Watch John Henry and the Railroad

John Henry and the Railroad is a heartwarming drama movie that takes us back to the time when progress collided with tradition. Set in the late 19th century, the movie is about John Henry, a legendary African American folk hero, who takes on the railroad company in a battle of determination, stamina, and pride. The movie begins with John Henry (Eugene H. Russell IV), a former slave, settling in a small town in the South. He's a strong and passionate man, with a clear sense of right and wrong. John Henry is happy working as a steel driver, a job that involves hitting a steel drill into rock to make holes for explosives. However, his employer Mr. Pescatore (E. Roger Mitchell), has other plans. He wants to use a steam drill that can drill faster and cheaper than any man. John Henry sees this as a threat to his livelihood and his way of life.

John Henry decides to challenge the steam drill to a race, which becomes a symbol of a deeper conflict between progress and tradition, between man and machine, and between freedom and oppression. The race will take place over a stretch of mountain that is the toughest terrain any railroad has ever faced. The winner gets the right to work on the track leading to the Pacific Ocean. The loser will be out of work forever.

As John Henry prepares for the race, he is joined by his close friends, including his mentor, Nana (Jamie Renell), and his love interest, Polly (April Woodall). They believe in him and his cause, and together they work to build the track with their bare hands. They face challenges from the railroad company, who use violent tactics to try and stop them, as well as from nature itself, which is unforgiving and relentless.

The movie paints a picture of a time when Blacks were not viewed as equal citizens in America. They were discriminated against at work, harassed by the police, and treated as subhuman. However, the movie also shows the resilience and strength of African Americans, who fought for their rights and dignity, and who stood up against injustice.

The movie has a strong sense of spirituality, as John Henry is portrayed as a Christ-like figure, who sacrifices himself for his people. He is a symbol of hope, faith, and perseverance. The movie also has a lot of humor, particularly in the scenes with Nana, who is a wise and witty character.

The movie is well-directed and well-acted. Eugene H. Russell IV gives a powerful performance as John Henry, bringing depth and vulnerability to the character. E. Roger Mitchell is also excellent as Mr. Pescatore, showing the complex motivations of a man torn between progress and loyalty. Jamie Renell and April Woodall provide solid supporting performances, adding warmth and humor to the movie.

The movie is visually stunning, with breathtaking landscapes and beautiful cinematography. The music, composed by James T. Sale, is also memorable, adding emotional depth and intensity to the story.

In conclusion, John Henry and the Railroad is an uplifting and inspiring movie that tells a powerful story of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It is a movie that reminds us of our history and our values, and of the importance of standing up for what is right.

John Henry and the Railroad is a 2013 action movie with a runtime of 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.