strikingly beautiful sets and costumes

Rating: 9/10 (23 March 1999)

"Amistad's" strength is in its portrayal of the horrible treatment of the Sierra Leone Africans who are illegally captured for slaves in the 19th century. The film is gilded by the strikingly beautiful sets and costumes where even "Doctor Zhivago" pales in comparison. The photography was more than stunning. However, the film is slightly marred by the somewhat empty performances by the Americans in the film who lack emotion and engaging dialogue, and the film doesn't unfold as smoothly as one would expect from a Spielberg creation. These negative elements have caused many critics to give "Amistad" only a "good" review. I feel that the film, as a whole, however, is not pulled back from excellent status to that extent. I give Amistad 9/10 (Very Good).