Amistad

Amistad

Year: 1997

Runtime: 155 min

Language: English

Director: Steven Spielberg

DramaHistoryMystery

In this powerful drama based on a true story, a group of African slaves being transported on the ship La Amistad mutiny and seize control. Their journey brings them to America, where their fight for freedom sparks a national debate about slavery, justice, and the core values of American society. The ensuing legal battles and moral complexities challenge the nation's understanding of human rights and the legacy of the slave trade.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Amistad yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Amistad (1997)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Amistad (1997). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1830s

The 1830s were marked by escalating tensions over slavery in the United States, with increased advocacy for abolition. During this time, legal battles and moral dilemmas regarding human rights began to surface, leading to significant court cases like that of La Amistad. The period also witnessed international movements to end the slave trade in countries like Great Britain and the United States.

Location

La Amistad, Sierra Leone, Cuba, Washington D.C.

La Amistad is a ship that becomes the backdrop for a brutal struggle for freedom. Sierra Leone is the homeland of the Africans captured and sold into slavery, known for its rich history and consequential role in the slave trade. Cuba represents the place where they were held as slaves and serves as the starting point for their revolt. Washington D.C. is pivotal, as it is the center of political power where debates over slavery and justice unfold.

🌊 Ocean 🇸🇱 Africa 🇨🇺 Caribbean 🇺🇸 USA

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:49

Main Characters – Amistad (1997)

Meet the key characters of Amistad (1997), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Cinque

Cinque, formerly known as Sengbe Pieh, is a brave and determined leader among the captured Africans. His courage inspires his fellow captives to revolt against their enslavers aboard La Amistad. Cinque navigates the complexities of his identity as both a slave and a free man, driving the narrative forward with his compelling quest for justice.

👤 Leader ✊ Freedom Fighter 🗣️ Survivor

Roger Sherman Baldwin (Matthew McConaughey)

Roger Sherman Baldwin is a property law expert who champions the cause of the Africans in their legal battle for freedom. He is depicted as passionate and dedicated but often struggles with the legal constraints surrounding the case. Baldwin's character captures the tumultuous journey of awakening to the severity of slavery and fighting for human rights.

⚖️ Lawyer ✊ Advocate 💡 Intellectual

John Quincy Adams

John Quincy Adams is portrayed as an influential former president and passionate abolitionist. Despite his complicated feelings about slavery, he uses his position to advocate for the freedom of the Africans. Adams' character embodies the moral struggle within the political landscape regarding human rights and justice.

🇺🇸 Statesman ⚖️ Abolitionist 📜 Historian

Theodore Joadson

Theodore Joadson is a freed slave and passionate activist who fights for the Africans' rights. He represents the voices of those impacted by slavery, advocating for justice both in court and on the streets. His character highlights the significant contributions of formerly enslaved individuals in the abolitionist movement.

✊ Activist 🗣️ Advocate 💪 Freedom Fighter

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:49

Major Themes – Amistad (1997)

Explore the central themes of Amistad (1997), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The pursuit of justice is a central theme in Amistad, highlighting the legal battles fought for the freedom of the Africans aboard La Amistad. Characters navigate the complexities of law and morality, seeking to overturn the injustices of slavery. The film examines the repercussions of a society grappling with legal definitions of humanity and ownership.

✊ Rebellion

The theme of rebellion is vividly portrayed through the courageous actions of Cinque and his fellow captives as they revolt against their oppressors. This act of defiance against slavery serves as a powerful symbol of hope and resistance. The film explores the lengths to which individuals will go to reclaim their freedom and dignity.

🌍 Identity

Identity plays a crucial role in the story, reflecting the struggles of the Africans as they fight to reclaim their past and heritage. The language barrier symbolizes the deeper disconnect from their roots. Through the character of Cinque, the narrative emphasizes the importance of cultural identity and the trauma of enslavement.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:49

Unlock the Full Story of Amistad

Don't stop at just watching — explore Amistad in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Amistad is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Amistad Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Amistad, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Amistad Summary

Amistad Timeline

Track the full timeline of Amistad with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Amistad Timeline

More About Amistad

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Amistad: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Amistad

Similar Movies to Amistad

Discover movies like Amistad that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.