The narrator tells the story in short introductions to four chapters - spring, summer, autumn and winter - otherwise there is no dialogue and the dancing is underscored only by music. Each season represents a period of Harriet Tubman's life from age 5 until her older years as a freed woman with freed protégés. On her trek to freedom Harriet expresses fear, beauty and courage through dance. In one scene she actually dances in the mud and water after crossing a river to freedom.
I love the brevity of the narrative, the dancing and the music. The locations are all outdoors in gorgeous gardens, fields and mountains - all captured by professional camerawork. I can't say enough good things about the music. The track entitled "Chi Mai" by composer Ennio Morricone (who passed away in 2021) is my favorite. Then again, there are at least eight different tracks used and every piece of music and every dance is a gorgeous, powerful and a true expression of talent. All the dancers wear masks when dancing together because of COVID-19 restrictions that were in place when this film was shot. When dancing as a soloist, no masks are worn and we see their beautiful smiles.
The message of this film is that the sweet human spirit can carry us far beyond our circumstances and into many worlds of happiness if we just remember to "Keep going!" - Hardiman and Ethridge
I give Harriet: The Black Swan In the Year of COVID-19 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
The narrator tells the story in short introductions to four chapters - spring, summer, autumn and winter - otherwise there is no dialogue and the dancing is underscored only by music. Each season represents a period of Harriet Tubman's life from age 5 until her older years as a freed woman with freed protégés. On her trek to freedom Harriet expresses fear, beauty and courage through dance. In one scene she actually dances in the mud and water after crossing a river to freedom.
I love the brevity of the narrative, the dancing and the music. The locations are all outdoors in gorgeous gardens, fields and mountains - all captured by professional camerawork. I can't say enough good things about the music. The track entitled "Chi Mai" by composer Ennio Morricone (who passed away in 2021) is my favorite. Then again, there are at least eight different tracks used and every piece of music and every dance is a gorgeous, powerful and a true expression of talent. All the dancers wear masks when dancing together because of COVID-19 restrictions that were in place when this film was shot. When dancing as a soloist, no masks are worn and we see their beautiful smiles.
The message of this film is that the sweet human spirit can carry us far beyond our circumstances and into many worlds of happiness if we just remember to "Keep going!" - Hardiman and Ethridge
I give Harriet: The Black Swan In the Year of COVID-19 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults. Reviewed by Nancy K., KIDS FIRST!
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