Cinque was a real leader of the Mende captives who revolted on the Amistad. The film accurately portrays his strength and determination in fighting for his freedom.

John Quincy Adams was a real former U.S. President who argued the Amistad case before the Supreme Court. The film depicts his role accurately, including his arguments based on natural law and human rights.

Roger Sherman Baldwin was a real lawyer who defended the Amistad captives. The film accurately depicts his efforts in the legal battle.

Theodore Joadson was a real person who played a key role in translating for the Mende-speaking captives and helping them communicate their story.

While Judge Coglin is a somewhat composite character, he represents the various judges who presided over the Amistad cases. The film accurately depicts the legal proceedings and the challenges faced by the captives in the American court system.

The film portrays President Martin Van Buren as primarily concerned with political expediency, which may be an oversimplification of his motivations.

The film depicts the historical revolt aboard the Spanish slave ship La Amistad, where enslaved Africans, led by Sengbe Pieh (Joseph Cinqué), seized control.

The Amistad was eventually captured off the coast of Long Island, New York, leading to the legal battle for the freedom of the enslaved people.

The film portrays the complex legal proceedings, including the involvement of abolitionists, the Spanish government's claim, and the U.S. government's position.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Amistad captives, granting them their freedom and the right to return to Africa.

The film portrays Cinqué as a courageous and determined leader, which aligns with historical accounts.

The film highlights the efforts of abolitionists like Lewis Tappan and Roger Baldwin in advocating for the Amistad captives.

The Spanish government claimed ownership of the Amistad and its cargo, including the enslaved Africans.

The film effectively captures the tension and drama of the courtroom scenes, highlighting the legal arguments and moral dilemmas.

The film explores the moral complexities of slavery and the legal system's struggle to reconcile property rights with human rights.

While some of the Amistad captives did return to Africa, the film simplifies the challenges and complexities of their repatriation.

The film highlights the initial communication difficulties between the Mende-speaking captives and the Americans.

The film portrays the cultural differences between the Africans and the Americans, including their contrasting views on freedom and justice.