Bringing to light the importance of the Underground Railroad in American History, the movie Freedom delivers a captivating true account of slavery and those who would defy the oppressors. With good performances all around, the use of music to help tell the anguish and able direction, the film is a must see. Not a film with a political agenda, Freedom shows the cooperation between races as they try to right a terrible wrong. The film has been released on DVD.
The year is 1856 and the Civil War is winding down, but not for the slaves still on the plantations of the South. They are still being held for their back breaking labor and servitude to their Plantation masters. One such family, the Woodward’s are planning an escape with the help of the Underground Railroad. In a bold move and with his friend Big Hand (Phillip Boykin), Samuel Woodward (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) rushes to free his wife Vanessa (Sharon Leal), son Jim (Aaron Bantum) and his mother Adira (Phyllis Bash) from their shackles. Just avoiding being caught, they rush into the woods in an attempt to escape. As the dogs get near, Big Hand steps up to lead the Plantation owner’s men away from the fleeing family.
In England far from the American shore, Captain John Newton (Bernhard Forcher) bids farewell to his finance to take command of the Pegasus, a slave ship owned by the wealthy slave trader Herbert Barton (Daniel Gerroll). Stopping on the shores of Gambia he takes on his load of slaves, then disembarks for Charleston, South Carolina where they will be sold. On the ship is Samuel Woodward’s great grandfather Ozias (Jubilant Sykes) a man of religious faith. It’s a voyage that will change Newton’s religious beliefs and racial state of mind forever.
The flight of the Woodward’s is the beginning of a dangerous race to freedom. A chain of white abolitionist men and women risk their lives to help run the Underground Railroad, because they know the meaning of humanity in the face of tyranny. Director Peter Cousens tells it like it was showing the chances and hazards in helping slaves escape their masters with the treat of death. Delivering the true account of the Woodward’s, Cousens shows the suffering, unflinching desire for freedom in the face of certain death and the acceptance that their saviors can be trusted. For John Newton, it’s a leap of faith and the realization that all people have a right to set their own destiny.
The film has a very good musical sound track with several songs that even today are sung in church and on the stage. Memorable tunes that include “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” and “Motherless Child” are both sung by Sung by Jubilant Sykes. Showcased are musical renditions and song of “Amazing Grace” written by John Newton upon his return to England from Charleston in the 1700s. In the film the song is performed by Lesley Garrett and The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. In one scene Cuba Gooding Jr. sings a heartfelt rendition of the song as well.
Freedom has been rated R by the MPAA for some violence. The film also contains graphic brutality in the form of beating slaves with cane poles. There is also a scene of a hanging. Even thou the film is historical, the violence and scenes of peril may be too much for immature children.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Freedom has a heartfelt story that must be seen. (B)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Cuba Gooding Jr., William Sadler, Sharon Leal, David Rasche
Director: Peter Cousens
Writer: Timothy A. Chey
MPAA Rating: R for some violence. Also contains a graphic brutality
Genre: Historical Drama, Biography, Music
Running Time: 1 hr. 35 min.
Original Theatrical Release Date: April 5, 2015
Video Release Date: July 14, 2015
Language: English
Reviewed Format: DVD
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: Widescreen Aspect Ratio 2.35:1
Subtitles: CC
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: ARC Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
