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I've only made it through the 1st episode and its brutal. I'm determined to watch all 10 but it will take awhile. I enjoyed the 1st episode and agree that although hard to watch its so well done. Which is why I'll "persevere "and continue to watch
That’s awesome and glad to hear he’s great to work with. Also again congratulations for being apart of this incredible series! Appreciate you sharing and watching my review.
I loved this series...and the book as well. It’s fiction based on history and I’m happy these stories are told. Some folk want you to forget your history, and some folks are pushing the “slavery never existed” narrative. Thank you Barry Jenkins for your adaptation of Mr, Whiteheads work.
I've watched episode 1 so far and decided to watch one episode a day cause the first one,whew. I'll watch you review(without spoiling it for myself) and then come back when I'm done,not many people are talking about this show. I wish it had the same buzz and hype that Them Amazon had,the score,the acting and cinematography are excellent so far
Thuso is amazing,she was nominated by the international Emmys twice for a South African series called Isthunzi. She's unlikely to be awarded for best actress cause I feel like Anya Taylor Joy is going to get awarded instead but a nomination would be great.Her next project is a movie co starring Viola Davis set in our country South Africa,I'm so proud of how far she's come.
I loved Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize winning book and am slowly working my way through the series (I’m a slow series watcher and this is one I can only take in small doses) but I am already appreciating its excellence. For some reason I imagined Cora differently and now I can only see Thuso. 👌🏽 I will definitely return for the spoiler half of your review.
Agree 💯 this show was prolly one of the best in its genre I know some of it is fictional but it’s like they had a time machine and rolled the cameras lol!
Am I the only one that was irritated by Cora? Her selfishness and just childish ways at times was a bit too much.... I just couldn't connect to her. Reminds me of June in these last seasons of handmaids tale...
I tried to start this but had to stop in the first episode. I feel like I have seen so many depictions of slavery that for me as a black person it is very triggering and debilitating. It's hard because slavery isn't really over, so it's hard to ingest this kind of media when I think about many of us who still experience racism and slave like conditions. Like you can be a citizen but also know that at any moment someone can rape you or execute you and you have no means of protection. Or you can be imprisoned without a trial and then those people can do what they want with you. And if you die they won't tell your family what happened to you.
I absolutely loved this series, it was both beautiful and horrifying. The way the first 3 episodes were shot was like horror flicks, only the monsters were people filled with hate and no empathy to their fellow human beings. It's funny that episode 4 was one of your least liked, because to me it was my favourite. It had the theme for the show written in it, the theme that we can all choose kindness and empathy, but some of us choose hate. A lot of black folks found this series too graphic and didn’t like saying that it didn’t show black people as empowered, but I think they missed the point of the series. It was exploring racism, generational trauma and the various forms it presents itself. As a black man, I think this series is a masterpiece.
I don't know where to start.. but Cora Cora Cora everyone that tried to help her ends up dead. She got some bad juju that's all I got. People trying to help her then she's got the nerves to try and do her own thing like she's free ma'am stop. It took me 7 months to finally watch all of this I swear she acting like one of Tyler Perry's characters lol. Please don't get mad at my post just my thoughts
Great review! I'm on episode 3 right now and loving it. I ALMOST turned off the screen and quit watching the series 38 minutes into the first episode, but the ending captured my attention with the introduction to the ethereal, fantastical railroad. Episode 2 I absolutely loved! The messages were clear and i was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I'm so invested in Cora and Caesar as characters.
Yeah I was hooked after episode 1 and episode 2 and 3 were incredible follow ups. You’ll definitely have to keep me updated after you’ve seen episode 4
Really appreciate the time you take with your reviews. Very detailed. I’ve only watched episode one so far, but I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. I like that Jenkins did this in a limited series verses a movie…In an interview he indicated, he felt as though the limited series allowed him more freedom to tell the story, which I agree. I also like the fact that he was intentional about avoiding the “white gaze.” He talked about being confronted with the question, and wondering why no one ever asks about the “black gaze.” I appreciate creators who aim to tell our stories whether fictional or non-fiction from our vantage point. In doing so, I think we get more authentic story telling. Our stories are so rich and impactful… I’ve seen Thuso on MTV Shuga- Down South, and enjoyed her in that. She is also slated to star next to Viola Davis in “Woman King”
I read and enjoyed the book but was hesitant about watching this series that I have been hearing about. Your review and thoughts have made me decide to give it a shot. Big Barry Jenkins fan here.
Yours is an excellent review and synopsis of a riveting series. I watched the entire series in 2 days, because I couldn’t get the characters out of my head. I read the book in a book club a few years ago but appreciated the plot in this series just as much. Thanks for sharing!
Amazing show with many truths. My only worry as a history teacher is mixing so much fiction with real truths is confusing for people. It almost needs an interview with the Director for each episode to go over what was historical fact and what was fiction but using truths of things that DID HAPPEN after the Civil War. I get what they were trying to do but if a history teacher is getting confused what parts were historical than your average viewer is confused also. Regardless I would give this production a perfect A.
Great review. I love your passion and enthusiasm. I'm about ten minutes into episode 2. I know this show is going to break my heart again soon but I'm going to keep watching. Race relations in the United States are very much an unsettled issue. We must learn to love each other and not be afraid of people who look different from us. (I'm a youtuber with a similar number of subs to you) . I also enjoy your Mare of Easttown. Thanks.
Definitely come back and let me know your thoughts after you finished it. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and watching my review for both shows 👏🏾
So glad to hear such a glowing review of this from you. I would usually skip this type of show but I have utter faith in Barry Jenkins to do right by this story and not just turn it into black trauma porn. He always manages to find the moments of joy and connection even in dark times in his films and he also always crafts shots that are absolutely beautiful. I'm actually excited to watch this due to his involvement.
@@simmiewilliams5970 THAT is a key point! These fake woke idiots online keep repeating that "black trauma porn" mantra about stories based on historical AND contemporary realities. Yet do not say a word against all the movies, shows and music that displays AND encourages us to kill ourselves.
Sounds a lot like misery porn. Not that that is a bad thing just that I am kind of sick of it in relation to black history and trauma. I get enough of that in that in the real world and there seems to be a endless number of tv shows and movies that continue with the misery porn, some of which I liked . I only got a few episode into Them before I felt it was crushing my soul.
@@MovieFiles phenomenal. Each episode is so well organized and meticulously crafted. Joel edgerton and Thuso Mbedu are hypnotic. I think he’s done brilliantly in focusing our attention on coras point of view and those in similar situations to emphasize that this is not a story about slave catcher versus runaway.
I knew I wanted to watch this series because it was on many lists for best series of 2021. Not an easy watch but so glad I did. Thank you for your thoughtful review. I appreciate your candor about the difficulty watching many of the scenes.
So I binge watched this in about three days. The cinematography was absolutely gorgeous. The actresses were so impactful and breathtaking, they made me feel what they wanted me to feel, as a white woman without feeling guilty. I don't know if I'm explaining this right but I could feel their anger and their despair without feeling my own background junk it was very heavy and pure and moving. it was very matter of fact but very impactful, I hope that makes sense. And the set design was absolutely gorgeous. I love that it feels like a horror movie because it was horrific. I love the way it showed generational trauma, (like in the scene where Caesar says he will not be bred, for example) and how black families were already being torn apart by the slave owners using the black men to somewhat police the women or create a feeling of distrust, and later being pressured into a tubal, and how that parallels to birth control trials in I believe Puerto Rico that caused a bunch of infertility. I had to pause it around episode six ish and go for a walk and just cried because I knew that Cora knew that it didn't matter where she went, she would never be free. It made me think about all that I've learned about the foster care system and how that bleeds into the prison system, and school system. And I needed to process it all. Yeah it was amazing and beautiful and moving. The only thing I didn't really love was the showing Ridgeways background. To be honest I didn't really care that Dude had daddy issues, this wasn't his story and I would've loved to see that screen time used to go deeper into some other relationships. I felt no empathy for the character. and I'm going to watch it with my southern raised momma who is trying to unlearn all her biases she picked up growing up. I'm watching all the reviews to see if I missed anything because of my life experience. Loved your review!
It took me a couple weeks to get through episode one. I think it suffered from bad timing. There was just another police shooting and I was emotionally raw. I think I will have to watch it again in a year and really consume it. The okra seeds. Knowing that her mother planted the okra and knowing that’s an African crop was very symbolic. Losing people on her journey. I imagine this was very common amongst our ancestors, especially runaways. That dream sequence. I was in tears. It felt like an Ellis Island and had we been immigrants. How our history would have been properly recorded and preserved. I found all the subjects covered was exposing different times in this country, from medical experiments to the massacres of entire communities. Lastly I think the space catcher and his side kick (I’m bad at remembering names) stood for the persistence of bigotry and self hatred. That kid was a slave of his own making. This series was a master piece and was so well written, casted, and acting was amazing.
Thank you for the review. I read the book and then began watching the series. I watched the first two episodes back to back. The next day I made it half way through the third episode and had to stop. It’s not easy viewing. So far, the differences between the book and the series are not so major that it changes the flow of things. The acting is great. I am going to try to finish the series, but I am not sure that I will be able to do it.
Not sure I can watch this show. This subject matter really upsets me. Watching people be evil is very difficult. I will listen to your review instead. Thanks for this!
I thought something was off with Thuso, to me she's not all that believable and her ascent is pretty bad. I lived in Ga and she sounds nothing like any of those folks. It's just another Samuel J theory what would a black American would have made of that role?
@@nombusozungu311 If you heard the full interview she also said you can go to certain parts of SA and people there speak the same broken English. The same goes for GA as well, if you were from here you would know that. I didn't know who she was and I could see she didn't move like a Blk American she was just wooden. The only thing that saves her is the fact that blk American history is fascinating and she just happens to be there in the telling of it.
She’s mimicking a southern accent which is why she’s mumbling and her speech is garbled.I don't think that affected her potrayal for me because she's a great dramatic and character actress and was believable as Cora all the way through It's just like the Mandela movie and Black Panthers,they all had Americans trying to mimic South African languages with bad accents but it didn't make me enjoy them less as a South African even though I can admit it took away the rewatch value of those movies so I get how you feel tbh
I watched the entire series this weekend - alone, and OMG! I had so many questions afterward: Who were these actors (many of them new to me)? Then assumptions that needed clarification - which you provided answers for. In my search, I bumped into your video and I thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge about the subject.
I am only 15 minutes in and this is by far and away the best review I've seen of this series. I just finished today, after watching after the kids are asleep over the course of like 4 days. I don't have anyone to talk to about this, so is thoroughly enjoyed your review, and I am agreeing with EVERYTHING you're saying.
I feel like it missed the mark as far as the storyline goes. Like I get showing history and trauma but we never got to see her make it to freedom or the north all that build up for nothing. Also how they handled Ceaser’s storyline was trash they basically left it up to the white guy to tell us what happened instead of letting the audience see it like all the other stuff we had to endure and then the fact all those men came and killed so many innocent people just because one man didn’t think they should have all that land was so infuriating . Plus that little boy who kept telling on her was driving me crazy and we heard Grace screaming when that white girl started the fire so I’m still wondering if that episode when she went out the back was a dream sequence and the origin stories we’re to long with unnecessary dialogue that wasted time Uuugggghhh this storyline could’ve been so much more and had some good come out of it 😩 other than that visually the movie was shot beautifully and the actors were amazing
Hi Elliott. Just finished episode 4 and at first I was wondering who is the man and young man. I finally figured out the boy is a young Ridgeway and the man is his father. Didn't care much for watching Ridgeways back story. He was an assholr who chose to be a slave hunter because he wasn't raised that way. I'll check back later on.
I just finished watching the series this morning. I agree with you, Brother. Excellent performances by all. I will admit that some scenes were hard to watch. I cried a lot during some scenes, but it lends to the fact that these actors did a stellar job portraying the trauma and strife experienced by our ancestors. I think every actor in this show deserves an Academy Award. It was so impactful that I had to watch a comedy show after the series ended to stop sobbing. Excellent work by all!!!!!! I give this series two thumbs up! 👍
Okay can l go out on a limb here..l felt that episode 2 reflected so many parts of the holocaust. l would like to say exactly which parts but don't want to say anything as a spoiler alert.
Why did Amazon get history wrong when they depict The Underground Railroad as a really railroad? That is NOT historical accurate. I just finished episode one. Also, look into the history of the song “ follow the drinking gourd” In that song, were the instructions to where the slaves needed to go to head north and follow to the next safe house. The young actor who played Homer is amazing
Thank you for reviewing this so thoroughly. You are one of the most thoughtful, sensitive and intelligent movie reviewers on YT. There is a quote from the novel that sums up my experience watching this series. Cora toward the end, says about the Underground Railroad: “Who you are after you finish something this magnificent - in constructing it you have also journeyed through it, to the other side.” I felt this way after reading the novel and again after watching Barry Jenkins’ exceptional adaptation of it. From the cinematography to the acting to the score, I was transported from just being triggered by the trauma of our history to an artistry that captured the human will to be free (and how humanity was, and still is, denied to Blacks). As you said, it was “a masterful show.” The first three episodes were near perfect. And the last three had moments that were emotionally difficult to watch. My critiques would be the pacing within certain episodes, a few moments of unnatural, tinny dialogue and the lack of character background from the book that would give relationships more depth and the seeds more meaning, and explain why Caesar’s fate had to occur off camera. Jenkins brought tension to moments of inevitability by staying on them, drawing out the transience of happiness, joy and peace when you are a slave. By breaking the fourth wall (like in Valentine after the corn contest, right before the heartrending end to their temporary nirvana) I feel like Jenkins is letting us know that the moment is fleeting and that we are all implicated in the reckoning and retelling of our history. To explain what I love about the series and the beautiful ways it departed from the book might spoil the book for those who want to read it and the series for those who haven’t watched it. And both the book and series definitely deserve acclaim.
Your review is spot on excellent review you explained everything in an articulate educated way, I appreciate intelligent black people who are woke, thx. As far as the mini series I give it a B- ,the acting was excellent, scenes looked amazing, directing was phenomenal,score was good, the only qualms I had was the at times slow dialog scenes an long over drawn dream sequences.
Don't forget that in Episode 6, Ridgeway stood outside the outhouse, and we finally are told what happened to Cesar. Also in the Exodus episode, we finally find out what happened to her best friend, Lovey. Which was so disgusting and cruel, I wont even type it out on here.
As a blackman Im sick of these slave films, there is more to us than just this subject. I think white ppl think the same but don't say anything due to being called a racist. I was into them for a while but now every black film is a slave film, I miss the Eddie Murphy, Chris tucker type films, we need some black sci fi films
I hear you but I think a lot forget that we get more black films and shows than ever before with platforms like Netflix for example that unfortunately go under the radar and don’t catch the attention of the larger audience
I really wanted to like this show and I didn't. It felt too much like mystery fantasy. It also dragged to me. There were times I could not understand the actors/actresses I even blasted my volume and nothing. I didn't like the story line. I didn't like that they actually had a railroad in the show. It didn't feel historical. I wanted to gain history of the underground railroad but instead I got this fantasy mystery show. It was not what I expected. The show also felt creepy at times trying to figure out what everyone is plotting. I tried to get through the second episode and I just couldn't. If they were going to release a slavery show they should of made NEW episodes for the TV show called Underground that was created by John Legend. That show is amazing and I honestly learned so much history from those 2 seasons. I wish they kept going with the story and didn't cancel such an incredible show.
Dude, I am black one thing that flew over your head Especially when dicusccing episode 3. Is that despite all the rasicim there are some whites not a lot the will put their skin on the line. This is the thing Barry Tackles we as blacks ignore those these few helps and will demonize a whole race. it complex. it got you bro.
@@MovieFiles Oh okay then,that's great that he was that involved with the writing I just checked on imdb and he's credited for co writing only 4 episodes
Ok so to unpack this series takes many hands. This can be dissected on soooooo many levels. The artistry,visuals etc breath taking. I've never wanted to throw my phone at a tv until now....well when trump was on,but other than that never. Complex characters,dialogue. My analysis is this happiness was never allotted to us and when we briefly had it,it was torn away from us EVERYTIME....EVERYTIME. Great acting. Even the slave catcher...great portrayal,homer his sidekick...omg great acting
Overall, love the series. However, while I'm a big fan of alternate history stories, I don't feel quite like America is ready for this subject in that genre. There are too many misconceptions about slavery and racism today that need to be properly contextually reinforced with audiences unfamiliar with the history of the US Antebellum South. Performances were great and the scenery was stunning. The brutality depicted is on the level of Saving Private Ryan dispelling and demystifying the whitewashed history about it taught in schools today or the straight up white propaganda found still in many Southern states or blockbuster movies like Gone with the Wind. It's a great watch. Just understand that there are parts of this show that intentionally change history for the sake of fictional writing.
I'm finally done and I must say I enjoyed half the episodes more than the others but overall it's still the best limited series I've watched so far cause I felt something watching it compared to the others(it was cathartic in an sense) My episode ranking: Chapter 2 Chapter 8 Chapter 3 Chapter 10 Chapter 1 Chapter 9 Chapter 7 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 4 Basically all episodes that centered Ridgeway were my least favorite,I also wasn't a fan of the up beat music for the end credits especially in episode 9 that was a weird choice lol. I wish they didn't kill off Ceaser early,I also wasn't a fan of the off screen death 7.5/10 overall
The only critiques I have to offer is that I wish they would have shown these slave catchers as they were, Irish men with the accent and poorer dress code and even poorer treatment by other whites. And there were scenes where they said they were in SC when they were in savanna where slavery and Catholicism were illegal for a time. I realize it’s not a documentary however I believe that Charleston SC in particular has the scenery that would have fit the time. . How sad it must have been to be white and be jealous of a slave. Edgerton’s character was more pitiful than the actual slave. He hated Blacks yet had this little Black kid loyally following him around looking after him being his protégé. And then when they get to the Valentine’s Farm he hears the welders hammer on steel reminding him of what his Father told him the great spirit is everywhere but confirming more so that it was not in him and then Jasper’s “prophecy” he will see. Good stuff right there. I absolutely adore hearing the Declaration of Independence read/recited aloud. Although it was not written for me or my people. I can not deny that the way the words were written stir up hope and determination in my soul. I really enjoyed this series.
I really try to watch this series I could not get past the very first episode.... I just couldn't do it... I felt myself becoming very angry so I had to stop watching it
Absolutely correct, it will get emotional, I also want to learn & see a movie how republicans was able to convince & force white people to fight and die to free the slaves.
Just watched it. It could have been and should have been only six or seven episodes, max. And after all those hours, I still don't exactly know who Cora was. ☹️
This was a great review and breakdown. I won't be watching the show but appreciated your analysis. I've only heard good things about the show but due to the subject matter I can't watch.
Hi Elliot. Thank you for your thought-provoking and balanced review of "The Underground Railroad." I'm split on watching this series based on the casting choices. However, the series is sitting in my queue, so there's a stronger possibility, based on your review, that I'll watch it. The root story of the series is based on what our ancestors went through in America. It is our history, lineage, & legacy.
What did you think of this series?
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I've only made it through the 1st episode and its brutal. I'm determined to watch all 10 but it will take awhile. I enjoyed the 1st episode and agree that although hard to watch its so well done. Which is why I'll "persevere "and continue to watch
I was an extra in this show (the 2nd episode). Barry such a cool guy with a very laid back directing style
That’s awesome and glad to hear he’s great to work with. Also again congratulations for being apart of this incredible series! Appreciate you sharing and watching my review.
@@MovieFiles 🙏🏽
Congrats to you young lady.
Thank you so very much for your wonderful contribution to OUTSTANDING storytelling. 👏👏👏👏👏
Funniest part is when they set fire to they own town like y’all have no fire trucks but using pails 🪣 to put out y’all racist fire 😂😂😂
😂
Yas!
Thuso always embodies her characters. I’ve followed her career in SA and she never gives anything less than a hundred.
I’m such a big fan of her after seeing this and hope she gets more opportunities
The acting and scenery were excellent, just a little confused on what was a dream, and what was real.
Incredible and I believe the only dream came in episode 8
I loved this series...and the book as well. It’s fiction based on history and I’m happy these stories are told. Some folk want you to forget your history, and some folks are pushing the “slavery never existed” narrative. Thank you Barry Jenkins for your adaptation of Mr, Whiteheads work.
I've watched episode 1 so far and decided to watch one episode a day cause the first one,whew.
I'll watch you review(without spoiling it for myself) and then come back when I'm done,not many people are talking about this show. I wish it had the same buzz and hype that Them Amazon had,the score,the acting and cinematography are excellent so far
Yeah it took me the whole week to finish it myself
I absolutely love this! I love Cora and Caesar relationship cast was amazing!!!!!!!
one of the best this year
Thuso is amazing,she was nominated by the international Emmys twice for a South African series called Isthunzi.
She's unlikely to be awarded for best actress cause I feel like Anya Taylor Joy is going to get awarded instead but a nomination would be great.Her next project is a movie co starring Viola Davis set in our country South Africa,I'm so proud of how far she's come.
She deserves all the praise in the world for playing Cora
I loved Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize winning book and am slowly working my way through the series (I’m a slow series watcher and this is one I can only take in small doses) but I am already appreciating its excellence. For some reason I imagined Cora differently and now I can only see Thuso. 👌🏽 I will definitely return for the spoiler half of your review.
Definitely come back and let me know your thoughts my friend
Agree 💯 this show was prolly one of the best in its genre I know some of it is fictional but it’s like they had a time machine and rolled the cameras lol!
Incredible series
Am I the only one that was irritated by Cora? Her selfishness and just childish ways at times was a bit too much.... I just couldn't connect to her. Reminds me of June in these last seasons of handmaids tale...
I agree. I too compared Cora's personality to June's.
I tried to start this but had to stop in the first episode. I feel like I have seen so many depictions of slavery that for me as a black person it is very triggering and debilitating. It's hard because slavery isn't really over, so it's hard to ingest this kind of media when I think about many of us who still experience racism and slave like conditions. Like you can be a citizen but also know that at any moment someone can rape you or execute you and you have no means of protection. Or you can be imprisoned without a trial and then those people can do what they want with you. And if you die they won't tell your family what happened to you.
I absolutely loved this series, it was both beautiful and horrifying. The way the first 3 episodes were shot was like horror flicks, only the monsters were people filled with hate and no empathy to their fellow human beings. It's funny that episode 4 was one of your least liked, because to me it was my favourite. It had the theme for the show written in it, the theme that we can all choose kindness and empathy, but some of us choose hate.
A lot of black folks found this series too graphic and didn’t like saying that it didn’t show black people as empowered, but I think they missed the point of the series. It was exploring racism, generational trauma and the various forms it presents itself. As a black man, I think this series is a masterpiece.
Truly a masterpiece
I don't know where to start.. but Cora Cora Cora everyone that tried to help her ends up dead. She got some bad juju that's all I got. People trying to help her then she's got the nerves to try and do her own thing like she's free ma'am stop. It took me 7 months to finally watch all of this I swear she acting like one of Tyler Perry's characters lol. Please don't get mad at my post just my thoughts
Not mad at all and appreciate you sharing your thoughts and watching my review
Chapter 9 was symbolic of Tulsa and other self-sufficient black communities that were destroyed by white people in the past.
such a powerful ep
Thuso's characters are so intense. And she has embodied and delivered in all of them. Love her. ❤
Great review! I'm on episode 3 right now and loving it. I ALMOST turned off the screen and quit watching the series 38 minutes into the first episode, but the ending captured my attention with the introduction to the ethereal, fantastical railroad. Episode 2 I absolutely loved! The messages were clear and i was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I'm so invested in Cora and Caesar as characters.
Yeah I was hooked after episode 1 and episode 2 and 3 were incredible follow ups. You’ll definitely have to keep me updated after you’ve seen episode 4
Really appreciate the time you take with your reviews. Very detailed. I’ve only watched episode one so far, but I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
I like that Jenkins did this in a limited series verses a movie…In an interview he indicated, he felt as though the limited series allowed him more freedom to tell the story, which I agree. I also like the fact that he was intentional about avoiding the “white gaze.” He talked about being confronted with the question, and wondering why no one ever asks about the “black gaze.” I appreciate creators who aim to tell our stories whether fictional or non-fiction from our vantage point. In doing so, I think we get more authentic story telling. Our stories are so rich and impactful…
I’ve seen Thuso on MTV Shuga- Down South, and enjoyed her in that. She is also slated to star next to Viola Davis in “Woman King”
I’m glad he had freedom. Also thank you so much for the kind words and for watching my review. Let me know your thoughts after you finished it.
I’ve been listening to Britell’s score on repeat over the past couple weeks. Absolute masterpiece!
I read and enjoyed the book but was hesitant about watching this series that I have been hearing about. Your review and thoughts have made me decide to give it a shot. Big Barry Jenkins fan here.
Definitely come back and let me know your thoughts after episode 1
Yours is an excellent review and synopsis of a riveting series. I watched the entire series in 2 days, because I couldn’t get the characters out of my head. I read the book in a book club a few years ago but appreciated the plot in this series just as much. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you and yes this was incredibly riveting
Amazing show with many truths. My only worry as a history teacher is mixing so much fiction with real truths is confusing for people. It almost needs an interview with the Director for each episode to go over what was historical fact and what was fiction but using truths of things that DID HAPPEN after the Civil War. I get what they were trying to do but if a history teacher is getting confused what parts were historical than your average viewer is confused also. Regardless I would give this production a perfect A.
A++
Great review. I love your passion and enthusiasm. I'm about ten minutes into episode 2. I know this show is going to break my heart again soon but I'm going to keep watching. Race relations in the United States are very much an unsettled issue. We must learn to love each other and not be afraid of people who look different from us. (I'm a youtuber with a similar number of subs to you) . I also enjoy your Mare of Easttown. Thanks.
Definitely come back and let me know your thoughts after you finished it. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and watching my review for both shows 👏🏾
So glad to hear such a glowing review of this from you. I would usually skip this type of show but I have utter faith in Barry Jenkins to do right by this story and not just turn it into black trauma porn. He always manages to find the moments of joy and connection even in dark times in his films and he also always crafts shots that are absolutely beautiful. I'm actually excited to watch this due to his involvement.
Thank you for watching my review and let me know your thoughts after
To me this is historic storytelling...I consider shows like SnowFall black trauma.
@@simmiewilliams5970 THAT is a key point! These fake woke idiots online keep repeating that "black trauma porn" mantra about stories based on historical AND contemporary realities. Yet do not say a word against all the movies, shows and music that displays AND encourages us to kill ourselves.
Sounds a lot like misery porn. Not that that is a bad thing just that I am kind of sick of it in relation to black history and trauma. I get enough of that in that in the real world and there seems to be a endless number of tv shows and movies that continue with the misery porn, some of which I liked . I only got a few episode into Them before I felt it was crushing my soul.
Very excited for this I’m on episode 4 but I’ve already read the book 📚
I was floored by this series - thoughts on the episodes you’ve seen so far?
@@MovieFiles phenomenal. Each episode is so well organized and meticulously crafted. Joel edgerton and Thuso Mbedu are hypnotic. I think he’s done brilliantly in focusing our attention on coras point of view and those in similar situations to emphasize that this is not a story about slave catcher versus runaway.
Yeah this was a master class in acting and directing
I knew I wanted to watch this series because it was on many lists for best series of 2021. Not an easy watch but so glad I did. Thank you for your thoughtful review. I appreciate your candor about the difficulty watching many of the scenes.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and for taking the time to watch my review
So I binge watched this in about three days. The cinematography was absolutely gorgeous. The actresses were so impactful and breathtaking, they made me feel what they wanted me to feel, as a white woman without feeling guilty. I don't know if I'm explaining this right but I could feel their anger and their despair without feeling my own background junk it was very heavy and pure and moving. it was very matter of fact but very impactful, I hope that makes sense. And the set design was absolutely gorgeous. I love that it feels like a horror movie because it was horrific. I love the way it showed generational trauma, (like in the scene where Caesar says he will not be bred, for example) and how black families were already being torn apart by the slave owners using the black men to somewhat police the women or create a feeling of distrust, and later being pressured into a tubal, and how that parallels to birth control trials in I believe Puerto Rico that caused a bunch of infertility. I had to pause it around episode six ish and go for a walk and just cried because I knew that Cora knew that it didn't matter where she went, she would never be free. It made me think about all that I've learned about the foster care system and how that bleeds into the prison system, and school system. And I needed to process it all. Yeah it was amazing and beautiful and moving. The only thing I didn't really love was the showing Ridgeways background. To be honest I didn't really care that Dude had daddy issues, this wasn't his story and I would've loved to see that screen time used to go deeper into some other relationships. I felt no empathy for the character. and I'm going to watch it with my southern raised momma who is trying to unlearn all her biases she picked up growing up. I'm watching all the reviews to see if I missed anything because of my life experience. Loved your review!
Well said Chelsea. I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts and watching my review!
It took me a couple weeks to get through episode one. I think it suffered from bad timing. There was just another police shooting and I was emotionally raw. I think I will have to watch it again in a year and really consume it.
The okra seeds. Knowing that her mother planted the okra and knowing that’s an African crop was very symbolic.
Losing people on her journey. I imagine this was very common amongst our ancestors, especially runaways.
That dream sequence. I was in tears. It felt like an Ellis Island and had we been immigrants. How our history would have been properly recorded and preserved.
I found all the subjects covered was exposing different times in this country, from medical experiments to the massacres of entire communities.
Lastly I think the space catcher and his side kick (I’m bad at remembering names) stood for the persistence of bigotry and self hatred. That kid was a slave of his own making.
This series was a master piece and was so well written, casted, and acting was amazing.
Thank you for the review. I read the book and then began watching the series. I watched the first two episodes back to back. The next day I made it half way through the third episode and had to stop. It’s not easy viewing. So far, the differences between the book and the series are not so major that it changes the flow of things. The acting is great. I am going to try to finish the series, but I am not sure that I will be able to do it.
I understand it’s a very difficult watch but has a incredible emotional payoff by the end. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and watching my review.
Not sure I can watch this show. This subject matter really upsets me. Watching people be evil is very difficult. I will listen to your review instead. Thanks for this!
I understand and I appreciate you watching my review
I thought something was off with Thuso, to me she's not all that believable and her ascent is pretty bad. I lived in Ga and she sounds nothing like any of those folks. It's just another Samuel J theory what would a black American would have made of that role?
Interesting I thought she felt authentic 🤷🏽♂️
She did explained on the interviews that "Cora had a broken ascent since it happened 100s years ago".
@@nombusozungu311 If you heard the full interview she also said you can go to certain parts of SA and people there speak the same broken English. The same goes for GA as well, if you were from here you would know that. I didn't know who she was and I could see she didn't move like a Blk American she was just wooden. The only thing that saves her is the fact that blk American history is fascinating and she just happens to be there in the telling of it.
She’s mimicking a southern accent which is why she’s mumbling and her speech is garbled.I don't think that affected her potrayal for me because she's a great dramatic and character actress and was believable as Cora all the way through
It's just like the Mandela movie and Black Panthers,they all had Americans trying to mimic South African languages with bad accents but it didn't make me enjoy them less as a South African even though I can admit it took away the rewatch value of those movies so I get how you feel tbh
Cora was so emotional
Appreciate you watching my review
I watched the entire series this weekend - alone, and OMG! I had so many questions afterward: Who were these actors (many of them new to me)? Then assumptions that needed clarification - which you provided answers for. In my search, I bumped into your video and I thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge about the subject.
Yeah this show was incredible! Really appreciate you watching my review!
@@MovieFiles Incredible indeed! I agree, it is the best thing I've seen this year.
100%
Homer pissed me off
I’m trying to tell you!!
Me too he didn’t know any better though being taken in by a white man
Thanks for the breakdown and review! The subject matter, I can’t get into so I won’t be watching, but I have heard good things about it. 🎬👍✊🏽
Yeah it’s a subject matter that isn’t for everybody but it’s a masterpiece of storytelling i my opinion
I am only 15 minutes in and this is by far and away the best review I've seen of this series. I just finished today, after watching after the kids are asleep over the course of like 4 days. I don't have anyone to talk to about this, so is thoroughly enjoyed your review, and I am agreeing with EVERYTHING you're saying.
I feel like it missed the mark as far as the storyline goes. Like I get showing history and trauma but we never got to see her make it to freedom or the north all that build up for nothing.
Also how they handled Ceaser’s storyline was trash they basically left it up to the white guy to tell us what happened instead of letting the audience see it like all the other stuff we had to endure and then the fact all those men came and killed so many innocent people just because one man didn’t think they should have all that land was so infuriating .
Plus that little boy who kept telling on her was driving me crazy and we heard Grace screaming when that white girl started the fire so I’m still wondering if that episode when she went out the back was a dream sequence and the origin stories we’re to long with unnecessary dialogue that wasted time
Uuugggghhh this storyline could’ve been so much more and had some good come out of it 😩 other than that visually the movie was shot beautifully and the actors were amazing
I wished Caesars plot played out differently as well
Hi Elliott. Just finished episode 4 and at first I was wondering who is the man and young man. I finally figured out the boy is a young Ridgeway and the man is his father. Didn't care much for watching Ridgeways back story. He was an assholr who chose to be a slave hunter because he wasn't raised that way. I'll check back later on.
I’m on episode 7 it’s making me mad 😠
Really great review! Not sure if I can watch this one but it sounds great !
It’s incredible but I get the subject matter isn’t for everybody
Cool
I loved "The Underground Railroad", greatly! Every episode has surprises, every character is multi dimensional.
I just finished watching the series this morning. I agree with you, Brother. Excellent performances by all. I will admit that some scenes were hard to watch. I cried a lot during some scenes, but it lends to the fact that these actors did a stellar job portraying the trauma and strife experienced by our ancestors. I think every actor in this show deserves an Academy Award. It was so impactful that I had to watch a comedy show after the series ended to stop sobbing. Excellent work by all!!!!!! I give this series two thumbs up! 👍
Okay can l go out on a limb here..l felt that episode 2 reflected so many parts of the holocaust. l would like to say exactly which parts but don't want to say anything as a spoiler alert.
Why did Amazon get history wrong when they depict The Underground Railroad as a really railroad? That is NOT historical accurate. I just finished episode one. Also, look into the history of the song “ follow the drinking gourd” In that song, were the instructions to where the slaves needed to go to head north and follow to the next safe house. The young actor who played Homer is amazing
Thank you for reviewing this so thoroughly. You are one of the most thoughtful, sensitive and intelligent movie reviewers on YT. There is a quote from the novel that sums up my experience watching this series. Cora toward the end, says about the Underground Railroad: “Who you are after you finish something this magnificent - in constructing it you have also journeyed through it, to the other side.” I felt this way after reading the novel and again after watching Barry Jenkins’ exceptional adaptation of it. From the cinematography to the acting to the score, I was transported from just being triggered by the trauma of our history to an artistry that captured the human will to be free (and how humanity was, and still is, denied to Blacks). As you said, it was “a masterful show.” The first three episodes were near perfect. And the last three had moments that were emotionally difficult to watch. My critiques would be the pacing within certain episodes, a few moments of unnatural, tinny dialogue and the lack of character background from the book that would give relationships more depth and the seeds more meaning, and explain why Caesar’s fate had to occur off camera. Jenkins brought tension to moments of inevitability by staying on them, drawing out the transience of happiness, joy and peace when you are a slave. By breaking the fourth wall (like in Valentine after the corn contest, right before the heartrending end to their temporary nirvana) I feel like Jenkins is letting us know that the moment is fleeting and that we are all implicated in the reckoning and retelling of our history. To explain what I love about the series and the beautiful ways it departed from the book might spoil the book for those who want to read it and the series for those who haven’t watched it. And both the book and series definitely deserve acclaim.
She looks just like my grandbaby
Who Homer?
I aint gone cap i didnt like homer, at some point he would have to see what he was doin was wrong
I don’t get the little black boy at all like was his character even needed. Who was he?
I think he was needed and touch’s on how Ridgeway molded him to hate his own people
It took me over a week to watch because several episodes were so powerful.
Wow. Powerful review.
Thank you
Outstanding!! Series👏 #hatehomer
Your review is spot on excellent review you explained everything in an articulate educated way, I appreciate intelligent black people who are woke, thx. As far as the mini series I give it a B- ,the acting was excellent, scenes looked amazing, directing was phenomenal,score was good, the only qualms I had was the at times slow dialog scenes an long over drawn dream sequences.
Appreciate you watching my review and commenting!
Don't forget that in Episode 6, Ridgeway stood outside the outhouse, and we finally are told what happened to Cesar. Also in the Exodus episode, we finally find out what happened to her best friend, Lovey. Which was so disgusting and cruel, I wont even type it out on here.
Appreciate you sharing your thoughts
As a blackman Im sick of these slave films, there is more to us than just this subject. I think white ppl think the same but don't say anything due to being called a racist. I was into them for a while but now every black film is a slave film, I miss the Eddie Murphy, Chris tucker type films, we need some black sci fi films
I hear you but I think a lot forget that we get more black films and shows than ever before with platforms like Netflix for example that unfortunately go under the radar and don’t catch the attention of the larger audience
I really wanted to like this show and I didn't. It felt too much like mystery fantasy. It also dragged to me. There were times I could not understand the actors/actresses I even blasted my volume and nothing. I didn't like the story line. I didn't like that they actually had a railroad in the show. It didn't feel historical. I wanted to gain history of the underground railroad but instead I got this fantasy mystery show. It was not what I expected. The show also felt creepy at times trying to figure out what everyone is plotting. I tried to get through the second episode and I just couldn't. If they were going to release a slavery show they should of made NEW episodes for the TV show called Underground that was created by John Legend. That show is amazing and I honestly learned so much history from those 2 seasons. I wish they kept going with the story and didn't cancel such an incredible show.
Sorry you didn’t enjoy it but appreciate you sharing your thoughts and watching my review
Dude, I am black one thing that flew over your head Especially when dicusccing episode 3. Is that despite all the rasicim there are some whites not a lot the will put their skin on the line. This is the thing Barry Tackles we as blacks ignore those these few helps and will demonize a whole race. it complex. it got you bro.
Ok
I think Barry only partially wrote some of the episodes to my knowledge
Co wrote and directed each episode
@@MovieFiles Oh okay then,that's great that he was that involved with the writing
I just checked on imdb and he's credited for co writing only 4 episodes
Yeah he had a lot on his plate with producing and directing as well
Great review! Would love to see an analytics of the real railroad and the comparisons or metaphors in the show
Thank you for watching my review
I loved the show
Incredible
Gut wrenching story. Painful to watch. But essential to see.
great series
Love your channel, so happy to find another movie lover like me!!!
Thank you Jill and glad you found my channel and welcome to the community
Homer made me mad asf 😡
Ok so to unpack this series takes many hands. This can be dissected on soooooo many levels. The artistry,visuals etc breath taking. I've never wanted to throw my phone at a tv until now....well when trump was on,but other than that never. Complex characters,dialogue. My analysis is this happiness was never allotted to us and when we briefly had it,it was torn away from us EVERYTIME....EVERYTIME. Great acting. Even the slave catcher...great portrayal,homer his sidekick...omg great acting
Overall, love the series. However, while I'm a big fan of alternate history stories, I don't feel quite like America is ready for this subject in that genre. There are too many misconceptions about slavery and racism today that need to be properly contextually reinforced with audiences unfamiliar with the history of the US Antebellum South.
Performances were great and the scenery was stunning. The brutality depicted is on the level of Saving Private Ryan dispelling and demystifying the whitewashed history about it taught in schools today or the straight up white propaganda found still in many Southern states or blockbuster movies like Gone with the Wind.
It's a great watch. Just understand that there are parts of this show that intentionally change history for the sake of fictional writing.
I'm finally done and I must say I enjoyed half the episodes more than the others but overall it's still the best limited series I've watched so far cause I felt something watching it compared to the others(it was cathartic in an sense)
My episode ranking:
Chapter 2
Chapter 8
Chapter 3
Chapter 10
Chapter 1
Chapter 9
Chapter 7
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 4
Basically all episodes that centered Ridgeway were my least favorite,I also wasn't a fan of the up beat music for the end credits especially in episode 9 that was a weird choice lol.
I wish they didn't kill off Ceaser early,I also wasn't a fan of the off screen death
7.5/10 overall
The only critiques I have to offer is that I wish they would have shown these slave catchers as they were, Irish men with the accent and poorer dress code and even poorer treatment by other whites.
And there were scenes where they said they were in SC when they were in savanna where slavery and Catholicism were illegal for a time. I realize it’s not a documentary however I believe that Charleston SC in particular has the scenery that would have fit the time.
. How sad it must have been to be white and be jealous of a slave. Edgerton’s character was more pitiful than the actual slave.
He hated Blacks yet had this little Black kid loyally following him around looking after him being his protégé.
And then when they get to the Valentine’s Farm he hears the welders hammer on steel reminding him of what his Father told him the great spirit is everywhere but confirming more so that it was not in him and then Jasper’s “prophecy” he will see. Good stuff right there.
I absolutely adore hearing the Declaration of Independence read/recited aloud. Although it was not written for me or my people. I can not deny that the way the words were written stir up hope and determination in my soul.
I really enjoyed this series.
Appreciate you sharing your detailed thoughts on the show and really appreciate you taking the time to watch my review!
@@MovieFiles thank u I just subscribed I enjoyed your review!
Great job on the video. Thank you
Glad you liked it!
The acting was so AMAZING. Barry again did an awesome job directing the actors and actresses.
I actually thought I’d be able to live chat! 😒
Well done!!
Thank you
Brilliant review!!
Thank you
@@MovieFiles no problem, you’re my new favourite tv/film reviewer 👍🏼
Thank you so much for that Lauren, means a lot 👏🏾
I really try to watch this series I could not get past the very first episode.... I just couldn't do it... I felt myself becoming very angry so I had to stop watching it
I understand it’s definitely a difficult watch but trust me it’s a incredible journey with a emotional payoff.
Absolutely correct, it will get emotional, I also want to learn & see a movie how republicans was able to convince & force white people to fight and die to free the slaves.
Get to the point
🤦🏽♂️
Just watched it. It could have been and should have been only six or seven episodes, max. And after all those hours, I still don't exactly know who Cora was. ☹️
Appreciate you watching Ro Ro
This was a great review and breakdown. I won't be watching the show but appreciated your analysis. I've only heard good things about the show but due to the subject matter I can't watch.
No I understand it’s a very difficult watch but a masterpiece. Thank you for watching my review.
@@MovieFiles thank you for all your hard work on this.
I thought I was alone in this struggle. As much as I appreciate great talent, the subject matter is one I struggle with. Blessings ❤️
@@pearll.7876 you are totally not alone. Despite the brilliance we have to protect our minds sometime.
👏🏾
Hi Elliot. Thank you for your thought-provoking and balanced review of "The Underground Railroad." I'm split on watching this series based on the casting choices. However, the series is sitting in my queue, so there's a stronger possibility, based on your review, that I'll watch it. The root story of the series is based on what our ancestors went through in America. It is our history, lineage, & legacy.
Yeah it’s definitely a extremely hard watch because of the subject matter but I think it’s a masterpiece in storytelling.