Harriet (DVD) [2019]

Harriet Tubman is an American heroine. Who went from slave who couldn't read or write to a conductor on the Underground Railroad. [This was not a literal thing. The name was figurative. In case you hadn't realised]. And who led a raid behind southern lines during the American Civil War. She also wasn't very tall.Hers is a remarkable story and well worth telling. So here's a movie that tries to do that.We start with Harriet in the late 1840's. Unable to get freed. She makes a break for it herself. And manages a long journey along against the odds. A deeply religious lady who also had seizures where she said God was guiding her, she put her success down to divine providence. Then after that develops as per above.This runs for just under two hours. It takes about fifteen mins to settle down, and find the style it wants to use to tell it's story. The music can be a bit overbearing at times early on. But then it is used to provide good jeopardy in escape moments. It also shows you the white abolitionists who were passionate enemies of slavery and supporters of the cause to end it. Plus Frederick Douglas and one or two other famous black people as well.This is all pretty effective at times. It does show the horror of slavery and makes you think about it. But the white actors playing the family who owned her do end up having characters who come over a bit too cliched at times. Maybe that's because we've seen a lot of such in movies. But even so.The story of how she became a conductor is interesting to watch. There are a few supporting characters in here who do intrigue as people. Both black and white. I really did find myself wanting to know more about them. But of course the film isn't her story. Music then does get a little overbearing at times and occasionally the dialogue can be a little tricky to hear.You do get the impression the running time means it's a whistle stop tour through her story. And as a result it does start to drift a little at points. Then it completely rushes it's ending. I think there's more to be told there. But we don't get it.I do though think it actually handled her talking to God moments quite well as far as getting them over on screen. That might be subjective opinion.Lead actress Cynthia Erivo is great in the lead. When you see the extras and hear her real British accent, you realise what a good job she does. It's also worth going through all the end credits, because she sings during this.This was a four out of five star film. Perfectly decent watch. But it doesn't quite stick in the mind at the end as much as it could have. I think a tv mini series might have been a better format. Speaking of which, check out episode nine of the second series of science fiction tv show 'Timeless', where the characters meet Harriet Tubman. That episode does her justice.Worth a go though.The dvd has the following language and subtitle options:Languages: English. English audio description.Subtitles: English.Extras:A commentary from the director/ co-writer.Deleted scenes: seven of them. Can be watched in a row or individually. Takes you fourteen mins to do the former. Some of these are pretty good and as a whole all worth a watch.Her story. Five min long featurette about the project as a whole. Lots of use of words like inspire, etc etc so really just for those of modern sensibilities. Worth it to hear what I said about Cynthia Erivo's voice though.Becoming Harriet: five mins not that different to the above.

I loved it

Good historical film worth a watch

Loved this film - great storytelling and a brilliant way to learn about the inspiring work of Harriet Tubman and others in establishing the Underground Railroad. I’ve always been interested in Harriet Tubman but didn’t quite feel like I knew enough about her, this film gave me a thorough insight into her work and the bravery she exhibited.

Harriet Tubman was a freedom fighter, way ahead of her time and some do not know she even existed. So, now is the perfect time to see her story played out by the amazing performer Cynthia Erivo, previously best known for her stage work in the likes of Sister Act and The Color Purple.Tubman was a slave who escaped and then instead of simply getting on with her own life, she becomes determined to free as many people as she possibly can. This could have felt like a TV movie but there is strength and quality on display coming from three areas. The cinematography is stunning and encapsulates the feeling that freedom gives you and in the midst of Covid-19, this feels strangely relevant, as we sit inside - longing for the day when we can resume business as usual.The music is stirring and really moving and Erivo really arrives with this perfectly pitched performance which grabs you by the scruff of the neck, the very minute she steps onto the screen. Everything in this film feels pure and there are no attempts to either sanitise or overdo the emotion, it is all there within the story, script and performances.There are very few of those 'Give me an Oscar' moments you often see in awards strewn movies which can be used when we cut to the actor to see if they have won. Harriet tells a story which needs to be told and in a way which is respectful and incredibly poignant. At times, you want more emotion, but by holding back - the film allows you to decide when to cry, as opposed to leading you through a paint by numbers bio pic.Worth seeing for Cynthia Erivo alone and to hear the terrific soundtrack.

Decent price for a decent product!

I had heard a little about this amazing woman but did not appreciate the full story and extent of her courageous efforts.Her story is told well giving an insight into her life and and the amazing effort and extreme risk she faced in helping many many people to safety.I was glued to every minute.History teaching in schools still needs to catch-up and be more inclusive. Another great woman - Mary Seacole, her story is not taught although there was a TV program aired recently.I strongly recommend this film to everyone.