The North Star

The North Star is a moving historical drama from 2016 that transports its viewers back to the darkest era in the history of the United States – the brutal period of slavery. Directed by Thomas K. Philips, the film stars the charismatic Jeremiah Trotter, the versatile Thomas C. Bartley Jr., and the ever-talented Clifton Powell. This film is not about hopeless suffering; instead, it is an ode to resistance, resilience, and the struggle for freedom. Drawing from a compelling narrative and a rich historical canvas, it is a poignant tale of choice and liberation amid desperate times.

Set in the early nineteenth-century Virginia, a southern U.S. state, the movie unravels the suffocating atmosphere of racial subjugation, inequality, and inhumanity. The story revolves around Big Ben Jones, powerfully portrayed by Jeremiah Trotter, and Moses Hopkins, delivered by Thomas C. Bartley Jr. The two characters represent the daunting reality of tens of thousands of enslaved African Americans of their time – living under the iron fist of their white masters, toiling endlessly, and dreaming of a free life.

This 88-minute feature film navigates through the lives of these two men, best friends and slaves on a Virginia plantation. Their friendship is deeply rooted in their share of trials and tribulations. Their daily routine is full of grueling manual labor, fear, and a potion of despair, juxtaposing starkly with the antebellum grandeur prevalent on plantations.

However, their spirit remained unbroken, and this sense of resilience became the catalyst for the new chapter in their lives. A monumental decision is made - to escape from their captivity and make the perilous journey to the North, chasing the North Star. For those unfamiliar, The North Star, or Polaris, was infamous as a guiding light, a beacon of hope for escaping slaves looking for a way towards freedom in the North.

The journey towards freedom is filled with countless hurdles, roadblocks, and dangers. These are times when every path is fraught with danger, every step carries the risk of being caught, and every instance teeters on the brim between life and death. The inhospitable land, the trackers on their tail, potential betrayals, and other challenges must be overcome with unwavering determination and sheer willpower. These aspects add a level of intense suspense and uncertainty that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seat, rooting for the protagonists to accomplish their dream of freedom.

Meanwhile, we have Clifton Powell in the role of the empathetic and noble Benjamin Star. His character shines as a beacon of hope in a time of despair. Maintaining his stance against the dominating oppressive culture, Benjamin Star represents the counter-narrative, a voice of humanity, compassion, courage, and righteousness during these grim hours.

The performances in The North Star are certainly compelling. Jeremiah Trotter brings a sense of invincibility to his character, Big Ben, embodying physical strength and fortitude coupled with emotional depth and intelligence. Thomas C Bartley Jr., in the role of Moses, delivers a heartfelt performance, significantly contributing to the emotional intensity of the movie. Clifton Powell is equally impressive, next to these two leads, with his character subtly echoing the ideals of equality, justice, and hope.

The film is exquisitely photographed, encompassing the breathtaking Virginia landscapes that heighten the storytelling. Sharp contrasts between the lavish lifestyle of the slaveholders and the deprived living conditions of the slaves are effectively brought out, providing a picturesque yet distressing depiction of the dichotomy.

On the whole, The North Star is a profound cinematic piece that dives deep into the socio-political turmoil of the nineteenth century U.S. It is an engaging blend of history and drama, highlighting the ethos of resilience and determination in the face of profound adversity. For those who have a penchant for historical films laced with suspense, adventure, and social relevance, The North Star is certainly a rewarding watch.