Another great Speilberg piece

Rating: 9/10 (19 June 2003)

While not a great lover of some of Speilberg's work it is to no doubt that he has created timeless historic classics that pay great attention to detail. 'Saving Private Ryan' is a great example of his genius but 'Amistad' has been greatly overlooked and is a fine example of how Speilberg can create a compelling story that the audience gain so much from. A cast full of many famous American and British actors are all outclassed by the performance of Djimon Hounsou who plays the main african slave named Cinque. The contrast of his extreme power and strength is parralled by the intelligence and wisdom he portrays throughout and enables the story to flow throughout. Though it seems long on paper the performances and power of the realism in the story enable the audience to be ingrossed throughout. The viewpoint from both the African slaves and the Abolitionists also adds texture to the film as does the inclusion of Anthony Hopkins as James Quincy Adams, especially his ending speech. Matthew McConaughey and Morgan Freeman are again well cast as the low level lawyer and abolitionist respectfully, though in my opinion Morgan Freeman can make poor movies credible by his acting ability. Overall a credit to Steven Spielberg and a story that though is simple, is well textured.