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Quotes of Movie: Amistad [1997]
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Now, you understand you're going to the Supreme Court. Do you know why? Ens. Covey: [translating for Cinque] It is the place where they finally kill us. This man is black. We can all see that. But, can we also see as easily, that which is equally true? That he is the only true hero in this room. Now, if he were white, he wouldn't be standing before this court fighting for his life. If he were white and his enslavers were British, he wouldn't be standing, so heavy the weight of the medals and honors we would bestow upon him. Songs would be written about him. The great authors of our times would fill books about him. His story would be told and retold in our classrooms. Our children, because we would make sure of it, would know his name as well as they know Patrick Henry's. Yet, if the South is right, what are we to do with that embarrassing, annoying document, The Declaration of Independence? What of its conceits? "All men created equal," "inalienable rights," "life, liberty," and so on and so forth? What on Earth are we to do with this? I have a modest suggestion. [tears papers in half] [in Mende] What kind of a land is this where you almost mean what you say? Where laws almost work? Give us, us free. Give us, us free. Give us, us free. Give us, us free. Give us, us free. | |
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We've come to understand that who we are is who we were. James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington... John Adams. We've long resisted asking you for guidance. Perhaps we have feared in doing so we might acknowledge that our individuality which we so, so revere is not entirely our own. Perhaps we've feared an appeal to you might be taken for weakness. But, we've come to understand, finally, that this is not so. We understand now, we've been made to understand, and to embrace the understanding... that who we are *is* who we were. We desperately need your strength and wisdom to triumph over our fears, our prejudices, ourselves. Give us the courage to do what is right. And if it means civil war? Then let it come. And when it does, may it be, finally, the last battle of the American Revolution. Whoever tells the best story wins. They may be of more value to our cause in death than in life. Well, gentlemen, I must say I differ with the keen minds of the South and with our President, who apparently shares their views, offering that 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. He will break loose his chains. He will decimate his enemies. He will try and try and try, against all odds, against all prejudices, to get home. The only thing John Quincy Adams will be remembered for is his middle name. Fala: [in Mende] Who are they, do you think? [the abolitionists kneel to pray] Joseph Cinque: [in Mende] Looks like they are going to be sick. Abolitionists: [singing] Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound... Fala: [in Mende] They're entertainers! Abolitionists: [singing] ... that saved a wretch like me... Joseph Cinque: [in Mende] But why do they look so miserable? Captain Fitzgerald: Fire. Fire. Fire. Take a letter, Ensign. To His Honor, the United States Secretary of State, Mr. John Forsyth. My dear Mr. Forsyth, it is my great pleasure to inform you that you are, in fact, correct. The slave fortress in Sierra Leone does not exist. Queen Isabella: ¡Qué bonita! Captain Fitzerald, please explain to us your primary duties in Her Majesty's Navy. Captain Fitzgerald: To patrol the Ivory Coast for slave ships. Baldwin: Because? Captain Fitzgerald: Because slavery is banned in British law, sir. Baldwin: Yet the abduction of freemen from the British Protectorate of Sierra Leone and their illegal transportation to the New World, as described by Cinque, is not unheard of, is it? Captain Fitzgerald: Not even unusual, regrettably. Cinque describes the cold-blooded murder of a significant portion of the prisoners on board the Tecora. Mr Holabird sees this as a paradox. Do you, sir? Captain Fitzgerald: Often when slavers are intercepted, or believe they may be, they simply throw all their prisoners over board and thereby rid themselves of the evidence of their crime. Baldwin: Drown hundreds of people? Captain Fitzgerald: Yes. Holabird: It hardly seems a lucrative business to me, this slave trading. Going to all that trouble, rounding everyone up, only to throw them all overboard. Captain Fitzgerald: No, its very lucrative. Baldwin: If only we could corroborate Cinque's story with evidence of some kind. Captain Fitzgerald: The inventory. If you look, you'll see a note on May 10th reducing the number of prisoners by 50. Baldwin: What does that mean to you? Captain Fitzgerald: Well, if you read in conjunction with Cinque's testimoney I would say that it means this. That the crew of the Tecora, seriously underestimating the provisions needed, solved the problem by throwing 50 prisoners overboard. I am looking at the same inventory, Captain, and I am sorry, I don't see where it says, 'Today we threw 50 prisoners overboard', on May 10th or any other day. Captain Fitzgerald: As, of course, you would not. Holabird: I do see that the cargo weight changed. They reduced the poundage, I see. But that is all. Captain Fitzgerald: It's simple, ghastly arithmetic. Holabird: Well, for you, perhaps. I may need a quill and parchment, and a better imagination. Captain Fitzgerald: And what do you think the poundage may refer to, sir? A mast and sails perhaps? Joseph Cinque: Thank you. Baldwin | |
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