Ships of Slaves: The Middle Passage (1997 TV Movie) User Reviews

Poor sound editing overshadowed important narration,

[teensylittle · 6/10 · 3 July 2022]

The documentary itself is rated an 8 for our home schooling. Putting aside technical issues, for those interested in sharing that part of history that can no longer be named, content is well done. As always parents should preview and be prepared to discuss difficult subjects. Yes, history is sometimes shameful. No one alive today participated in slavery, and owning our past societal failings to live up to our American ideals must help to ensure our children do. Ms Allen soft narration in particular, is constantly overwhelmed by flutes and drums and other musical instruments. Resorted to closed captioning.

Uncomfortable subjects confronted unflinchingly

[jimweaver-92225 · 10/10 · 16 October 2022]

I can't imagine how the other review says that 'sound editing' is a reason to rate this documentary poorly. There aren't any times that 'flutes and drums' overwhelm anything.

There is, though, a clear, and unflinching, narrative that explains the horrors that people who were forced into slavery experienced. There are definitely verbal punctuations to highlight the suffering of those who were enslaved. There are unflinching depictions of the horrors that enslaved people endured.

I cannot understand, at all, the idea that close captioning could be required to do anything but shield people from the emotional impact of the film. And this emotional impact is important; I don't believe we should shield ourselves from the horrors inflicted upon those who came to America, even if we were not personally involved. That story should be felt.