Steven Spielberg’s emphatic historical drama.
Set during pre-abolition America, Amistad is the name of a slave ship which becomes the centre of a defining moment in history.
On its way to Spain carrying a boat load of African slaves, the Amistad is taken over by the slaves, who violently overthrow their oppressors, and seek to return to their homeland. However, the ship is discovered by an American boat, who bring the Amistad back with them. Once back in America, a trial quickly turns to chaos as rivalling concerns fight for the rights to the slaves and the boat, all with compelling cases. What ensues is a moral and physical battle which not only concerns the freedom of these slaves, but also the future for America.
Riveting and gut-wrenching, Spielberg tackles the complex issues at work here with a superb genius. Delicately outlining the themes, whilst letting the characters embrace the battle, allowing the audience to be sucked into the drama without it feeling like a History Channel documentary. The cast of African slaves work well to portray the demeaning horrors of racial inequality, whilst offering a shining example of humanity in places.
Moments on the slave ship are pure horror, even to this weathered reviewer, whereby the cruelty inflicted upon these African captives seems unimaginable.
If you like compelling dramas with historical significance, Amistad will give you this in abundance, whilst offering up some great performances from the likes of Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins and Matthew McConaughey.
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