A young woman named Araminta Ross (Harriet Tubman, later) is lying on the ground, having flashbacks about her past. She is a slave with a mean master. Despite loving her family, she makes a plan to escape and eventually free all slaves. At some point, she calls herself “Harriet Tubman.”
The movie was pretty interesting. The cruel master, Gideon Brodess, looked and sounded a lot like the mini cowboy figurine in the Night at the Museum films. But he is not.
Anyway, while Harriet was a decent film with some possible changes to what really happened, unfortunately, certain parts were too historically accurate. Those include things like the use of the N-word, something you would think wouldn’t be allowed today, and a purely evil master.
Also, there are weapons used by the figures to get what they want. That also isn’t a good example for today. I also disliked the child-slaves had to groom Gideon’s kids, such as brushing his daughter’s hair.
Regardless of that, the way Harriet handles her confidence was done well. She also really supported her family and would even sacrifice her desires to save them.
I also found it interesting that the slaves didn’t have to wear black to a funeral, and especially when Gideon’s wife would sing along with the slaves. When his children are tied up, his wife just gasps.
She seems clueless in the scenes she is in. But she doesn’t receive a lot of screen time, nor does she have much development. Yet, that doesn’t come off as a surprise for me.
What matters more was Harriet’s confidence, determination, and doing everything she can do help abolish slavery. She also has a sweet relationship with her husband, and when they bond.
Overall, I rate this film 3.5 out of 5 stars. While I was kind of familiar with the events revolving around Harriet Tubman (I did learn about her in school), the movie also didn’t engage me fully.
Would I recommend this? Maybe. I got very uncomfortable with the racism and how the slaves were treated, even if it’s historically accurate. But there were some good morals and examples set, as well.