This movie resonated with me on so many levels.
Too often in war-time films there is all action, and no character development. I found myself strongly invested in the wellbeing of several characters. The friendship and bond portrayed between RJ Cyler and Gerran Howell was so natural and well-played. On the flip-side, I was ready to jump into the screen and maul Ewen Bremner, who was a fantastic heartless villain.
In an atmosphere with so many agendas, I was intrigued that this film was 12 years in the making - meaning it was conceived long before racial tensions became consistently on the forefront of our headlines. Perhaps because of this, the movie did not feel preachy, nor did it seem to follow an agenda of any political party or group. It (I think fairly accurately) portrayed the horrors and inhumanities of slavery along with the bravery of those aiding slaves to escape in civil war time. It then left the viewer think about what that meant then, and what that means now. Beautifully done.
Lastly, the scenery was great. I was ready to book a ticket to Arkansas just to swim in the rivers, and walk through some of the forests this was shot in. Superbly done.
I look forward with anticipation for future films produced Brett Smith, along with other films with Cyler or Howell. I was shocked to see this was Smith's first major production. Bravo.
Too often in war-time films there is all action, and no character development. I found myself strongly invested in the wellbeing of several characters. The friendship and bond portrayed between RJ Cyler and Gerran Howell was so natural and well-played. On the flip-side, I was ready to jump into the screen and maul Ewen Bremner, who was a fantastic heartless villain.
In an atmosphere with so many agendas, I was intrigued that this film was 12 years in the making - meaning it was conceived long before racial tensions became consistently on the forefront of our headlines. Perhaps because of this, the movie did not feel preachy, nor did it seem to follow an agenda of any political party or group. It (I think fairly accurately) portrayed the horrors and inhumanities of slavery along with the bravery of those aiding slaves to escape in civil war time. It then left the viewer think about what that meant then, and what that means now. Beautifully done.
Lastly, the scenery was great. I was ready to book a ticket to Arkansas just to swim in the rivers, and walk through some of the forests this was shot in. Superbly done.
I look forward with anticipation for future films produced Brett Smith, along with other films with Cyler or Howell. I was shocked to see this was Smith's first major production. Bravo.