Spielberg avoids COLOR PURPLE trap with powerful drama

Rating: 9/10 (15 February 1999)

When he directed THE COLOR PURPLE in 1985, Spielberg was accused, rightly I thought, for simplifying the subject matter, and many raised the suitability for him directing movies about the African-American experience. This film should put those doubts to rest. It's a worthy and powerful film, although it should be said there are flaws. Morgan Freeman is wasted as an abolitionist, and there are some scenes which don't come off (the "give us free" scene, for example). Also, this is an enormously complex tale, and sometimes it seems too complex for Spielberg.
Still, those flaws, for the most part, pale beside the power of the film. Particularly the opening sequence when the slaves are captured, which ranks with the storming of the ghetto in SCHINDLER'S LIST and the D-Day sequence in SAVING PRIVATE RYAN as Spielberg's most powerful sequences on film. Although most of the film is a courtroom drama, it never feels slowed down or like a TV movie of the week, because Spielberg doesn't always go for the easy answer. Many were not fans of Matthew McConaughey's performance, but not only did I like him here, I also liked how his character was portrayed, as you don't think to find a character as pragmatic as his is in a tale like this. Of course, the real stars here are Hounsou and Hopkins, and they both deliver the goods. While I'm glad Hopkins was nominated for an Oscar, I wish Hounsou had been as well; he's magnetic and a very good actor. All in all, a good film which deserved better, and it doesn't come off as a history lesson.