AMISTAD (1997)

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: David Franzoni
Studio: DreamWorks SKG
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Anthony Hopkins, Matthew McConaughey
Rated: R

About the film:
The Amistad is a slave ship which, in 1839, saw its “cargo” revolt against their captors. Upon reaching land, the Africans are arrested and must stand trial for murder. Former president John Quincy Adams is persuaded to represent them in court.

Movie Quote:
“The natural state of mankind is instead – and I know this is a controversial idea – is freedom… is freedom. And the proof is the length to which a man, woman or child will go to regain it once taken.”
John Quincy Adams (Anthony Hopkins) in Amistad (1997)

Bible Quote:
“And for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.”
Ephesians 2:1-2 (NIV)

Commentary:
The opinions, as stated by John Quincy Adams in the film Amistad, are eloquent and, in their own context, correct. Adams was speaking to the subject of slavery. He was addressing the morally offensive practice of men subjecting (by force) other men to bondage.

Our interest, however, also extends to the spiritual realities of life. Spiritually speaking, the natural state of man is the opposite of freedom. Ever since the fall of Adam, man has been born into this world without the benefit of a spiritual connection to God. From the moment we take our first breath, we are legally bound to the whims of the god of this world – otherwise known as the devil. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

It was for this reason that the son of God was sent to earth. What he, through his sacrifice, accomplished was to set at liberty all those who choose to accept him as Lord and believe that God raised him from the dead.

So at the risk of disagreeing with former president John Quincy Adams, freedom is not our “natural state.” It is however, our supernatural state. It is a right dearly won for us by our savior and given to us freely by our heavenly Father.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What is the scriptural definition of “slavery” and how does it apply or compare to the slavery we see in this film?

2. During the course of the film, John Quincy Adams states that the trial will be settled because “whoever tells the best story wins.” What is wrong with this philosophy and how do we protect ourselves against it?