Washington Black

Intriguing yarn about a boy and his destiny, although I found the adventures of young Washington Black the better of the two narratives.

I appreciate what the writers tried to do but the pacing of the older Washington storyline is uneven, and the leads have an immiscible chemistry.

On a technical level, the cinematography and special effects are movie quality, where it's really difficult to spot the seams. All-in-all, a remarkable achievement in today's tv industry where technical quality takes a backseat.

One of the things I've learned as a woman who lives in Halifax NS, is that pickling isn't an easy process nor is it a quick one. I think that exemplifies the opinion I have of this show. It is as many before me have pined, a slow burn, but one worth waiting for, if anyone were to actually appreciate the patience and art of pickling.

The show is not for the faint of heart, but it's also for those who are full of hope and wonder and education. I do not possess any black ethnicity, and I don't pretend to understand some of the complexities of the story relating to such, but I do know what it's like to be of mixed race. Given the previous reviews of the show, I am not one that knows the original source material. However, I find that inconsequential in terms of evaluating a narrative.

This narrative is one to be sought after, and revered, especially given where I now live compared to where I grew up. I think most people would agree. This is a fantasy belayed in a manner that fits the main characters story.

Not a faithful telling in terms of accurate and time period historical relevancy, it, however, gives the viewer an understanding of the sentiment of the era... Which is perhaps the whole purpose isn't it? It is sad that some people who chose to only end their watching at the fifth episode, or ones that regaled against a true adaption of its source material, negate it as to their dismay. But it is also to the dismay of someone who is going to actually give a fair and honest review of a show.

This isn't a fairytale. This is also not a true telling of many who suffered amongst its characters journeys, but it is a symbolic representation of what it is to be disenfranchised and treated with bigotry and hatred. That is not a new concept, nor is it one uniquely circumspect upon its black characters. It is one of many, especially given female ones regardless of its title character. As a descendant of indigenous peoples in this country, yes, Canada, not a 51st state, I saw many characters that had no voice and it represented a frustrating farcical truth; the history of North America's colonialism roots. However, you want to perceive the show, whether by a black perspective, one of imperialism and colonialism, or one of indigenous circumspection, it all comes to the same conclusion.

This is meant to be a fantasy and a story-telling of something that we all want to believe could happen or could have happened, were the circumstances different in that era of the 19th century. I think it unkind of those to give it a one star rating, simply based on five episodes of watching and not a full representation of the whole. I would never presume to make an assumption upon a show without watching the entirety of it, once available, nor would I presume to understand the complexities and suffering of those that the story tells of. However, in terms of enjoyment, I did very much enjoy it. The mini-series compelled me to keep watching, as with the person who seemed to say that they watched five episodes, but cut it off immediately, yet the series obviously appealed enough to their interest that they watched hours of a show without turning it off. And I believe that that may count in favour of its credibility and watch-ability. The actors performances are quite compelling - regardless of the famous names that are tied to it. I found myself more entranced by those lesser-known in the acting community, which gives me hope for the future of productions and cinema. You might be brought in by larger names because of their recognition, but you stay for the components of which these intriguing people tell their stories on the screen and on their expressive faces. One should take note of their future endeavours, as I believe the real talent in this production lies there as well. I think it has are many failings, which include but are not limited to; they reduced the backstory of many characters and then tried an overarching attempt to make it more fantastical. I have seen commentary by those who have said the same as I am saying now, but if you were curious if it's worth the watch... I would say that you should give it a try. If you were compelled by its story, you should watch it. If you were interested, instead, where the story goes, you should watch it. It is by no means an example of perfect television, but it is a great example of entertaining those who need to understand the histories surrounding this period of time and the underground railroad. Having lived in Halifax, NS, I know what it is to be engaged by its past, as well as the history of those who made their way to this land in safe Haven.

It is neither by no means a perfect lesson in history, but perhaps the embodiment of spirit to the historical relevancy in these lands, and hopefully one that will inspire the viewer to delve deeper into its complex legacy in modern-day society. A critic of those who don't tell history in a proper manner, I still feel this is a spiritual recollection of feelings amongst those to whom the story is entrenched and told by. It is a story told by those who wish to educate the world and its viewers by intrinsic altruism, as well as the rhetoric of hope.

I hope that this mini-series "Fly's" amongst its watchers. Fly along with them as you may.

I am split in my review. The first seven episodes were well done and told a great story, I would give them an 8. However, the last episode felt like "damn, we took too long with the first 7, let's squeeze 3 episodes into 1 and skip all the important pieces, make it like a synopsis". Very disappointing and that episode was a 5 at best .

Came for Sterling K Brown, stayed hoping the series would get better. It didn't.

I'll preface this by saying I haven't read the book, and am interested in doing so based on many reviews saying how the series deviated so far from the source material.

As a child who grew up in the south in an evangelical home, I was sheltered from stories of the realities of what slavery and the experiences of black people was and is like in North America. That said, this is the type of tedious series I would have been allowed to watch. Ultimately this series felt as if it was directed by someone hell-bent on watering down what could have been a really compelling story, like it was meant for kids. If that was intentional, well done. It was bland and inoffensive.

Aside from that, to me the series felt amateurish from the start. I have a hard time sticking with series or movies where over acting is obvious and dialog seems forced, and that was the case. I hoped it would get better by the end but it was consistently bland. Without a spoiler, I did have a moment near the end of the last episode that made me teary eyed, immediately followed by a montage at the end that made me cringe again.

I was looking forward to this series. I didn't read the whole novel but informed myself about the plot and it seemed like great material for a series.

Watching the series just feels weird...I can't really pin it down to one thing...it feels slow, often boring, the acting feels strange and although it must have a significant budget if feels kind of cheap most of the time (if you decide to develop the plot in a slow, boring manner you could at least put more details into the atmosphere and aesthetics by showing more of the beautiful places where the series take place; a good example of this could be the new Netflix series Untamed which takes place in Yosemite national park and really integrated this into the whole vibe).

It just doesn't draw me in...maybe it's just not for me but the other negative reviews overlap in some points of criticism, so it's probably not just me.