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Amistad (1997)
7.1
Ratings: 7.1/10 from 35,048 users
Metascore:
63/100
Reviews: 197 user | 121 critic | 23 from Metacritic.com About a 1839 mutiny aboard a slave ship that is traveling towards the northeastern coast of America. Much of the story involves a court-room drama about the free man who led the revolt. Director:Steven SpielbergWriter:David Franzoni |
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155 min - 
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Nominated for 4 Oscars.
Another
6 wins
&
24 nominations
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Morgan Freeman | ... |
Theodore Joadson
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| Nigel Hawthorne | ... | ||
| Anthony Hopkins | ... | ||
| Djimon Hounsou | ... |
Cinque
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| Matthew McConaughey | ... | ||
| David Paymer | ... |
Secretary John Forsyth
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| Pete Postlethwaite | ... | ||
| Stellan Skarsgård | ... | ||
| Razaaq Adoti | ... |
Yamba
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Abu Bakaar Fofanah | ... |
Fala
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| Anna Paquin | ... |
Queen Isabella
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| Tomas Milian | ... |
Calderon
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| Chiwetel Ejiofor | ... |
Ensiign Covey
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| Derrick N. Ashong | ... |
Buakei
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Geno Silva | ... |
Ruiz
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Storyline
Amistad is the name of a slave ship traveling from Cuba to the U.S. in 1839. It is carrying a cargo of Africans who have been sold into slavery in Cuba, taken on board, and chained in the cargo hold of the ship. As the ship is crossing from Cuba to the U.S., Cinque, who was a tribal leader in Africa, leads a mutiny and takes over the ship. They continue to sail, hoping to find help when they land. Instead, when they reach the United States, they are imprisoned as runaway slaves. They don't speak a word of English, and it seems like they are doomed to die for killing their captors when an abolitionist lawyer decides to take their case, arguing that they were free citizens of another country and not slaves at all. The case finally gets to the Supreme Court, where John Quincy Adams makes an impassioned and eloquent plea for their release. Written by M Parkinson, Sarasota, FL, USA
Plot Summary | Plot SynopsisTaglines:
Freedom is not given. It is our right at birth. But there are some moments when it must be taken. See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for some scenes of strong brutal violence and some related nudity See all certifications »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
(USA) See more »Also Known As:
Amistad - Das Sklavenschiff See more »Box Office
Budget:
$40,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$4,661,866 (USA) (14 December 1997) (322 Screens)Gross:
$44,175,394 (USA) (5 April 1998)Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Ruiz: [to Pedro Montes] That one wants us to sail them back. That one thinks he can sail all the way back without us.
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Traditional West African Chant
Adapted by Arthur Abraham (as Dr. Arthur Abraham) and Debbie Allen See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Denzel Washington and Cuba Gooding Jr. turned down the role of Cinque. Gooding later regretted his decision. See more »Goofs
Continuity: In the scene where Adams and Baldwin are studying books before the Supreme Court hearing, Adams is interrupted by Cinque's translator. While the translator speaks, Adams is holding a magnifying glass over the book, but when the camera angle changes he is suddenly holding a pen and writing with it. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Ruiz: [to Pedro Montes] That one wants us to sail them back. That one thinks he can sail all the way back without us.
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Crazy Credits
The events depicted did not historically occur at Fort El Morro See more »Soundtracks
"The Ladder Is Broken"Traditional West African Chant
Adapted by Arthur Abraham (as Dr. Arthur Abraham) and Debbie Allen See more »
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