Harriet Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A woman with mystical head injury powers escapes slavery, becomes a superhero, and helps other people escape slavery while having prophetic dreams.

🍿 Harriet: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Enslavement

Araminta ‘Minty’ Ross, later known as Harriet Tubman, lives as a slave in Maryland in the 1840s. She marries a free man, John Tubman, but remains enslaved on the Brodess farm. The film depicts the harsh realities of her life under slavery, including physical and emotional abuse.

Escape to Freedom

After the death of her master, Minty decides to escape to freedom when his son, Gideon, threatens to sell her. She embarks on a perilous journey to Philadelphia, utilizing the Underground Railroad. Along the way, she faces numerous challenges and risks her life to achieve freedom.

Becoming ‘Moses’

Once in Philadelphia, Minty takes the name Harriet and becomes involved with abolitionists like William Still and Marie Buchanon. Driven by a desire to free her family and others, she begins returning to Maryland to lead slaves to freedom, earning the moniker ‘Moses’.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harriet Tubman (Cynthia Erivo): A determined and courageous escaped slave who becomes a leader in the Underground Railroad, risking her life to guide others to freedom.
• Gideon Brodess (Joe Alwyn): The slave owner who is obsessed with recapturing Harriet and represents the cruel system of slavery.
• Marie Buchanon (Janelle Monáe): A free woman in Philadelphia who provides support and shelter to Harriet, aiding her in her mission.
• William Still (Leslie Odom Jr.): An abolitionist and writer who is a key figure in the Underground Railroad, assisting Harriet in her efforts.
• Bigger Long (Omar J. Dorsey): A ruthless slave hunter hired to track down and capture Harriet.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Harriet: “I’m going to be free, or die.” – Spoken when Harriet decides to jump from the bridge rather than be captured and returned to slavery.
• Harriet: “Lord, I’m going to hold steady on to you, and you’ve got to see me through.” – Harriet’s prayer shows her deep reliance on faith for strength and guidance.
• Harriet: “We got to go free or die. And if we can’t do that, what’s the point of being here?” – Harriet’s powerful motivation for escaping slavery which she conveys to other slaves, inspiring them to join her.
• William Still: “Your name is Harriet, like your mother. And you’re free.” – William Still gives Minty a new identity and name, symbolizing her freedom and new life.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $17,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $43,082,155
• Worldwide Gross: $43,347,017

💥 Harriet Reviews

Personal Review

I found ‘Harriet’ to be a powerfully moving experience, though I wish there was a bit more fact and less artistic interpretation. Erivo’s performance is undeniably captivating, and I was particularly moved by the scenes showcasing Harriet’s unwavering faith and determination. When she makes the jump to freedom at the bridge, I almost jumped with her! Overall, it’s a film that sparked important conversations and left me reflecting on the incredible strength of the human spirit.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Individuals interested in African American history”
  • “Viewers who appreciate stories of courage and resilience”
  • “Those seeking inspirational movies about overcoming adversity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depictions of slavery and racial violence”
  • “Mature themes including oppression and escape”
  • “Some coarse language”

Professional Reviews

• KidsFirst: “Harriet is a sincere tribute to the real-life freedom fighter. Cynthia Erivo brings out something award-worthy. The cinematography is lacking, however. I recommend it for ages 12 to 18 due to violence, thematic content and language, including racial slurs. The film is truly a vehicle for Cynthia’s many talents.
• General Consensus: “While praised for Cynthia Erivo’s performance, some critics found the film took too many liberties with historical facts and suffered from a simplistic narrative, while others lauded it as an inspirational and necessary story.
• Audience Review: “Many people claim that the movie took too many liberties with the history while others stand on the fact that it wasn’t marketed as a documentary, and that the story still holds historical relevance.

Audience Reactions

Cynthia Erivo’s performance was the highlight of the movie.: Most viewers agree that Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Harriet Tubman was powerful and moving.

Faith, the importance of historical telling, and freedom.: A film on Harriet Tubman’s life encourages conversation with children on history and slavery.

Overall Consensus: A moving but somewhat flawed biopic, carried by a strong central performance, that sparks important conversations about history and heroism.

Awards

1. Hollywood Film Awards (Actress)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Cynthia Erivo received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman.”
• “The film was shot in various locations in Virginia, chosen for their historical accuracy and resemblance to 19th-century Maryland and Pennsylvania.”
• “The production team consulted with historians to ensure the film accurately represented the historical events and the experiences of enslaved people.”

🖥️ How to Watch Harriet?

Harriet is available to stream on various platforms including Prime Video and Apple TV. You can also rent or purchase the movie through services like Vudu, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check your local listings for cable and satellite options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Harriet, you might like these similar films:

• 12 Years a Slave (2013): A harrowing and unflinching depiction of slavery in the antebellum South, offering a similar perspective on the brutality and inhumanity of the system.
• Amistad (1997): Focuses on the legal battle for freedom of enslaved Africans who revolt on a Spanish slave ship, exploring themes of justice and human rights.
• Glory (1989): Depicts the story of the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the first African American units in the Union Army during the Civil War, showcasing their bravery and fight for freedom.
• Hidden Figures (2016): Celebrates the contributions of African American women in a segregated America, highlighting their resilience and determination in the face of discrimination.

🛒 Harriet Related Products

• Harriet Tubman: The Life and the Afterlife: An acclaimed biography providing a detailed and nuanced account of Harriet Tubman’s life, from her early years in slavery to her extraordinary work as a conductor on the Underground Railroad and beyond.
• Harriet [4K UHD]: Experience ‘Harriet’ in stunning 4K Ultra HD. The incredible story about Harriet Tubman who was born into slavery and broke free to lead enslaved people to freedom.
• Harriet Tubman Action Figure: A high-quality, poseable action figure of Harriet Tubman. A great way to honor her legacy and inspire future generations.
• Harriet Tubman Quote Poster: An inspiring poster featuring a powerful quote from Harriet Tubman. Perfect for classrooms, offices, or homes.

🎧 Soundtrack

Harriet features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Stand Up” – performed by Cynthia Erivo
• “Hold On” – performed by Traditional
• “Sinnerman” – performed by Nina Simone

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Harriet Tubman did her own stunts.| #Shorts #keyandpeele

Okay, hear me out: Harriet Tubman…as an action hero? Key & Peele absolutely NAIL this hilarious take on her legendary bravery. You HAVE to see this!

Harriet Movie Review

Wondering if ‘Harriet’ lives up to the hype? This review breaks down all the important elements, from acting to historical accuracy. Definitely worth watching before deciding if you want to see the movie!

White Massa Refuses To Free His Black Slaves Even Though They Should Be

Need a quick rundown of the entire ‘Harriet’ movie? This recap gives you all the major plot points in just a few minutes. It’s a good resource for catching up or refreshing your memory!

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