Incredibly moving

Rating: Null/10 (29 March 2004)

This movie shows you the strength of the human spirit throughout any obstacle. I'm a HUGE fan of Djimon Hounsou and he was truly magnificent in this film. You just felt his presence and resonating strength. Morgan Freeman was awesome as well and my hat goes off to Matthew's conviction in this film. It's not often that films like this get recognized, but they need to be. It was heartwrenching to see the horrible conditions of the ships and just the sheer cruelty of the slave traders. The intense violence was similar to Passion of the Christ, but not as gruesome. The point still got across though. It was great to see this true story being told. It hurts to see, but it's apart of U.S. history like this stupid movie that's coming out soon called the ALAMO is. I've got issues with that, but that's another commentary. This movie is beautiful cinematically and the actors are to be highly praised. This topic is not easy to portray. These people had to reach deep down inside themselves and their issues with society to tap into the deep resevoir of emotions this film needed. Djimon handled his character's sense of frustration, confusion, and impotence to the situation very well. I felt his emotions and that was necessary to watch the film. You can't help but become angry and happy that justice was attained. We need more movies like this if we're going to show historical movies. There's been a whitewashing of history and it needs to stop. Everyone's side should be told and not what the audience or Hollywood is comfortable seeing. We need the past to assess the future and this film shows that in abundance. It's sad that it wasn't more recognized (gee, what a surprise) and I truly think it was some of Stielberg's best work.