Watch Slaves

Slaves is a period drama film from 1969 that depicts the lives of African American slaves on a plantation in the 19th century. The movie was directed by Herbert J. Biberman and starred Stephen Boyd, Dionne Warwick, and Ossie Davis. The movie takes place in Louisiana in the 1850s and revolves around the lives of several enslaved individuals on a plantation owned by a white family. The film is a powerful portrayal of the brutality and injustices that were inflicted upon African Americans during the time of slavery.

Stephen Boyd plays the role of MacKay, a Scottish overseer who has been hired by the plantation owner to manage and control the slaves. Boyd's character is a cruel and sadistic man who takes pleasure in punishing the slaves and exercising his power over them. His character serves as the primary antagonist of the movie.

Dionne Warwick plays the role of Cassie, a slave who is in love with one of her fellow slaves, Luke, played by Ossie Davis. Cassie's character is portrayed as a strong-willed and determined woman who is willing to risk everything for the chance to be with the man she loves. Her relationship with Luke is a central focus of the film, and their struggles and triumphs serve as a powerful commentary on the effects of slavery on personal relationships.

Ossie Davis's character, Luke, is a skilled carpenter and a gifted musician. He is highly respected by the other slaves on the plantation, and his skills are put to use by the plantation owner to entertain guests. Throughout the movie, Luke is motivated by his love for Cassie and his desire for freedom.

As the movie progresses, tensions begin to rise between the slaves and their white oppressors. The slaves begin to rebel, and a violent uprising ensues. The scenes of violence and brutality are intense and realistic, and serve as a powerful reminder of the horrors of slavery and the price that was paid for freedom.

One of the most striking aspects of Slaves is its honest portrayal of the harsh realities of slavery. The movie does not shy away from depicting the violence, cruelty, and dehumanization that were commonplace during this time period. Instead, it confronts these issues head-on, and offers a stark reminder of the injustices that were inflicted upon African Americans for centuries.

Despite the difficult subject matter, Slaves is a beautifully crafted film. The performances of the actors are top-notch, and the cinematography and score are both masterfully done. The movie is a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and confronting the dark chapters of our history, and serves as a powerful commentary on the ongoing struggles for racial justice in America.

In conclusion, Slaves is a must-see movie for anyone interested in the history of slavery and its impact on American society. The film is a powerful and unflinching portrayal of the brutal realities of slavery, and serves as a reminder of the high price that was paid for the freedom that we enjoy today.

Slaves is a 1969 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.