HARRIET. Dir. Kasi Lemmons. 2019

Astonishing true story of early freedom fighter, Harriet Tubman, enslaved in the Southern states of America. Despite her marriage to a freeborn African-American, she was unable to protect any of their hoped-for children from being born into that same slavery, and being owned by the farm proprietor. Her overpowering sense of injustice compelled her to act. She escapes, and eventually becomes one of America’s great heroes.

Her audacity is astonishing, the level of courage she sustained, her extraordinary tenacity and physical endurance, not to mention cunning and excellent planning. One of those qualities would be worthy of high praise but she is exceptional for having all of them, created by her determination to rescue her family and then other captives. She was responsible for the escape of almost 300 slaves Her religious faith was absolute and she felt guided by God to help others, aided by Abolitionists and free African-Americans.

Filmed in glorious colour, with deft use of warm earth tones and shade, this is an immersive experience, with rustic locations and strong performances throughout. Violence is implied and understood, without any need to shock the audience with it.

Harriet is played by a mostly grim-faced Cynthia Erivo; this is serious business. We see her smile early in the story when she is with her husband but for the rest of the film she is engaged in a life and death struggle. If she is captured she will be tortured and murdered.

Observe how her appearance alters. Slave first, then respectable woman, next like a soldier running through woodland in the night, and ending as redoubtable matron, living to 93. Her clothes become increasingly richly coloured, matching the richness of her character as it strengthens.

The first woman to lead an assault during the American Civil War, Harriet Tubman freed 700 slaves at Combahee River, and went on to devote her life to women’s suffrage, being a forceful public speaker and campaigner. She was bold, unstoppable and almost too impressive for words.

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