Unit 3 Extra Credit Movies

Movie Extra Credit Instuctions

Amistad. Dreamworks SKG, 1997, R. Produced and Directed by Steven Spielberg, starring Morgan Freeman, Nigel Hawthorne, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou, and Matthew McConaughey.

A powerful (and long) movie dramatizing the events surrounding an 1839 slave rebellion on the Spanish slave ship La Amistad. The movie depicts the rebellion, the landing of the ship in the U.S., and the legal battle concerning the rebellious Africans. While the movie is somewhat long, and there are a few fictional additions to the picture, it is nevertheless a moving account of the plight of both Africans and abolitionists in the mid-1800's. Beware - there is a very shocking portrayal of the slave trade and the middle passage. Get your parent's permission to watch this movie!

The Alamo. United Artists, 1960. Produced by John Wayne, starring John Wayne, Richard Widmark, and Laurence Harvey.

The legendary true story of a small band of soldiers who sacrificed their lives in hopeless combat against a massive army in order to prevent a tyrant from smashing the new Republic of Texas (John Wayne style).

Roots. American Broadcasting Company, 1977. Directed by Marvin J. Chomsky et al., starring LeVar Burton, John Amos, and Ben Vereen.

A saga of African-American life, based on Alex Haley's family history. The story revolves around Kunta Kinte, a young Africasn who is abducted from his village, sold into slavery, and taken to America. In American, his lineage continues throughout the mini-series, and his family observes notable events in U.S. history, such as the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, slave uprisings, and emancipation. Although long, this mini-series is incredibly powerful. Ask your parents about it - I am sure they will remember when it aired.

Texas. American Broadcasting Company. 1994. Directed by Richard Lang, Starring Maria Conchita Alonso, Benjamin Bratt, Fred Coffin, and Patrick Duffy.

Also known as James A. Michener's Texas, this miniseries is available at most video stores. It chronicles the political conflicts between the settlers of Mexico and the Mexican government which escalate and lead to war and Texan independence. It didn't win any awards, for obvious reasons.

From PBS Video - Andrew Jackson - Good, Evil, and the American Presidency, Africans in America, Joseph Smith, The Donner Party, The Gold Rush, Not For Ourselves Alone: The Story of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony, The U.S.- Mexican War

A&E Biography: Frederick Douglass. As a young man, he experienced the brutality of firsthand. As a leader of the abolitionist movement, he became one of America’s great voices. A truly incredible man, says Taft

A&E Biography: Andrew Jackson: A Man for the People. He earned his nickname commanding a motley army to some of the greatest victories in the War of 1812. He secured his place in history by dramatically redefining the role of the president in American government. This is a revealing portrait of America's seventh president, who lived his life according to the principle that "One man with courage makes a majority." (aetv.com)

A&E Biography: Susan B. Anthony: Rebel for Cause. For over half a century, she endured threats ridicule in her tireless quest for reform. She did not live to see the victory she helped bring about. Relive one of the most influential and important campaigns in American history, and explore the drive and devotion of the remarkable woman at its head.