critical review of Amistad

Rating: 8/10 (31 May 2005)

What is freedom? Is it the absence of slavery? Is freedom rational self-determination, as the Stoics believe? I would define "freedom" as a state of being in which actions lack consequences or the lack of accountability for actions; it is neither an achievable nor a desirable abstraction in the real world. Absolute freedom is absolute slavery. Living in a "free" country does not make one free. Every day each of us is bound by what we do  nothing we do lacks a consequence. Even the ideals of "Freedom of Speech and Presses" et al are only attempts at creating a society that is "free." The Portuguese crew of the Amistad came from "free" countries, yet they were not free; they mistreated the slaves, as all slavers did during the 18th and 19th century, not realizing that the slaves might revolt. The movie accurately portrays the setting of this historical event, but devalues freedom to be simply the rational choices made without external coercion. The "Amistad," directed by Steven Spielberg, dramatically recounts the slave revolt on a Portuguese slave ship and the ensuing debate over their freedom. The slaves overpower the crew of La Amistad, killing all but the navigators. By day, they force the navigators to sail towards Africa, but at night, the navigators sail towards the United States. The ship is captured by an American Naval boat and taken to America where the slaves must go to court to determine their slave hood or freedom. The incident occurs in 1839, as America is grappling with the issue of freedom: what freedom actually is and the extent to which it is granted. At a time of national division over the whole idea of slavery, the Supreme Court has to determine whether the slaves on the Amistad are free or not. If they are, they would be allowed to do what they wish, go back to Africa or stay in this new foreign land where they do not speak the language. In this court decision lies not only the "freedom" of slaves, but also a greater freedom for the whole nation. Slavery enslaves the slaver more than the slave. Steven Spielberg has a realistic interpretation of the events on La Amistad. The movie triumphs in its portrayal of the conflict, the pervading attitude of the times towards the issue of slavery, and the effect of the court decision on this group of Africans. Though lacking somewhat in the overarching effects in a society of slavery, Steven Spielberg uses the symbolic nature of this court decision to illuminate the greater implications of "freedom." When portraying the slave conditions in slaver ships and the desperateness of the Africans to be free, Steven Spielberg is completely accurate. The gory battle scene, especially where the African leader, straining to express hatred towards his enslavement, bitterly impales the captain, provides a true look at the other side of slavery. While portraying the attitude of the Americans, Steven Spielberg overlooks the greater evil of slavery: those who enslave others degrade themselves and all of humanity. As John Donne said, "No man is an island, entire in himself; every man is a piece of the continent"  "any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; and, therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee." I would substitute slavery for death, for the difference is little; a slave dies to his free will and his ability to reason. Therefore, in a sense, a slave is free, for he is not accountable for his actions. Finally, with this group of Africans, Steven Spielberg provides a symbol: a symbol of the triumph of truth. In the end truth rings loudest in the hearts of the judges, resounding in the hearts of the American people. This is the greatest strength of the movie. I found this movie to be quite educational, for enjoyable is not quite the applicable word. To see visually what books do not do justice to is moving. Moving - that I feel the pain those Africans went through. Moving - that I feel a consciousness to the depth of freedom. Moving - that I feel bell tolling for me.