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Freedom Movie Review

This review summarizes the 2014 movie "Freedom" in three sentences: The movie portrays the story of a slave family's journey along the Underground Railroad to escape slavery in the Southern United States and gain freedom in Canada, as well as the redemption story of a former slave ship captain who underwent a religious conversion to become an abolitionist. Featuring impressive performances by Cuba Gooding Jr. and others, the movie immerses viewers in the context of slavery through these two compelling stories while delivering a message of universal pursuit of freedom. Although not without some musical aspects, the reviewer recommends the movie overall for its wonderful characters, stories, and exploration of slavery and freedom.

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David Nieto
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93 views1 page

Freedom Movie Review

This review summarizes the 2014 movie "Freedom" in three sentences: The movie portrays the story of a slave family's journey along the Underground Railroad to escape slavery in the Southern United States and gain freedom in Canada, as well as the redemption story of a former slave ship captain who underwent a religious conversion to become an abolitionist. Featuring impressive performances by Cuba Gooding Jr. and others, the movie immerses viewers in the context of slavery through these two compelling stories while delivering a message of universal pursuit of freedom. Although not without some musical aspects, the reviewer recommends the movie overall for its wonderful characters, stories, and exploration of slavery and freedom.

Uploaded by

David Nieto
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Freedom Movie Review

A fascinating movie that narrates a sad chapter of American history. A story full of tragedy and
cruelty, but also full of forgiveness and hope. It is truly an incredible tale of strength, faith, and,
of course, freedom. Written by Timothy Chey and directed by Peter Cousens, Freedom was
released in the year of 2014, collecting more than 14 million dollars worldwide. Giving the
audience an overall picture of life on 18th and 19th centuries and exposing the horrible crimes
of the past; while also telling a very touching story of slavery from different points of view, it is
truly a movie I would recommend anyone to watch.
The movie Freedom portrays not one, but two compelling stories that immerse the viewer into
the context of slavery, showing how black people and white people alike desire freedom. The
main story narrates the struggle for freedom of slave Samuel Woodward and his family:
Vanessa, Jim, and Adira. They, as thousands of slaves had done before them, escape from a
plantation in hopes of equality, liberty and happiness, and journey north to the free lands of
Canada. But this family is not alone, as it is initially helped and guided by real-life member of the
famous Underground Railroad, Thomas Garrett, as well as accompanied by abolitionist
Frederick Douglas. However, the owner of the slaves, Jefferson Monroe, will not see the slaves
leave without a fight, and calls for the notorious slave hunter Plimpton to re-capture the family.
Samuels journey is not easy at all, as they encounter problems and dangers along the way,
also having been almost caught in more than one occasion.
On the other hand, a second story is presented: a story of a quest for freedom, but from an
opposite side of slavery. One century earlier, John Newton was a famous sailor, captain to a
slave ship, and in charge of transporting a very valuable cargo of slaves to the American city of
Charleston. Amongst these slaves, casually, was Samuels great-grandfather. In its long journey
from Africa, however, Johns ship was surprised by a storm. He woke up in the middle of the
night while his ship sank. Mr. Newton had never been a pious man, but that night, he entrusted
himself to God. Before long, John Newtons eyes became opened to the cruelties of slavery,
also undergoing a religious conversion, becoming a devout abolitionist and writing the song
Amazing Grace, which would be used as a hymn for freedom in centuries to come. And
although these two chronicles were intensely dangerous and complicated, Samuel Woodward
and John Newtons stories both have a very much expected happy ending.
Now, down to my opinion. As always, the Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. doesnt stop
impressing us with his terrific performance. The other members of the crew, including William
Sadler, Diane Salinger, and Michael Goodwin, also display their abilities in a movie with an
overly amazing acting. The only aspect of the movie that I personally did not like, was the
musical-like format of the film, where characters were often seen singing hymns and songs
related to slavery. Another great aspect of the movie resides in the great vision and courage of
the director and writer of narrating not only one, but two independent yet interconnected stories.
Freedom is, in all senses, a wonderful film, with a wonderful message, with wonderful
characters, with wonderful stories. It shows not only the conditions and situations of those tied
to slavery, but also the truly universal pursuit of freedom.
Freedom is not currently available in theaters, yet you may watch it online or in DVD format.

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