Watching ‘Amistad’, a 1997 historical drama, directed by Steven Spielberg, has been one of the most thought provoking and impressionable moments of my life as a law student. As a fresh player into the turf of the law school, like my fellow-mates, I was also grappling with the nuances of ethics, morality and justice. It is at this juncture, one of my professors, introduced us to this intriguing piece of art, which every student of law must watch.
‘Amistad,’ delves into the complex intersection of law and literature by recounting the true story of the 1839 mutiny aboard the slave ship La Amistad. The narrative focuses on the ensuing legal battle when the ship, carrying enslaved Africans, is captured off the coast of Long Island, leading to a significant case that reaches the U.S. Supreme Court. The film, featuring powerful performances by actors like Djimon Hounsou and Anthony Hopkins, uses this historical event to explore deeper themes of justice, morality, and the human condition.
From the perspective of law and cinema, ‘Amistad’ serves as an impactful example of how legal narratives can be woven into a compelling story that reflects and critiques societal values. The film immerses viewers in the 19th-century American legal system, revealing the complexities and contradictions inherent in the law’s treatment of slavery. The courtroom scenes are meticulously crafted to highlight the rhetorical strategies and moral arguments employed by the characters, particularly one of the characters, John Quincy Adams. Adams’ articulative speeches in the defense of the Africans are not only legal arguments but also profound moral appeals, demonstrating the power of oratory in the pursuit of justice.
I found ‘Amistad’ to be a powerful illustration of how legal battles drive social change. The film portrays the Amistad case as a landmark event in the broader struggle against slavery, showing how legal decisions can have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate outcome. The struggle for social change and the legal conflict has been humanized by the depiction of the enslaved Africans’ plight, particularly through character of Cinqué. Cinqué humanizes the legal conflict, turning abstract legal principles into a tangible fight for freedom and dignity. What I found particularly intriguing was the true portrayal about real people and their lives, which added depth to the movie.
My learned professor was immaculate in teaching us about the relationship between law and morality and the critical questions raised through this film. At the middle of the movie, one begins to understand that the justices in the film grapple with whether to interpret the law strictly based on existing statutes and precedents or to consider broader moral principles. This tension between legal positivism and natural law is central to the film’s narrative, reflecting ongoing debates in legal philosophy. The movie also talks about the foundation of legal authority and the role of ethical considerations in judicial decision-making. The film’s stark portrayal of slavery provides a striking reminder of the brutality and inhumanity. By focusing on the personal stories of the enslaved Africans, ‘Amistad’ brings a human face to the legal issues, making the abstract principles of justice and freedom more immediate and compelling. The narrative effectively uses the historical context to engage with contemporary issues of human rights and the ongoing legacy of slavery.
In my humble opinion, watching ‘Amistad’ can spark discussions and debates among law students about the interpretation of the law, the role of the judiciary, and the balance between legal rules and moral principles. To this day, I find this movie, to be an outstanding example of an inspirational story about the fight for justice against overwhelming odds.
*Ms. Shruti Chaturvedi is an Assistant Professor of Law at School of Law, UPES.
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