“As lightning flashes, you see a man in chains, trying desperately to pull out a nail from the ground he stands on. His hands bleed until finally, he pulls it out. He puts it into the keyhole of his chains and frees himself and others around him. They all take axes and machetes from a crate. They find the entrance and jump out onto a deck. At this point it is evident that they are on board a sailing ship in a terrible storm. The crew is asleep as the prisoners begin their attack. In a matter of moments, they massacre all the crew. Screams of anger and pain are heard all over. When all is done the crew is dead except for two members. The prisoners seize control of the ship and, in their native language, demand to be taken back to Africa. It appears to be all over, but this story is barely getting started. For this is the story of “Amistad,” Steven Spielberg’s latest film.
Without a doubt this film will touch people and teach us just how horrible slavery really was. The film is based on the little-known, true story of the Amistad Africans. I certainly never learned about it in my history class.
The story begins in 1839. African villagers are kidnapped and taken onboard the Tecora, a Portuguese slave ship. Weeks later, after many of the prisoners have died and all have suffered horribly, they have been sold as slaves and taken aboard the Amistad. After the revolt, the African rebels try to go back to Africa, but sail off course and are captured in New England. In 1840, the Africans must stand trial for the murder of the crew.
The story of Amistad is brought to life by a talented cast of actors. Morgan Freeman stars as abolitionist Theodore Joadson, who searches for someone to represent the accused Africans. Djimon Housou plays the leader of the Africans who stand accused. It is Matthew McConaughey that plays the young lawyer, Roger Baldwin, who boldly takes the case and defends the Amistad Africans against all odds. It’s interesting to hear the legal arguments he uses in their defense. Lastly, Anthony Hopkins gives a stunning performance as the former U.S. President John Quincy Adams, who ultimately helps Roger Baldwin in the defense of the Amistad Africans.
There is much that we can learn from our past. “Amistad” is a story of a people who lost their freedom but fought back and regained it. It is time for this story to be heard by all.”
