The best part of this entire drama was the representation of the enslaved Africans that had been charged with piracy and murder. What struck me most about the characters is their air of respect. I compare them to the slaves from such stories as The Color Purple. There was a distinct difference in the way they carried themselves. It was most evident to me that they were not used to being treated with such disrespect. Actually, that's what gave the film its comedic relief. During the moments of interrogation between the white men and the Africans, there is confusion caused by the language barrier. The African men all find it funny that these men just continue to talk to them, full knowing that not a word is being understood. The word idiot comes out several times.
All of these characters come together to create a cohesive work of art. Amistad is a dramatic film conveying our "basic right of all mankind...freedom." In the true spirit of giving thanks, I believe this film is quite appropriate in its time-honored message of the celebration of diversity, freedom, and friendship. The film tells us that though we may all be different on the outside, our hopes and dreams are one in the same.
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