Freedom (2014)

Freedom Poster

Two men separated by 100 years are united in their search for freedom. In 1856 a slave, Samuel Woodward 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. 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.

Film Overview
"Freedom" is a 2014 American drama film directed by Peter Cousens. Composed by Timothy A. Chey, it showcases the atrocities of slavery and traces the human struggle for freedom. The movie includes Cuba Gooding Jr., William Sadler, and Sharon Leal in leading roles, adjoined through two period, separated by one a century.

Plot Summary
The narrative unfolds on the parallel tracks of 2 stories set in the 19th century. The very first story presents Samuel Woodward, portrayed by Cuba Gooding Jr, as a runaway slave. Samuel, with his family, leaves from a Southern plantation after his household faces unendurable difficulty under their callous master, Monroe. Assisted by the underground secret network called the 'Underground Railroad', they begin a grueling journey towards Canada, pursued by a relentless servant hunter Plimpton (William Sadler). Samuel's faith, courage, and hope throughout this hard journey form the central style of the story.

The 2nd story dates back to the 18th century, precisely 100 years earlier, where a captain on a servant ship, John Newton (Bernhard Forcher), undergoes a spiritual improvement. Torn by guilt, he questions the ethical appropriateness of his profession. During a lethal storm, he experiences a surprise that obliges him to desert his existing life. John later on composes the world-renowned hymn, "Amazing Grace", working as an apology for his past misdeeds. His story highlights the moral battle in acknowledging and rectifying one's life mistakes.

Affiliation of Stories and Climax
Both stories, though distinguished by a century, connect through the typical thread of achieving freedom and the battles involved. Samuel's roadway to freedom, funded by the captain's make money from the servant trade, shows redemption and retribution on a larger cosmic scale. The spiritual hymn "Amazing Grace" resonates in Samuel's journey, helping him and his family in conquering the troubles they deal with. As the stories unfold, it becomes evident that their fight for liberty has not been a simple one, suffering losses and combating against severe truths, the characters never ever fail to forget their freedom, showing their determination and steadfast faith.

Conclusion
"Freedom" is a psychological and powerful film, which communicates inescapable realities about the scaries of slavery and the durable human spirit defending liberty. By juxtaposing 2 timelines and stories, it efficiently paints a grand canvas illustrating the widely poignant idea of freedom and redemption. The motion picture's depth is even more boosted by its well-rounded performances, especially Gooding Jr. and Sadler, who depict characters that personify durability, struggle, and hope. With director Peter Cousens at the helm, the movie carefully navigates the complex themes of slavery, freedom, faith, and redemption.

The movie ends on a poignant note, leaving the viewers with a potent feeling of accomplishment and a brand-new understanding of the cost of freedom. It motivates the audience to value their liberties and acknowledges the sacrifices made by countless people in the mission for freedom.

Top Cast

  • Bernhard Forcher (small)
    Bernhard Forcher
    John Newton
  • Cuba Gooding Jr. (small)
    Cuba Gooding Jr.
    Samuel
  • William Sadler (small)
    William Sadler
    Plimpton
  • Sharon Leal (small)
    Sharon Leal
    Vanessa
  • David Rasche (small)
    David Rasche
    Jefferson Monroe
  • Diane Salinger (small)
    Diane Salinger
    Fanny
  • John Franchi (small)
    John Franchi
    Slave Buyer
  • Terrence Mann (small)
    Terrence Mann
    Barney Fagan
  • Phillip Boykin (small)
    Phillip Boykin
    Big Hand
  • Michael Goodwin (small)
    Michael Goodwin
    Garrett
  • Tony Sheldon (small)
    Tony Sheldon
    Drew