Notable Only For Anthony Hopkins' Performance

Rating: Null/10 (22 October 2002)

Set in 1839, "Amistad" follows the exploits of the slave ship, Amistad and its African captives who are being brought to America to be sold as slaves. Not wanting to be owned and not wanting their freedom to be taken away, they gradually seize control of the ship. Their acts of bloody mutiny soon land them all in court where a property attorney (Matthew McConaughey) stands in their defense. Anthony Hopkins, portraying former U.S. President turned courtroom offical John Quincy Adams gives a very credible performance and is the only bright spot in an overlong film which sometimes isn't even accurate. It's not too bad but it's not the best film to recommend if you want a quality history lesson.