saramgia It was poorly written and acted. Cuba Gooding, Jr.'s character was melodramatic, which provided annoying faux drama. It's a musical, but the music had not been written at the time the movie was set, except for "Amazing Grace," of which you can hear better versions elsewhere. Largely historically inaccurate in all ways. I don't see how anyone could enjoy anything about this movie, except that they ultimately escape despite the lead character's idiocy.

Michael Ledo Samuel (Cuba Goodling jr. ) and his family are seeking freedom on the Underground Railroad in 1856. They are aided by Thomas Garrett (Michael Goodwin) and a host of Quakers who don't care that they are breaking the Fugitive Slave Act. A man named Plimpton (William Sadler) has been hired to find and return the family to the Richmond Plantation. Along the way they meet Frederick Douglas (Byron Utley).In a subplot, a century earlier, Samuel's great-grandfather is being brought over as a slave by John Newton (Bernhard Forcher) who would later renounce slave trading and write "Amazing Grace." His conversion is not an accurate representation, which occurred while his ship was en route to Ireland, but this version makes better drama and inspiration.The acting was low key. The performances while solid, were not outstanding. This is an inspiring emotional film about hope and redemption. "Family Approved

mrrob-31532 The premise of the movie was to show that there is redemption in believing. Cuba Gooding Jr overacts again. Sharon Leal in underused. The story centered around John Newton, slave trader, singer, poet and writer of Amazing Grace, and a family trying to escape from slavery in the South to Freedom in the North. The story could have been so much more nail-biting. I found it unbelievable and rather weird that the leads broke into song at the most inappropriate times. The story is loosely based on fact and the introduction of the true heroes of days gone by is probably enough to make the film worth a watch. Overall-disappointing.

Theo Robertson Cuba Gooding Jnr tries to resurrect his career and right away this begs two possible questions "What career would that be ?" Or "Who is Cuba Gooding Jnr ?" Oh come on guys , stop being so cruel . He hasn't done you any harm and if you sat through BOAT TRIP it's no ones fault but your own . That said this "Based on a true story" adventure is little bit cynical since it's obviously inspired by 12 YEARS A SLAVE though it's much less hard hitting . To be truthful it's not what some people have claimed as religious propaganda and certainly isn't a faith based movie in the same vein as GOD'S NOT DEAD . People in Virginia from era would indeed be evangelical bible bashers , so much so I have trouble believing that the head honcho of the posse hunting the escaped slaves makes claims he doesn't believe in God and seems invented to give black and white dichotomy on both a moral ad metaphysical level . Another annoying aspect is that it ironically plays up to racial stereotypes in that every black person who has ever lived has a lovely baritone singing voice and sing they do at every opportunity . In some ways FREEDOM cod be described as a Walt Disney equivalent of 12 YEARS A SLAVE but looking on the bright side at least we don't have Mel Gibson painting his face blue pretending to be a Scotsman