In 1839, the revolt of Mende captives aboard a Spanish owned ship causes a major controversy in the United States when the ship is captured off the coast of Long Island. The courts must deci... Read allIn 1839, the revolt of Mende captives aboard a Spanish owned ship causes a major controversy in the United States when the ship is captured off the coast of Long Island. The courts must decide whether the Mende are slaves or legally free.In 1839, the revolt of Mende captives aboard a Spanish owned ship causes a major controversy in the United States when the ship is captured off the coast of Long Island. The courts must decide whether the Mende are slaves or legally free.
- Nominated for 4 Oscars
- 11 wins & 44 nominations total
- Lieutenant Meade
- (as Darren Burrows)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaSir Anthony Hopkins astounded the crew by delivering the entire seven-page courtroom speech in a single take. Steven Spielberg was so in awe, he couldn't bring himself to call him Tony, and insisted on addressing him as Sir Anthony throughout the shoot.
- GoofsMartin Van Buren was never photographed while in office, and in 1839 photography was extremely new technology and not widespread. The first president to be photographed while in office was Van Buren's immediate successor William Henry Harrison in March 1841. Van Buren was photographed in 1845, well after he had left office, but he was not wearing a sash as depicted in the movie. Former Presidents John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson were also photographed that same year.
- Quotes
John Quincy Adams: [to the Court] This man is black. We can all see that. But can we also see as easily that which is equally true: that he is the only true hero in this room? Now, if he were white, he wouldn't be standing before this court fighting for his life. If he were white and his enslavers were British, he wouldn't be standing, so heavy the weight of the medals and honors we would bestow upon him. Songs would be written about him. The great authors of our times would fill books about him. His story would be told and retold, in our classrooms. Our children, because we would make sure of it, would know his name as well as they know Patrick Henry's. Yet, if the South is right, what are we to do with that embarrassing, annoying document, The Declaration of Independence? What of its conceits? "All men created equal," "inalienable rights," "life, liberty," and so on and so forth? What on Earth are we to do with this? I have a modest suggestion.
[tears papers in half]
- Crazy creditsThe events depicted did not historically occur at Fort El Morro
- Alternate versionsThe board of film censors of Jamaica have excised the opening scenes, depicting a violent slave uprising on a ship, from all copies of the film released in Jamaican theatres.
- SoundtracksAndante From Quartet No. 2 In B Flat Major
Written by Giovanni Battista Viotti
Performed by Quartetto Aira
Courtesy of Dynamic SRL.
This movie was directed by Steven Spielberg (ET) and stars Anthony Hopkins (Silence of the Lambs), Djimon Hounsou (Blood Diamond), Matthew McConaughey (Lincoln Lawyer), Morgan Freeman (Kiss the Girls), Pete Postlethwaite (The Town) and David Paymer (Get Shorty).
The storyline for this picture is so well told. The main storyline is filled with fascinating sub plots and inner struggles. The cast is absolutely amazing and every meticulous depiction of the character and circumstance is executed to perfection. The ship scenes are intense, detailed, sad and well done. The costumes, sets and attire were detailed and fit the film to perfection. The courtroom drama elements were also well paced and as good as you'll see and the ending is and isn't rewarding at the same time.
Overall this is a brilliant period piece by Spielberg that may be a step down from The Color Purple or Schindler's List but is still a must see. I would score this an 8.5/10 and strongly recommend it.
- kevin_robbins
- Jan 28, 2022
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $36,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $44,229,441
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $4,573,523
- Dec 14, 1997
- Gross worldwide
- $44,229,441
- Runtime2 hours 35 minutes
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1