It touches me, plain and simple

Rating: 10/10 (5 August 2000)

I'm no expert on moviemaking or what separates a good movie from a brilliant one; this particular film just gets to me every time I watch it. On so many levels I feel that tug on my heart, and that feeling of pure awe that comes over me when I am swept away by a tale of such magnitude as that of the Amistad Africans. This movie is a reminder of not only the true atrocities of our human nature, but of the ultimate perseverance of our humanity, of what makes us who we are, of a spirit that is unheard, yet undiminished. It is a saddening, yet powerful experience for me.
That Djimon Hounsou didn't get nominated for every award on the planet, including the most recognized Academy Award baffles me. His performance in this film is the most dynamic portrayal of any role I have ever seen. Breathtakingly powerful. I don't know of any other performance in my lifetime that even comes close. His dedication to the role is enough to garner my unwavering admiration. He learned Mende, Cinque's spoken tongue, for the film, and when listening to him speak, he does it with such a superb natural timing that it is hard to imagine it isn't the language he grew up withe. That is talent, plain and simple. The supporting cast, as well, is superb. Anthony Hopkins completely transforms into his character until there is nothing of him left, except for his abilities. Morgan Freeman may just be the most talented actor on the planet. He never fails to give a less than stellar performance, and his role in Amistad is flawless. Although, I believe his character should have been more vital to the story and less of a supporting player. He was criminally underutilized. That fact is my only grievance with the movie. The rest I find impeccable. The rest of the cast, Stellan Skarsgard, Nigel Hawthorne, Jeremy Northam, Razaaq Adoti, Anna Paquin, Pete Postlethwaite, and even Matthew McConaughey, all play out there roles with a defining authenticity that I find lacking in many recent historical dramas. Bringing a true story to life means disaster for some films, but this one does a remarkable job of remaining a good film behind the historical facts it is based on.
There are two particular scenes in the film that bring me to tears every time I see them: the first is one where Cinque is telling John Quincy Adams of his ancestors. The second is probably the most beautifully scripted speech in recent history, and Hopkin's delivery is graceful and eloquent, near perfection. This movie may not have all the right elements to make it a critical success, but it has what it takes to affect my way of thinking, my outlook on life, and my hope that the human spirit will always remain unconquerable, will always triumph over those who would deny it freedom.