A passionate historical epic!

Amistad is straightforwardly one of Steven Spielberg's greatest motion pictures: an uncompromising, violent history lesson that does not succumb to telling a story of one of the tiring traditional historical events such as the American Civil War, the holocaust, etc. As an alternative to these aforementioned events that have been endlessly told in Hollywood productions, Spielberg tackles a poignant and imperative true story pertaining to the abolition of slavery that had yet to be explored on film.

Set in 1839, a Spanish slave trading vessel known as 'La Amistad' is transporting African prisoners with the intention of selling them into slavery. Not prepared to meekly submit to the harsh conditions they are forced to endure, the Africans stage a violent revolt against their captors. This rebellion is lead by a passionate African named Cinque (Hounsou) whose solitary goal is to sail back home and return to his beloved family. With this objective in mind the Africans inadvertently sail into the shores of the United States. They are captured and detained as runaway slaves. Mindless legal battles between several parties begin to materialise in regards to ownership of the African slaves. These Africans cannot speak a word of English, hence clueless to their probable execution for their violent rebellion. Challenging these assertions is the abolitionist Theodore Joadson (Freeman), a former slave himself, who desires for the Africans to be released and returned to their homeland. Theodore requires a lawyer to represent his position in the courtroom. As a representative he hires property lawyer Roger Baldwin (McConaughey) who believes that he can help.

The film then becomes a fascinating drama as the trial commences and the fate of the confused Africans instigates a battle of words in a confined courtroom. Following various legal proceedings the case is then brought before the US Supreme Court. Facing defeat, Theodore and Roger consult former president and lawyer John Quincy Adams (Hopkins) for help.

Amistad is a gripping legal drama fuelled by a sublime cast. Anthony Hopkins was nominated for an Oscar as John Quincy Adams. This decision is indisputable: for each scene Hopkins features in, he is always a stand-out. The final courtroom speech delivered by Hopkins is driven by poignancy and power. Although said monologue goes for almost 10 minutes there is never a dull second. Every line is attentively thought out. Djimon Hounsou's passionate portrayal is another highlight of the movie. For about 60% of the film's duration the setting is restricted to a courtroom. It can be logically deduced that acting skills of the highest order are absolutely necessary. Hounsou is always compelling and authoritative with his character's motivations blatantly palpable. This is a focused actor who has a great career ahead of him. Recognition must also go to Morgan Freeman and Matthew McConaughey. Freeman is one of the best actors of his generation. He is outstanding! It's refreshing to see Matthew McConaughey playing a unique role. Now that he's notorious for crummy romantic comedies I was a little concerned at first. My fears dissipated very quickly. Combine a mediocre actor with a great director...the results are excellent.

The cinematography by Janusz Kaminski was also nominated for an Oscar. Similar to films like Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan, Spielberg only uses the best cinematography accessible. This gorgeous cinematography also assisted in keeping my interest during the long courtroom scenes.

An Oscar nomination was also tossed at John Williams for his admirably beautiful score. The film is topped off outstandingly with the commendable directing courtesy of Mr. Steven Spielberg.

Amistad is powerful, compelling and beautiful. Only being marred marginally by its over-length, this film is a praiseworthy historical epic from the master of modern cinema.