Watch Shadrach

Shadrach, released in 1998, is a heartfelt and emotional film about the life of an elderly former slave, named Shadrach (John Franklin Sawyer), who returns to his hometown in Virginia, hoping to be buried on a plantation where he spent most of his life. The movie stars Martin Sheen as Vernon, a white landowner who befriends Shadrach and tries to grant his last wish. Scott Terra plays Paul, Vernon's son, who is intrigued by Shadrach and develops a unique bond with him.

The movie revolves around the town's struggle to come to terms with their racist past and the changing times. The people in the town are divided between those who want to honor Shadrach's request and the plantation owners who do not want their land to be used for his burial. As the story unfolds, we see how this simple request from an old man unravels the deep-seated prejudices and secrets of a community struggling to move forward in the post-Civil War setting.

The film is set in 1935, almost 70 years after Shadrach was a slave. He arrives in town on foot and is welcomed by Vernon, who remembers him from his childhood. Despite being old and frail, Shadrach carries an air of peace and wisdom with him. He has lived a tough life, but he remains optimistic and accepts his imminent death with grace. Vernon, who has been grappling with his own demons, is drawn to Shadrach's story and decides to help him achieve his last wish.

The movie is full of moving scenes that capture the relationship between Shadrach and Vernon's family. We see Shadrach wandering through town, meeting old friends and revisiting familiar places from his past. The scenes with Paul and Shadrach are especially poignant. Despite their age and racial differences, they share a common outlook on life that transcends their circumstances.

The film also explores the wider consequences of Shadrach's request. The plantation owners, who still cling to their past glories, do not want Shadrach buried on their land. They see it as a symbol of defeat at the hands of the slaves they once owned. This sets off a chain of events that slowly reveals the darker secrets of the town's past. As the tensions mount, we see how the town's wider society responds to the changing political landscape of the time. The scenes with Vernon trying to bridge the divide between the town and the plantation owners are tense and evoke a real sense of the political and social turmoil of the time.

Throughout the movie, the audience is drawn into the world of a small town in Virginia, which is struggling to come to terms with its past. The characters are well-drawn, and the pacing is just right. There are moments of humor and moments of pathos that keep the audience engaged throughout the film. The performances are excellent, with Martin Sheen giving a nuanced and powerful portrayal of a kind-hearted landowner trying to do the right thing.

In summary, Shadrach is a moving and powerful film that deals with the difficult issues of race and prejudice head-on. It is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits have rolled. With powerful performances and nuanced direction, it is a movie that demands to be seen.

Shadrach is a 1998 drama. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.