A Definitie Must See!

Rating: 10/10 (13 March 2010)

Steven Spielberg's Amistad is one of those forgotten films. A film that actually details a fairly important event in American history that is typically glossed over in the history books.
The film relays the tale of the ship, La Amistad way back in the 1830s. While on its journey towards the Americas, the ship, which was carrying countless illegal slaves (because the slave trade had already been disbanded), was the site of a bloody slave revolt. Of course, the United States could not let this insurrection pass and they hold a full on trial to decide the fate of the slaves, and all that is there to defend the slaves is one abolitionist's determination and a young real estate lawyer who team together to try and free the slaves.
The film is a solid entry into Spielberg's filmography; while it lacks the gut punch of some of his more popular works, it still is a beautifully told story with marvelous performances. Anthony Hopkins shines as John Quincy Adams, Morgan Freeman is his usual charming self as the abolitonist fighting for the slaves, but Matthew McConaughey surprisingly delivers as the real estate lawyer defending the slaves, and Djimon Honsou is spectacular as Cinque, the inadvertent leader of the slave insurrection. These four performances form the foundation for this film, and without any one of these actors, I don't think the film would have been the same.
Now, Amistad is a far more political film than say Schindler's List, though it is less graphic, so it makes up where it lacks. Amistad is more interested in the legal proceedings of the slaves rather than showing more about how the slaves were rounded up and shackled upon ships. The few scenes we get though of their tragic journey across the Atlantic is heartwrenching to watch, but ultimately adds that extra layer that is needed in order for you to actually feel anything when injustice is slapped against these innocent slaves who just want to return to their homes in Africa. The courtroom scenes are all handled with fine precision, and it is here that the core of the film lies.
Spielberg has not really made a film about slavery, but more about the justice system in the United States at this period. Now, take from that what you will, but I was satisfied as to how the legal proceedings played out and I think it makes it different than just about any other film on the subject of slavery. What is evident here in Amistad though is Spielberg's usual energy and charm, and that is what takes it that final step. No one can manipulate the emotions or tug on the heartstrings quite like Spielberg, he is a pupeteer, and a master at that. He does not overplay the emotional scenes. He creates an ethereal beauty that ensnares you within and when Cinque learns how to say, "Set us free," in English, it is the stand-out moment of the film that would not have been the same had it been done by any other director.
I give Amistad a 10 out of 10!