Steven Spielberg's debut film for DreamWorks Pictures, "Amistad," stars a distinguished cast led by Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou and Matthew McConaughey. Earning acclaim for its film making and power, Amistad was honoured with four Academy Award nominations; Best Supporting Actor (Hopkins), Best Music, Best Costume Design and Best Cinematography. 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.
Directed by
Steven Spielberg
Written by
David Franzoni
Starring
Morgan Freeman (Theodore Joadson); Nigel Hawthorne (Martin Van Buren); Anthony Hopkins (John Quincy Adams); Djimon Hounsou (Cinque); Matthew McConaughey (Baldwin); David Paymer (Secretary Forsyth); Pete Postlethwaite (Holabird); Stellan Skarsgård (Tappan); Razaaq Adoti (Yamba); Abu Bakaar Fofanah (Fala); Anna Paquin (Queen Isabella II); Tomas Milian (Calderon); Chiwetel Ejiofor (Ens. Covey). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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Another piece in the puzzle of the story of the slave trade
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
Amistad fits well alongside Amazing Grace in helping to tell the story of the slave trade - though I do believe that there are still significant pieces of the puzzle missing. In particular I think more could be done to highlight the fact that much of the wealth and comfort we enjoy today in the West is as a result of building upon the foundations of the slave trade, and in many ways, with respect to the exploitation of cheap labour to produce many of the goods we purchase, still is. Though that is another story. I thought Amistad was well produced, if a little long, but nevertheless conveyed well much of the barbaric nature of the slave trade; especially the terrible scene in which the ship off loads its 'cargo' into the sea. I also thought it was good in depicting the way that the slaves discovered Christianity - despite the fact that this was supposedly the religion of their masters, they saw in the Bible and in the lives of true Christians, the real message that Christ brings to us, and I'm glad the film included that too. Well worth watching.
