relief that the Africans were released, stunned by the superb performance of Hopkins and the actor who played Cinque, or the over all intelligence with which all the elements were woven together by Spielberg. For those who are inclined to blame Americans for being "slavers," this is a movie to see and understand; for anyone interested in political history, ditto; and for anyone interested in good acting and great story- telling, definitely a movie to see.
Member Reviews
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Excellent story, poorly told. But a subtle and righteous film with a host of fine performances - moviemonger
Fact-based story of the 1839 revolt by Africans on the slaveship Amistad and their subsequent trial when they are taken on American soil.
Although not as masterful as Schindler's List, Amistad is nevertheless a gripping motion picture. Thematically rich, ...Bravery, compassion, hope - CanCinephile
Amistad functions very well for what it is, but one can’t help but feel a certain degree of cynicism towards the end as the victory is more for the men and not overall for the cause. While this is not the fault of Spielberg or the film, it does demonstrate ...One fabulous movie! - eleanorm
What an incredible movie this is! I was told by a friend that it's
"hard to take," and on one level it is -- the slave ships, the brutal treatment, the political bickering with lives at stake -- definitely hard to take. But the story is so complex that ...