Harriet

— “Harriet” is nicely packaged tale, particularly for those who don’t know much about Harriet Tubman’s place in American History. It tells the story well, even if somewhat traditionally and without some of the revulsion associated with the treatment of slaves that other films may include. It also seems to attribute some of Harriet’s success in bringing so many slaves to freedom to an ability—or a belief that she had the ability—to be guided by God. I’m always a little uncomfortable by such things, even if it is the history that’s been passed down. That aside, the film is easy to watch, has decent acting and pacing, and competent direction. If it’s mostly factual, and I have no reason to suspect it is not, it’s a nice addition to a growing list of decent history films and biopics focusing on black stories.

---

[2019. 125 minutes. Directed by Kasi Lemmons. Starring Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odam Jr., Joe Alwyn, and Clark Peters.]
https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/harriet-movie-review-2019