Review of Amistad (1997) by Andy A — 26 Mar 2008

While it is perhaps a cut-and-dry courtroom piece, it pulls the right punches and thus achieves its goals: to entertain and draw forth the proper responses. To dismiss the film's formulaic structure and characters would be very restrictive, if not narrow-minded about how one chooses to enjoy movies-- it would totally disregarding the power of the images and subject matter captured here.

Cinematographer Janusz Kaminksi (better known for SPR) and the always masterful John Williams both provide strong supportive elements for Amistad and should not be overlooked. We also begin to see the usage of images at the hands of the director in ways that become apparent in his future films (such as Schindler's List or Munich) That said, while the film is not quite as nuanced as these other films, it wields what little it is given to work with and forges a solid social-problem flick worthy of at least a single viewing if not more, especially for Spielberg fans.