“Amistad” is a historical drama film directed by Steven Spielberg and written by David Franzoni. The story is based on the true events of the Amistad case of 1839, in which a group of African slaves rebelled against their captors and took control of the ship they were on. The film follows the legal battle that ensued, as the slaves are charged with mutiny and murder, and their fate is debated by politicians, lawyers, and activists.
Review:
“Amistad” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that addresses the issue of slavery and human rights. Spielberg’s direction is masterful, and the film’s attention to historical detail is impressive. The performances by the cast, particularly Djimon Hounsou as the lead slave, are exceptional and convey the emotional weight of the story. The movie is also notable for its portrayal of the legal system and the debates over the morality of slavery, which make it both a compelling legal drama and a historical epic.
Awards:
“Amistad” received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Supporting Actor for Anthony Hopkins, Best Original Dramatic Score for John Williams, Best Cinematography, and Best Costume Design. It also received numerous other nominations and awards, including the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Motion Picture.
Popularity:
“Amistad” was well-received by audiences and critics upon its release in 1997. The film’s depiction of the horrors of slavery and the triumph of human dignity resonated with viewers, and it remains a popular and influential film to this day. The movie’s historical accuracy and attention to detail have also made it a valuable resource for educators teaching about slavery and civil rights. Overall, “Amistad” is a powerful and essential film that continues to have an impact on audiences and society.
Directed by | Steven Spielberg |
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Produced by | Debbie Allen, Steven Spielberg, Colin Wilson |
Written by | David Franzoni |
Starring | Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, Nigel Hawthorne, David Paymer, Pete Postlethwaite, Stellan Skarsgård, |
Music by | John Williams |
Cinematography | Janusz Kamiński |
Edited by | Michael Kahn |
Production company |
Amblin Entertainment (uncredited) HBO Pictures |
Distributed by | DreamWorks Pictures |
Release date | December 10, 1997 |
Running time | 154 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English Mende Spanish Portuguese |
Budget | $36 million |
Box office | $44.2 million |