The New York Times
Takes a compelling chapter in American history - the flight of slaves from Southern bondage to Canada via the Underground Railroad - and flattens its drama.
Full review
Freedom
Starring Cuba Gooding Jr. (Jerry Maguire) and William Sadler (The Green Mile), this century-crossing drama spins together the tale of a slave in 1856 and the captain of a slave-trading vessel in 1748. The world view of the captain is destined to change, and the future of a slave 100 years on depends on it.
In 1856 a slave, Samuel Woodward (Gooding Jr.), and his family escape from the Monroe Plantation near Richmond, Virginia. A secret network of ordinary people known as the Underground Railroad guide the family on their journey north to Canada. They are relentlessly pursued by the notorious slave hunter Plimpton (Sadler). Hunted like a dog and haunted by the unthinkable suffering he and his forbears have endured, Samuel is forced to decide between revenge or freedom.
100 years earlier in 1748, John Newton the Captain of a slave trader sails from Africa with a cargo of slaves, bound for America. On board is Samuel’s great grandfather whose survival is tied to the fate of Captain Newton. The voyage changes Newton’s life forever and he creates a legacy that will inspire Samuel and the lives of millions for generations to come.
Less2014Rating: M, Mature themes and violence98 minsUSA
DramaHistorical
- Director:
- Peter Cousens (feature debut)
- Writer:
- Timothy A. Chey
- Cast:
- Cuba Gooding Jr.William SadlerSharon LealDavid RascheDiane Salinger
Freedom | Reviews
Los Angeles Times
The film leaves us with the impression that slaves' survival had more to do with sheer luck than dogged resilience.
Full reviewFreedom | Release Details
Freedom is available to stream in Australia now on Google Play and Apple TV.