Spielberg's latest film is a historical courtroom drama. Back in 1839, a group of West Africans on their way to slavery in America, managed to revolt and seize control of the ship (La Amistad). However, instead of going back to Africa, the remaining sailors took them to America, where they were arrested for murder and piracy.
The film then becomes a courtroom drama which examines the complex moral issues surrounding the case. This produces some long speeches condemning slavery. The performances have generally been praised, although the film is unlikely to appeal to Spielberg's usual target market.
