Underrated, to Say the Least

Rating: Null/10 (3 July 2004)

Some people actually dismissed this film as racist, and others like to minimize the history of whites enslaving blacks by pointing out that Africans sold one another into slavery... as this film shows.
Sadly, these people just don't get it. For one thing, it really doesn't matter who enslaved these people: it was immoral for anyone to take part in dehumanizing others. As far as being a racist movie, that is completely absurd. Though this film has some inaccuracies, it is necessary and important because it tells the bigger story of "you enrich me; I enrich you."
One of the most symbolic moments of cultural enriching in the movie is when Baldwin has to tell Cinque that they have to try the case again. Cinque is enraged by this because he does not understand the American system of appellate courts, and he believes Baldwin has lied to him. Through a translator, Baldwin tries to say "I should have said..." but the translator tells him he cannot translate this because there is no word in the Mende language for "should." "You either do something or you don't do it." While this comment is meant to be funny, it serves as a reminder that no culture has all the answers. Previous films on slavery have too often depicted whites as "I'm here to save these poor, unfortunate people. They need me to fight for them." It is refreshing that this film does not display that condescending, subtly racist attitude. While it is possible that such an attitude may have been present in the real story, it is healing to see something different here.
"Amistad" shows a moment in the 244 years of African slavery where blacks fought back and won, with the help of white and black abolitionists. In the end, people of different cultures and languages work together for righteous good. Please see this movie.