Extremely worthwhile for the historical perspective, IMO

Rating: 8/10 (21 July 2012)

This tells the story of potential African slaves, the cargo on "Amistad," a Spanish sailing ship, who revolted (1839) and ended up in American jails and courts. -- Will they be hung for killing their captors? -- Or 'property' that will be returned to their purchasers? The film traces their journey from Africa through various US courts and their outcomes that often intermixed with the looming domestic political issue, a sleeping gorilla: that of 1840s pre-Civil War slavery in the U.S. south.
The scenes in Africa and shipboard of the treatment of captured slaves have some unsettling ("R" rated) cruelty. But "Amistad" is largely a drama of historical courtroom events (IMO, grossly accurate with exceptions that will be minor to many, major to a few).
Hopkins (as a lawyer, the former president, John Quincy Adams) got a deserved Oscar nomination for his supporting role. Freeman plays quite well a wholly invented, minor role (as a former slave & successful businessman in the 1840s North--who you trying to kid, Spielberg?!?!). McConaughey does a great job as the initial lawyer representing the Africans. Hounsu, as the captive African chief, is also very good.
This film provides a fascinating U.S. history lesson brought very much alive. Wikipedia has several articles pertinent to this: see both "Amistad" (for the film, related places, writings, actual events, etc.) and also "Tecora" (the Portuguese slave ship which took the Africans to Cuba); these help those who are interested to distinguish much of who, where & when this film captures or distorts historical truths. See also the "Did You Know?" section on IMDb's "Amistad" main page; this covers some points not in the Wikipedia articles.
I was extremely glad I saw this film for the knowledge gained despite its sometimes dramatized departures from utter truths.