5.0 out of 5 stars
Two Emotionally Charged Greats From Spielberg, May 16, 2006
This review is from: Saving Private Ryan & Amistad (DVD)
Two films that will never get old are offered in one fabulous package. Both directed by Steven Spielberg, they are films that will touch you on many levels, and are films that stand up to many repeated viewings as well.
Saving Private Ryan"...
The year 1998 was a great year for films. We saw Some wonderful English period pieces, including Academy Award Winner "Shakespeare in Love", deep and thought provoking films such as the moving "Affliction", and two WWII films, although very different, both beautiful examples of fine filmmaking honoring the heroes of WWII. "The Thin Red Line" was one of those beautiful pieces of filmmaking, the other "Saving Private Ryan".Both received several nods from "Oscar" with SPR garnering 5 statues including a Best Director for Steven Spielberg(and well deserved).
"Saving Private Ryan" is a very moving story. A mother is about to receive notification from the government that 3 of her 4 sons have been killed in action in Europe(I get a lump in my throat just thinking about that part). A rescue squad risks their own lives to go behind enemy lines in search of the fourth and youngest son to relieve him of his duty and spare his mother another tragedy.
Director Steven Spileberg, along with a cast that couldn't be any better, including the likes of Tom Hanks,Tom Sizemore and Matt Damon, put us right there in midst this dangerous mission. The horrors of the WWII are depicted, quite graphically, as never before, and we really come to a true appreciation of what heroes are fathers, grandfathers, brothers, and husbands were. Not only that but we can't help but to become close to these guys, and feel all the emotions that they are going through.
It is a film that will take it's toll on you emotionally, and one that will stay with you for quite sometime after the view.
The music(John Williams)is hauntingly perfect and the photography(Janusz Kaminski)exquisite.
This is a film that has a deep effect on me no matter how many times I view it. It is a cinematic treasure, a beautiful tribute to our heroes of WWII, and one that should be viewed by every generation to come.
"Amistad"...
Based on actual events, Steven Spielberg and Debbie Allen collaborate to bring us one of the many heart wrenching stories of the plight of Africans,during the illegal slave trade of the 1800's.
A group of African people who were brutally dragged from their villages are being transported for slave trade. Only knowing that they are chained and mistreated one man,breaks loose and leads a rebellion against the ship's crew. In order to ensure their own freedom they must take the lives of their captors. They are discovered in American waters, and a trial ensues as to the question of murder.
It becomes an international case. Everybody from the queen of Spain to the owners of the ship "Amistad" are claiming ownership of these men and women. Being pre-civil war, the abolitionists are also making a case for their freedom.This is a case that could lead America one step closer to Civil War.
One property lawyer who has never worked on a case of this proportion, takes on the task of trying to prove that these are not plantation slaves,but citizens of Africa taken by force and did what they needed to do to be free, as any American would do the same. His task is a difficult one,but as the tragic story of these people unfolds he is able to put on his defense. They also get some help from the ex-president John Quincy Adams,whose eloquence puts the Declaration of Independence to the test.
This is a magnificent piece of cinema in all respects. Spielberg brings to our attention yet another important piece of history that was cruel and inhuman,one of American history that we were hardly aware of.It is an epic film that will wash over you with several different emotions, and you will want to watch it again and again.
No big introduction needed for most of the cast who seemed perfectly fitted to their roles. Matthew McConaughey outstanding as the lawyer, Sir Anthony Hopkins is brilliant as Adams, Morgan Freeman and Stellan Skarsgard are totally believable as the abolitionists,and Pete Postlethwaite perfect as the lawyer for the prosecution. Also in a sterling performance is Djimon Housnsou as Cinque, the spokesperson for the Africans. His portrayal of the enslaved man who only wants his freedom will captivate you.I must also make mention of Nigel Hawthorn and David Paymer for their wonderful performances.The cinematography is breathtaking. The music scored by John Williams and especially the African music will stay with you long after the movie. You will also be impressed with the costume designs. The film was nominated for four Academy awards,including one for Best Supporting for Hopkins.
Two emotionally charged pieces of cinema, from a great Director, that would be an essential part of any film library.
Enjoy...Laurie
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