History Through Films Feb 2nd thru February 12th

La Amistad: A story of enslaved led a insurrection on the slave ship" La Amistad", only to br brought to the United States instead of their Original Home in Sierra Leone Africa.

Amistad Movie Questions

1. When Cinque calls upon his ancestors to come and help him in the hearing of the Supreme Court, he states that he was "the whole reason they have existed at all." What do you think he means by this? 

2. What did the Spanish Ambassador imply when he told President Van Buren "If you cannot rule the courts, you cannot rule?" 

3. President Van Buren's answer to this was, "It's the independence of our courts that keeps us free." What do you think of this statement and does the President act on it? 

4. The abolitionists are portrayed in an unflattering light in this movie. They are seen as fanatical zealots and the Africans look at the religious singers as miserably unhappy people who only sing and pray when action is what is needed. Do you agree with these comments? Why or why not? 

5. Explain what you see the abolitionists doing in this film with the concept of "bearing witness."

6. Who acted bravely in this film? What were their courageous acts? Give 

specific examples from the film to prove your point. 

7. Do you think that the Africans on La Amistad should have dealt peacefully with their anger or did they do the ethical thing in revolting even if that meant killing most members of the crew? Be specific.