Director: Steven Spielberg
Starring: Djimon Hounsou, Morgan Freeman and Anthony Hopkins
‘A Magnificent Masterpiece’
Not many actors have made movies which audiences value like Djimon Hounsou. Ever since his rise to fame in the 1990’s, Hounsou has become a celebrated African American icon. Whether it’s slave owners, gladiators or frustrated fathers, Hounsou has played many strong characters. Arguably, Hounsou’s finest strength as an actor has always been his bold commitment. He is one of those rare one-of-a-kind actors that has always poured his heart and soul into each role. Hounsou hasn’t ever been afraid to take risks in his career playing complicated characters which are not likeable. Through his willingness to take risks, Hounsou has become an actor which audiences value. An actor with strong commitment towards his craft, Hounsou has become a celebrated icon in entertainment. Throughout his prosperous career, Hounsou has made many memorable movies discussing commemorated themes that are definitely worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Hounsou and adore all the movies he has made in his career. However, “Amistad” is my favourite. Released in 1997, Steven Spielberg’s movie offered a powerful portrait of slavery. Packed with breathtaking production design, engaging storytelling and strong acting, it’s one of the best movies ever made about slavery. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Djimon Hounsou, who embodies the hardships that a slave goes through. Ultimately, what makes “Amistad” a historical masterpiece is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about slavery, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a powerful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. A riveting masterpiece about slavery, there are countless reasons why “Amistad” is a movie that is worth seeing.
Set in 1839, “Amistad” tells the story of a slave ship facing tragedies. Djimon Hounsou plays Cinque, a slave seeking to make his dreams in life come true. Cinque is trapped on the slave ship Amistad where he is held in confinement causing resentment. Seeking to escape dark shackles of slavery, Cinque leads an uprising in American history. However, Cinque’s hopes of escaping slavery are shattered when he is held prisoner in Connecticut causing disaster. Just when all hope seems to be lost for Cinque, he is supported by an abolitionist. Theodore Joadson (Morgan Freeman) is an impassioned abolitionist with strong views against slavery. During an era when slavery is a harsh reality, Joadson embarks upon a journey to rescue Cinque from tragedy. As all the odds become stacked against his favour, Cinque begins to wonder whether he will ever be able to escape slavery causing disaster. Enduring a dilemma, Cinque questions whether he will ever be able to evade slavery in America.
Steven Spielberg is fascinated with themes of racism. A legendary filmmaker, Spielberg has often made engaging movies about historical events that cause disaster. His Oscar-winning film “Schindler’s List” captured the Holocaust in history. With “Amistad”, however, Spielberg made his first drama about slavery. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the true story of a slave ship facing tragedies but he succeeded immensely. Through captivating cinematography, Spielberg captures a slave ship that faced tragedy. Spielberg’s effectively uses low key lighting to capture hardships that slaves in a ship are facing. For instance, low key lighting elevates the opening scene. During this frightening scene, Cinque leads his slaves on an uprising against civilians on a ship. One admires low-key lighting capturing hardships slaves are facing. Low key lighting is a tricky technique to use in movies. David Fincher’s “Se7en” suggested that low key lighting is often suited to serial killer movies. However, it works immensely in this movie. Through bold visuals, Spielberg captures the hardships that slaves go through.
Another admirable aspect of “Amistad” that merits appreciation is the production. From a technical perspective, the movie is extremely well made. Spielberg has always excelled at staging production for his films, and “Amistad” is no exception. Spielberg uses production of ships to capture slaves enduring tensions. For instance, the production of ships elevates the ship destruction scene. During this frightening scene, the Amistad ship is destroyed by a grim disaster witnessed by Cinque. One appreciates production design capturing ships that face a decline. Moreover, the musical score is superb. John Williams’ music is key to the success of the movie. It gives the movie tense atmosphere capturing the heavy burden that slaves facing tension bear. Through bold production design, Spielberg captures the lives of slaves on ships that decline.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “Amistad” is a film about slavery which is compelling. The film beautifully written, and effectively uses exposition to capture slaves facing tension. Spielberg’s greatest strength as a screenwriter is his ability to capture the lives of slaves facing tension through use of exposition. Throughout the movie, Spielberg effectively uses scenes of characters which explain events to create a compelling portrait of slavery. For instance, exposition elevates the courtroom scene. During this thoughtful scene, Roger Baldwin delivers a compelling speech in court about racism which causes tension. Using exposition, Spielberg creates a powerful portrait of slavery that audiences can easily relate to. Exposition is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator” suggested, exposition elevates medieval epics. Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” demonstrated that exposition elevates science fiction movies. Nevertheless, it works well in this film. Through a spectacular screenplay, Spielberg captures the hardships experienced by slaves that face a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Djimon Hounsou delivers one of his best career performances as Cinque. In the breakthrough role that launched his career, Hounsou proved his strength for playing emotional characters facing despair. It isn’t easy to embody a slave facing tragedy in the 19th Century but he pulls it off successfully. This is the actor unlike you have ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most unforgettable role. Hounsou has always excelled at portraying emotional characters enduring pressure, and “Amistad” showcased his main strength as an actor. With riveting expressions, he captures the angst, grief and courage of a slave seeking tj succive a traumatic era in American history. It’s a powerful performance from one of the greatest African American actors currently working today.
While the movie is mainly a stunning showcase for Djimon Hounsou, the supporting cast is also amazing and worthy of appreciation. Morgan Freeman is magnificent, capturing the determination of an abolitionist seeking to eradicate slavery causing tension. Matthew McConaughey is marvellous, bringing strong sense of authority to a lawyer that strives to defend a slave facing a painful price to pay. Lastly, Anthony Hopkins merits appreciation. As a wise lawyer with strong beliefs against slavery, he brings compassionate emotion to the movie.
Finally, “Amistad” will earn the appreciation of everyone for slaves facing tension. Unlike most movies about slavery, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses relatable themes such as freedom, racism and slavery which would resonate with everyone. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with the history of slavery to appreciate it. It delivers a profound message about slavery which would everyone. Therefore “Amistad is one of those rare of a kind movies about the slave trade which everyone will adore.
Fans of Djimon Hounsou will appreciate “Amistad” and so will movie-goers seeking heartfelt entertainment. A captivating period piece, it honours an actor that is iconic.
Nearly 30 years following the release of a groundbreaking film about a slave ship facing circumstances were frightening affecting the lives of prisoners that are deteriorating, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated actor that has built a lasting legacy earning a huge fan following for his abilities to portray compelling characters in captivating movies which are definitely without a single doubt worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 