Random Well-Made Movies About Slavery (53 items)

(#34) Cloud Atlas
- Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Jim Broadbent, Hugo Weaving, Jim Sturgess, Bae Doona, Ben Whishaw, James D'Arcy, Susan Sarandon, Hugh Grant, Keith David, Xun Zhou, David Gyasi, Robert Fyfe, Martin Wuttke, Robin Morrissey, Brody Nicholas Lee
A sweeping, multi-narrative epic, this film explores slavery and freedom through various perspectives across time and space. From the uncompromising realities of an American slave ship to a dystopian future steeped in corporate servitude, it links diverse forms of bondage and liberation. By offering such interconnected vignettes, it provides a contemplation on the cyclical nature of history and human condition.
(#43) The Journey of August King
- Thandie Newton, Maya Angelou, Sam Waterston, Jason Patric, Eric Mabius, Muse Watson, John Doman, Larry Drake, Nesbitt Blaisdell, Sarah-Jane Wylde
Following a white farmer aiding a runaway slave in her journey to freedom, this film subtly addresses the moral dilemmas of individuals entangled in the web of slavery. It explores the perils faced by helpers of fugitive slaves while navigating the socio-political landscape of Antebellum America. The quiet yet moving narrative captures the complexities of human compassion within societal constraints.
(#19) The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
- Cicely Tyson, Odetta, Richard Dysart, Josephine Premice, Teddy Airhart, Eric Brown, Woody Chambliss, Barbara Chaney, Noel Cravenze, Joel Fluellen, Jerry Green, James Goodman, Will Hare, David Hooks, Michael Murphy, Valerie Odell, Roy Poole, Thalmus Rasulala
Chronicling the life of a 110-year-old former slave woman across a century of American history, this film offers a profound perspective on historical changes. It captures the resilience and determination of an individual navigating societal transformations, from the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. This central narrative provides a touching exploration of endurance, strength, and hope amidst adversity.
(#17) Gone with the Wind
- Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Leslie Howard, Olivia de Havilland, Thomas Mitchell, Barbara O'Neil, Victor Jory, Laura Hope Crews, Hattie McDaniel, Ona Munson, Harry Davenport, Ann Rutherford, Evelyn Keyes, Carroll Nye, Paul Hurst, Isabel Jewell, Cliff Edwards, Ward Bond, Butterfly McQueen, Rand Brooks, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, Oscar Polk, Jane Darwell, William Bakewell, Lillian Kemble-Cooper, Eric Linden, George Reeves, Fred Crane, Cammie King
While this film is primarily a romantic epic, its backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction period offers a glimpse into slavery's societal impact. It counters the notion of a romanticized South by illustrating the inherent complexities and prejudices of the era. Though some interpretations may be contentious, it maintains its cultural significance by spotlighting a shifting society grappling with change.
(#39) Capitalism: Slavery
- Ingrid Bolsø Berdal
A poignant documentary, this delves into how capitalism was built on the tremendous wealth created by slave labor. It provides an analytical investigation into a rarely-discussed aspect of slavery - the economic benefits reaped by slave-owning societies. By unveiling the links between economics, commerce, and slavery, it offers a well-rounded understanding of this historical blight.
(#26) Beloved
- Oprah Winfrey, Danny Glover, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Beah Richards, LisaGay Hamilton, Albert Hall, Irma P. Hall, Carol Jean Lewis, Kessia Kordelle, Jude Ciccolella, Anthony Chisholm, Dorothy Love Coates, Jane White, Jason Robards
Adapted from Toni Morrison's Pulitzer-winning novel, this film intricately ties themes of motherhood, trauma, and the supernatural while addressing the long-lasting scars left by slavery. It tracks the journey of a freed slave woman haunted by the child she was forced to kill to protect her from the horrors of slavery. Its multi-layered narrative and hauntingly beautiful execution help convey the profound emotional aftermath of the dreadful institution.