Harriet brings one of the most iconic and badass freedom fighters in American history to the big screen. In an action-hero-like biopic, Harriet Tubman is brought with full force to center stage in Kasi Lemmons’ film.
The opening scene sets up the life of a young slaved to Araminta “Minty” Ross (portrayed by Cynthia Erivo) in Dorchester County, Maryland as she tries to gain her freedom. With the threat of being sold away from her family and husband, Minty makes her an incredible journey to freedom. After leaving behind all her family, Minty makes the incredible trek to Philadelphia and becomes a free woman named Harriet Tubman. Struggling with her new gained freedom without her family, Harriet decides to embark on a dangerous journey. Despite all the odds stacked up against her, Harriet goes on to help lead other slaves to freedom.
Harriet is a tale filled with a powerful performance from the spectacular cast such as Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr, Janelle Monáe, and many more incredible actors. From start to finish, the cast commands your attention while bringing their characters to life. The dramatic and emotional journey is clearly portrayed with true excellence. However, Cynthia Erivo portrayal of Harriet is what this film shines with.
Erivo’s performance and singing throughout the film is award-winning and steals the show. She brings forth a truly brave, courageous, and determined women bent on achieving the right to be free. Erivo’s singing is what truly takes your breath away as she sings such a soulful tune. A few times during the movie, we’re gifted with a song beautifully sung by the cast which brings chills to you. “Stand Up”, an original song from the film written by Joshuah Brian Campbell and Erivo, gives you chills as it’s performed flawlessly. Cynthia Erivo is truly in a legend of her own with her talent for singing and acting. Erivo gives us a Harriet that is powerful, badass, and dynamic character throughout the movie. From start to end, Harriet is balances history while keeping a fast-paced action scene that is unique for a biopic.
The only two real issues with Harriet, apart from some historical inaccuracies, was the whole idea of her “vision” and the lack of steady flow in the film. Throughout the film, it’s shown how Harriet has these episodes or “vision” that are said to signs from God. These “vision” help Harriet on her journey by showing her signs or glimpses of the future as warnings and advice. Later in the movie, it’s revealed that due to an old head injury Harriet possibly suffers from some type of brain damage. The whole idea of “visions” just springs too magical to fit into a historical biopic. This reason might be what causes my other issue with Harriet, the lack of flow.
Harriet may be beautifully composed, but I found that the flow of the film felt choppy throughout. When the film would finally hit a steady pace, it would get stopped by a “vision” or possibly an action scene that wasn’t placed right. In those problematic spots, the flow of the film just stopped, and it was hard to get back into it. At points, it almost seemed like a mindless action movie rather than a historical biopic. While these moments didn’t last very long before you were swept back in, the film could have done things a bit differently to achieve steady flow.
Special Features:
- Deleted Scenes
- Her Story
- Becoming Harriet
- Feature Commentary with Co-writer and Director Kasi Lemmons
