Amistad (1997)

VHS CASE/ SIDE

Length of film:  155 Minutes

Rated: 15

Genre: History, Drama, Biography

Director:  Steven Spielberg

Starring: Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, Nigel Hawthorne, David Paymer, Pete Postlethwaite, Stellan Skarsgård, Razaaq Adoti

IMDB Rank: 7.3/ 10

Part 1 Time:   95 Minutes

Part 2 Time:   60 Minutes

***The DVD format can be somewhat awkward as the suggested intermission point breaks in the middle of chapter 13.

Where does the first part end? As tensions rise in the trial, Cinqué (Djimon Hounsou) abruptly stands and interrupts the proceedings.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Give us free!” shouts Cinqué.

First line of dialogue on the second part: “You don’t have to pretend to be interested in that;” states Cinqué referring to Yamba (Razaaq Adoti) reading the bible.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Somewhat, being unable to understand what is being said in the trial Cinqué makes a last ditch effort to prove his humanity. At this point the case seems to be in favour of the Mende tribesmen gaining their freedom, but the final verdict will be made by Judge Coglin (Jeremy Northam). With public opinion divided between anti slavery and pro slavery the outcome of this case will bring tensions within the United States.

Which part is better? Both parts have notable scenes with part 1 showcasing the mutiny on the La Amistad (ship), in addition to the first trial, which provides Cinqué the opportunity to testify about his abduction and the horrors of the Middle Passage. Part two sees the case brought to the Supreme Court where John Quincy Adams (Anthony Hopkins) gives a very memorable monologue. Part one is given the slight edge as the scenes depicting the Middle Passage show in detail the horrors of the slave trade.

Academy Awards: 1998- Best Supporting Actor (Nominated- Anthony Hopkins), Best Cinematography (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated), Best Music Original Dramatic Score (Nominated)

Other Awards: 1998 Golden Globes– Best Drama Picture (Nominated), Best Director- Motion Picture (Nominated), Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama Motion Picture (Nominated- Djimon Hounsou), Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture (Nominated- Anthony Hopkins)