Amistad

Steven Spielberg, 1997 (152 mins, Cert. 15)

Steven Spielberg directs Anthony Hopkins, Morgan Freeman, Peter Postlethwaite and Nigel Hawthorne in the story of the Spanish slave ship Amistad, and the 53 Africans who took over the boat and were tried for mutiny in Connecticut in 1839. As with Schindler's List, Spielberg has taken a true story surrounding a profound issue and produced an epic, captivating work.
(Barbican publicity)

A wonderfully powerful, involving, and moving film! Committed acting and assured direction make watching this beautifully-made film a marvelous experience. The story is told, and its wider implications stressed, in direct fashion with great clarity and highly believeable characterisation. The commanding presence and great dignity of the leader of the Africans is especially notable. Truly classy stuff!
(Steve Fagg)

Seen: Monday, 2nd March, 1998 (Barbican 1)