If you trimmed 20 minutes or so to remove some of the lingering "half-speed" sequences this could've been something more hard hitting. Instead FP focused more on presenting sequences to invoke a contemplative nature instead of giving us the story with more teeth. The film truly falters when it decides to bare them but becomes self-defeating due to writing choices made early on. Only to slump back on familiarity. The performances range from uneven to solid. I feel like FP didn't want to lean either which way in terms of storytelling and the result are actors doing their best to fall somewhere on both sides of the line. I knew nothing about this movie before I watched it and I'll likely not remember it after. The symptom of a movie that couldn't decide if it wanted to tell me something or show me something memorable.
34 Reviews
Independent film without the "indy" feel...well done from opening to closing credits
swdurk18 April 2022
From the first frame to the end of the credits, this film did not give any indication that it had been made as an independent film. The cinematography, direction, and acting were superb. Parts of it were a little hard to watch simply because they felt so real and lets face it, there are elements of history that are painful to admit. All the actors were incredible. RJ Cyler and Gerran Howell were exceptional in their roles. It will be very interesting to watch their careers grow after this film. Ewen Bremner was horrible--in the best sense...he really sank into that role and played it well. Carol Sutton embodied the quintessential Caddy of that day. The casting could not have been better.
Brett Smith's direction and Chris Koser's cinematography were also outstanding. The soundtrack was extraordinary as well. The "Choir" (McIntosh County Shouters) did a beautiful job, as did Freddie Palmer (who led the songs and sang solos).
This is a great example of an independent film that clearly deserves a larger platform.
Brett Smith's direction and Chris Koser's cinematography were also outstanding. The soundtrack was extraordinary as well. The "Choir" (McIntosh County Shouters) did a beautiful job, as did Freddie Palmer (who led the songs and sang solos).
This is a great example of an independent film that clearly deserves a larger platform.
A MUST WATCH!!!
taylorfarris-7443918 April 2022
This movie was absolutely amazing!! It was powerful, emotional, eye opening and extremely deep! This is a movie that everyone needs to see and should be played for students in history class. It provided a realness and truth that you can't ignore about what happened in life and make you think about things long after the film is over. The movie was directed wonderfully and pulled you in! I could watch this movie over and over again and feel that this film deserve to win many awards!!
Deeply emotional
azaka-2285318 April 2022
As a member of The McIntosh County Shouters and being featured in this film. I have to firstly thank you for the opportunity to be apart of such an amazing film. The fact that you use managed to use us for film as well as using older recordings of the founding members for the group for the sound track paid homage to the power and beauty of the ring shout and it's role in the fabric of the American Story. For the first time in film history utilizing the authentic ring shout in the correct context as a way of weaving a piece of unknown Black Musical and Cultural History into a film to talk about the struggles of Freed Black's during the time of the Civil War was so beautifully done. The film was deeply emotional and allowing viewers to get a view not only into life during the Civil War, but also giving an honest and truthful account of what the view of the Civil War was for Whites of the Union as well as Freed Black's. This film was poetic.
Great movie!
ronanrmo17 April 2022
A great movie from beginning to end! I love the balance between history and fiction. It kept me constantly wondering what would happen next in the main narrative but also made me curious to learn more about the historical events around civil war and slavery it portraits. Everyone should watch it!
Epic and beautiful
usaf_thomas16 April 2022
Fantastic story, gorgeous cinematography, riveting acting. A pleasure to watch from start to finish. A great perspective on the civil war and slavery not often explored in film with great characters to guide the viewer through the journey. Loved it!
This is poetry on the screen
sts-5513716 April 2022
This movie takes you through so many different emotions in such a beautiful way. The acting, the cinematography, the music... they are amazing. The director does a masterful job of telling a story and bringing you in to it. Not to watch it but to be a part of it. This isn't just a filmed movie, it is like fine crafted art work.
Intense and Meaningful
mackmom-6515117 April 2022
Oscar Potential
Malibu9021016 April 2022
This was such an amazing, powerful, and extremely emotional film! The message in Freedom's Path is incredibly deep. The actors and actresses were fantastic! Brett Smith did a wonderful job directing. The music was also very beautiful. Overall, I believe Freedom's Path will go down in history and has every bit of potential to win an Oscar.
Finally
tedmag-3698016 April 2022
Finally a Civil War film depicting the lives and struggles of freed slaves that was beautiful and fascinating to watch. The viewer is easily swept away into this world and rooting for the characters as if they were family. Brilliant cinematography, very excited for this young filmmaker's future.
Original, powerful, and beautiful film
adrianduckett18 April 2022
Historical narrative films have a tendency to fall into a variety of traps, namely: a tendency to only focus on famous people, being full of clichés/tropes, or possessing a boringly dull storyline. It's rare to find a movie within this genre that not only avoids these traps, but also includes brilliant acting, sharp writing, and beautifully shot visuals. Freedom's Path contains all of those elements and more. It's a film that immediately brings you in and keeps you there, without relying on overt violence or dramatic soliloquies. It is a powerful, original, and emotional story, matched with a cinematic style that will undoubtedly stand the test of time. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
beautifully emotional
leoniextia17 April 2022
I have nothing but great things to say about this film, a great mix of seriousness and lightheartedness that had me on an the edge of my seat the whole time.
If you only watch one film this year it needs to be this one- big shout out to Gerran and RJ for taking me on an emotional rollercoaster!
If you only watch one film this year it needs to be this one- big shout out to Gerran and RJ for taking me on an emotional rollercoaster!
Exquisitely Unforgettable
craigcnslt18 April 2022
So beyond my expectations! This was more than a movie - it was a work of art - painful, joyful, and timely to the moment. This film, compared to most of the large studio and known filmmakers these days, was many cuts above what is out there, one of the reasons I don't go out to flick much, but I had the good fortune to see this one, at a private "friends and family only", in a large theatre, with wide screen and incredible sound, and it left the entire audience in a contemplative silence for several minutes after the credits had finished rolling, and then one person started to clap and it opened the gates for a lengthy and enthusiastic applause from everyone there. The photography and score were as good or better than 90% of what's out there. Could be an Academy Award contender.
There was tears, laughs & smiles - very engaging storyline!
erobb-1763018 April 2022
Oh wow - this storyline is so intriguing. Right from the very beginning this film draws you into the civil war era learning all sides of this tragic war through outstanding casted characters. You find yourself laughing, holding back tears (or letting them fall) and feeling warm-hearted at times throughout the film. The two main characters have a great & challenging dynamic from beginning to end and loved watching their relationship grow. Highly recommend!
Powerful & Beautiful - Amazing and Authentic Performances.
aj-7524918 April 2022
A truly unique film that is set during the time of the Civil War and Underground Railroad, but ultimately is about friendship and understanding. This film was beautifully shot, the production design was spot on, and the performances across the board are outstanding. A true gem.
Beautiful movie with so many emotions
bhawnaagrawal-4937516 April 2022
The storyline is so beautiful and tight knit. In just 2 hours, the movie shows emotions of kindness, love, perseverance, camaraderie at so many great levels. We were crying, laughing and watching at the same time. With beautiful music, cinematography and acting you would be lost in their world. I am biased for historical fictions, a great way to learn about the history and still enjoy the theatrical representation.
RJ Cyler Fantastic
larsensasha-5215816 April 2022
I saw RJ in "Me Earl and the Dying Girl" and "Harder They Fall" on Netflix and think he's awesome. Can't remember where but saw he was a main part in this movie and so glad I did because RJ crushes this out of the park. He's so good!!!! Can't wait to see what he does next.
Classic
kccmedia18 April 2022
Although the historical basis of this film is America's Civil War, the theme is timeless. The story is told from the perspective of a young, naive soldier consigned to fight in the Confederate army. From the opening scene, it is clear that he does not understand the mission he is embarking upon. As he takes each step along his journey, he learns what is at stake on Freedom's Path, and gains the courage to do what he can to stand for what he knows is right.
Worth The Emotional Roller Coaster Ride
tamijonanne18 April 2022
Historical fiction? I think not. If you feel you have fallen out of touch with humanity or humility, I strongly recommend you watch this film. If it doesn't move you in some form, at least appreciate the beautiful cinematography and heartfelt acting that went into recreating a part of the past. This was when America was not so beautiful....
Riveting
mariannegoodwin18 April 2022
I was gripping the armrests of my chair from the opening scene to the end of this film. By that time, the principals had become like my own family and their trials had become mine. The quest for equality in civil rights did not end with the Civil War and is not limited to the United States. Freedom's Path is a tale for all times and places.
Fantastic!
mesederberg19 April 2022
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.
Beautiful to look at, great score and acting. Production value is nuts for an indie.
robinv-2271419 April 2022
It's all too rare when you can feel the ensemble effect in a film from the top down, but that's the case here. I watched it on a desktop and hope to see it in a theater. It's a very special film, with a compelling cast and script, that keeps pace all the way to the end. It's a story of friendship in an impossible situation with all the complexity of the time period and it's just as relevant today. I'm a tough sell, but I choked up more than once especially at the end when it became full waterworks. I'm so happy I watched this as part of a film festival and hope it's part of many more. I understand the budget was 2M and it's impossible to tell. There are some really first class film nerd influences that are all too rare now that everything looks the same.
Great Film!
johnny-236-34148618 April 2022
The film really pulls you in and delivers an emotional ride. The cinematography was incredible and captured a fresh take on the look of the South during the Civil War. The entire cast was outstanding and I really enjoyed RJ's performance in this role. I think he is going to be a huge star! This is a must see film.
Great Film!
timothyharris-0412918 April 2022
This film is a compelling story of the under told racial battle lines surrounding the civil war and America in the middle 1800's. Really beautiful cinematography throughout the film with strong performances from the cast.
Emotionally beautiful
jilliansederberg19 April 2022
This story was captivating in all accounts. I have never seen these actors before but the character development was believable, mature, and endearing. The scenery was enchanting and the story line was perfectly built.
I was caught away in the film and emotional throughout the movie. It made you feel apart of the horror that many had to experience through slavery. I felt fear, love, joy, anger, and horror and had to calm myself down for a few hours after wards because the movie pulled me in so deeply.
Wonderfully done and I can't wait to see more from this cast and director.
I was caught away in the film and emotional throughout the movie. It made you feel apart of the horror that many had to experience through slavery. I felt fear, love, joy, anger, and horror and had to calm myself down for a few hours after wards because the movie pulled me in so deeply.
Wonderfully done and I can't wait to see more from this cast and director.
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