Film Reviews

HARRIET

by Vernita Simmons
11/29/19
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Come, travel with the cast of Harriet and discover, when your identity is at state, with your family’s freedom, faith in God becomes a valued possession. As circumstances get worse, she sets in motion an elaborate plan. But everything suddenly changes when things don’t turn as hoped. Before her journey, she receives prudent counsel from Reverend Samuel Green (first-rate performance by Vondie Curtis-Hall). Hunted by vicious dogs and the son of her slave owner (this riveting entertainment portrayed by Joe Alwyn), and the only place to flee is into the river, she does the unthinkable. But what will the future hold for her? Even after reaching Philadelphia, the journey south is over one hundred miles away. Is it worth the risk to return for her family? Will the family come or resistance? It’s easy to declare what you’ll do when you’re not in the same predicament. You’ll meet people like William Still, a writer, and abolitionist. (Leslie Odom, Jr. spectacular performance). He introduces her to Marie Buchanon; (Janelle Monáe’s extraordinary skills), an elegant woman, and a  boarding-house proprietor who learns valuable lessons from Harriet.

Even some Negroes join in tracking Harriet. She has to adopt another route which, leads to a river. And this scene will mesmerize you as you watch her trust in God leads her to do what her family feels are sure to result in their death. As she walks farther, the water gets deeper until it reaches her neck. Harriet prays to God and you must watch the movie to see what occurs. What started as an avenue to accompany her family back turns into the Underground Railroad, the capture and release of hundreds of slaves from torture and freedom in the north. But will it this new world be enough, and a place of refuge and safe heaven? Not if the US government and congress have any say.

In reading about Ms. Tubman, what I admired was the reason she carried a rifle. Sure, you think it’s because people hunted her like an animal. What colored person, during that time, wouldn’t travel with a gun? Well, it goes deeper than that. Harriet was concern about the people’s freedom. She resorted it to encourage them not to permit their fear to give up. Even after Harriet informs Mr. Still about her plan to return north to get her family, he thinks this is crazy. He insists she couldn’t do this. With confidence and un-deterrent valiance, she replies; nobody can tell me what I can’t do. This scene touched me because I often say to the naysayers and others who think I’m not good enough, “Keep your eyes on Vernita because I can show you better than I can tell you.”

To those of us who have had the steadfastnes to fight for justice and what seems impossible to change, this film is a must see. And for any who doubts the power of God to use someone ordinary to do the inconceivable through, this classic film will empower you to dethrone restrictive thinking. If you’re wondering will God answer a prayer when someone asks Him to kill their enemy? The response is unequivocal; no, He doesn’t. But the Lord expects us to do as He says in the Bible. But I say to you,] love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:44, AMP, Proverbs 24:17; Romans 8:28, 12:20). Place those who oppose and harm you in the Lord’s hand and watch Him grant you unprecedented favor while taking what they meant for evil and turning int into your good.