Search - Harriet on DVD

Kyle T. (KingKong) from SNOW HILL, NC
Reviewed on 12/11/2019...

Harriet is this year's Bohemian Rhapsody. That sounds like a very strange comparison I know, especially considering how different the two films are. Both are films with fairly basic screenplays that some how find just the right amount of compelling moments amongt the mediocrity to keep the audience engaged -sometimes even inspired. Both feature fairly large casts of varying talent overshadowed by a powerful lead performance. Both have decent, but not particularly wow-worthy production values. Both are films whose flaws are obvious, but still, for the reasons mentioned, make them worthy of watching possibly on multiple occasions for the inspiring figures they portray. Now before I take this comparison too far, let me be clear that I am in no way implying that Freddie Mercury's accomplishments can even hold a candle to the awe-inspiring work of Harriet Tubman. I'm only stating that when it comes to the quality of the script and the overall production values - it is easy to find similarities between the two films.
What Harriet lacks in writing and technical prowess, it makes up for in cheer-worthy moments of inspiration. Cynthia Erivo is nearly perfect in the role of Harriet Tubman and it's no surprise that despite the underwhelming reviews the film has received we've seen her name pop up at quite a few awards ceremonies.
The production value is a mixed bag. The costumes are great throughout, but the location shooting and background production often have a cheap or "made-for-tv" feel to them. Terence Blanchard's score can be a little overwhelming at times but it seems to fit with the overall production at hand. (There are a few beats that feel downright derivative of Thomas Newsman's score for The Shawshank Redemption. Could this be an intentional tribute considering the similar themes of freedom in both movies?)
I honestly knew very little about Harriet Tubman's life and work going in. High school history class was a long time ago and even then it was just the basics - that she was a key figure in the movement of slaves from the South to the North via the Underground Railroad. But when you actually see the obstacles she overcame and the massive number of people she helped, you can't help but feel in awe of this individual. For that reason alone, Harriet is essential viewing. I have a feeling this will become one of those go-to movies shown in middle and high school history classes for years to come.
Harriet certainly could have benefited from a more original screenplay, a bigger production budget, and a better effort to flesh-out some of the supporting characters. But it's still a worthy crowd-pleaser; an adequate production about one of the most inspiring historical figures in American history. (7.5/10)

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