Laughter, a roller coaster of emotions, and a come to Jesus moment engulfed me after watching the Focus Features film, HARRIET, during a special Houston screening. I was moved beyond measure as the true story of American freedom fighter, Harriet Tubman, detailed the historic ascension of a woman who carried many prolific names. HARRIET is most known for being a conductor for the Underground Railroad, which freed many slaves; however, this film allows us to examine and discover this woman first and foremost, as a human being.
Born as Araminta (Minty) Ross, the name Harriet became her call to freedom, and the nickname “Moses” transitioned her into a God-given destiny. Cynthia Erivo portrays Harriet effortlessly with a quiet and stern confidence that exudes from her pores. You feel as if you’re witnessing this miraculous woman alive on screen.
Touching moments that cradled my spirit include the scene where Harriet (Cynthia Erivo), most known as a praying woman, has a heart to heart conversation with God. If you’ve ever questioned why heartbreak or pain seems to arrive at pivotal times in your life, this scene will grip you with the revelation that destiny is calling.
I love how Harriet (Cynthia Erivo) checked anyone who doubted her heart and physical ability. The statement, “Don’t tell me what I can’t do!” rings loud and clear for William Still (Leslie Odom Jr.) as a reminder that anything is possible. Needless to say, Leslie Odom, a Tony and Grammy Award-winning performer, looks good on screen too.
Henry Hunter Hall does an exceptional job as Walter, an intriguing character that turns a situation that was meant for evil into good. Vanessa Bell Calloway (Rit Ross) and Clarke Peters (Ben Ross) will fill your heart with glee as their comedic parenting wisdom is subtle and hilarious at perfect moments in the film. Vondie Curtis Hall (Reverend Green) lets us know that you can’t judge a book by its cover. Janelle Monáe (Marie Buchanon) is divine in nature and cultivates the unique relationship between two women who are different, yet they carry similar qualities.
It’s inevitable to get a much-needed history lesson or reminder of the symbolic periods featuring the slave law act and the Civil War, in which Harriet Tubman is recorded as being the first U.S. woman to lead a military expedition.
Award-winning Co-Writer/Director Kasi Lemmons’ work will leave an impressionable mark upon the viewers that step into the theater. HARRIET is scheduled for a nationwide release on Friday, November 1, 2019.
