well-made despite being overlooked

Rating: Null/10 (13 February 2002)

Compelling and gut-wrenching true story of La Amistad, a Spanish slave ship that riveted the nation when its "crew" revolted against oppression and ended up in the U.S. Supreme Court creating heated controversy over the meaning of liberty and property. An impressive historical picture from director Spielberg with a powerful and moving performance by Hounsou, an exceptional supporting cast, and some of the most truly graphic slave ship scenes imaginable. Difficult to watch, to say the least, but it's a gripping, poignant, and overlooked drama about freedom and insurrection, and sheds light on a relatively unknown piece of American history. ***