BE FREE OR DIE.

In 1840s Maryland, ”Minty” Ross (Cynthia Erivo) runs away from her owners and makes it all the way to Philadelphia, where she joins the abolitionist movement; making frequent raids back to help other slaves escape, she turns into a legend. This biography of the iconic Harriet Tubman looks like a sure bet on paper, and Erivo is the right woman to play the stubborn ”Minty”. Not only does she deliver a forceful performance, but she also sings a knockout song over the end credits. The film as a whole can’t live up to that; good supporting efforts, but fails to touch our hearts. 

2019-U.S. 125 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Kasi Lemmons. Screenplay: Gregory Allen Howard, Kasi Lemmons. Song: ”Stand Up” (Cynthia Erivo, Joshuah Brian Campbell). Cast: Cynthia Erivo (Araminta ”Minty” Ross/Harriet Tubman), Leslie Odom, Jr. (William Still), Joe Alwyn (Gideon Brodess), Clarke Peters, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Vondie Curtis-Hall… Janelle Monáe.

IMDb