The film “Amistad” – A story of slavery and freedom
1. Introduction
The film “Amistad” is a story of slavery and the events that transpired on the high seas, as well as the journey to the United Kingdom and Africa. The film stars Morgan Freeman, Nigel Hawthorne, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou, and Matthew McConaughey. The film was directed by Steven Spielberg and was released in 1997.
2. The events that transpired on the high seas
The film begins with a group of slaves being auctioned off in Havana, Cuba in 1839. Among the slaves is a young boy named Cinque, who is from Mende, Africa. Cinque and the other slaves are then put aboard the ship La Amistad, which is bound for America. However, the ship is hijacked by Cinque and the other slaves, who kill several crew members in the process.
3. The journey to the United Kingdom
After hijacking the ship, Cinque and the other slaves sail to the United States, where they are eventually captured by the U.S. Navy and taken to Connecticut. While in Connecticut, Cinque and the other slaves are put on trial for murder. However, due to a lack of evidence, they are eventually freed and allowed to return to Africa.
4. The journey to Africa
However, Cinque and the other slaves decide not to return to Africa and instead sail to Spain, where they hope to find help in getting back to their home country. However, when they arrive in Spain, they are once again captured and put on trial. This time, however, they are found guilty and sentenced to death.
5. The mutiny on board the vessel
However, before they can be executed, Cinque and the other slaves stage a mutiny on board the vessel that is taking them to their execution. They manage to take control of the vessel and sail back to Africa.
6. The trial that ensued in the United States
Once back in Africa, Cinque and the other slaves are again captured by Europeans and taken back to America, where they are put on trial yet again. This time, however, their case attracts national attention and eventually goes all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States.
In 1841, after a long legal battle, Chief Justice John Marshall ruled that the slaves were illegally taken from Africa and were therefore free men. He also ruled that they had a right to return to their home country of Africa.
7. The determination of the slaves to regained their freedom
The film “Amistad” demonstrates the determination of Cinque and the other slaves as far as regaining their freedom was concerned. Despite being captured multiple times and put on trial numerous times, they never gave up hope of returning to their home country of Africa.
8. Conclusion
The film “Amistad” is an inspiring story about slavery and freedom that is based on true events. It is a story about human endurance and resilience in the face of adversity.”