Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY -- We live in a unique period in world history where the concept of human rights is valued highly and considered, in the Western world at least, to be the sine qua non of modern societies. Rarely in history, however, has the concept of freedom been so taken for granted as it is today. It is therefore extremely important to remember the struggles of those who fought so valiantly for the cause of freedom.
The following list offers five films that portray this important human struggle. In watching these films, we can better appreciate those liberties we enjoy that we so often do not think about and help us to remember that others throughout history have rarely been as fortunate as we.
Directed by Peter H. Hunt and written by high school history teacher Sherman Edwards, “1776” (1972, PG), is a stirring retelling of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. A musical, the film at times comes off as hokey but nevertheless manages to accurately portray the crucial men and issues of the day. One walks away from this film with a greater appreciation of just how difficult it was for Americans to take the leap and create a new nation in spite of overwhelming odds.
“Spartacus” (1960, PG-13), is one of Stanley Kubrick's many masterpieces. Based on Howard Fast's novel of the same name, “Spartacus” tells the real life story of a Roman gladiator who led a slave revolt against the ancient republic. Played by a young Kirk Douglas, Spartacus fights not only for his own freedom but those he loves as well. The final sequence, in which every slave proclaims “I'm Spartacus” is among the most stirring in motion picture history.
Michael Apted's film “Amazing Grace” (2006, PG), is the emotionally powerful tale of William Wilberforce, the crusading British politician who fought to end the slave trade in the United Kingdom. Though faced with rigid resistance from the British establishment, Wilberforce's resolve and determination to end the vile institution sets him on a 20-year journey to reach his goal. This is a wonderful film that reminds us that one man with a righteous cause can make a difference.
The slave trade in America is the subject of Stephen Spielberg's “Amistad” (1997, R), which details the legal battle for freedom of several Africans who had been abducted from their homeland and taken by slave traders. After the slaves mutiny and take over their ship, they land on the shores of the United States where they are quickly put on trial to determine their status.
Anthony Hopkins brilliantly portrays former President John Quincy Adams, who agrees to defend the Africans in spite of the odds against them. This film is a heartbreaking portrayal of a time when men and women were being treated as property, and the brave voices that rose up to challenge that evil notion.
Albert Finney offers an amazing portrait of Winston Churchill in HBO's “The Gathering Storm” (2002, NR). Directed by Richard Loncraine and set in the decade prior to World War II, “The Gathering Storm” details Churchill in the political wilderness of Parliament, with few friends and little credibility. Despite the British establishment's desire for good relations with Nazi Germany, Churchill is a lone voice of reason warning the world of the dangers of Adolf Hitler and the certainty of coming war. This film is a tribute to a man who spoke the truth when it wasn't politically convenient and helped to prepare his nation for its crucial role in World War II.
Cody K. Carlson holds an MA in history from the University of Utah and currently teaches at Salt Lake Community College. He is also the co-developer of the "History Challenge" iPhone/iPad apps. ckcarlson76@gmail.com
