Colibel Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.

Marketic It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

Solidrariol Am I Missing Something?

Tayloriona Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Shanelle Vaz The Book of Negroes miniseries was amazing! The cast truly portrays what the African people had experienced throughout the years. Even in the pilot episode, the Book of Negroes depicts the torture, loss of identity and culture that the people faced. Unlike other movies or television shows that revolve around slavery and oppression of black people, the vividness of the show really hit me hard. There are a few moments when I had to shut my eyes because it was became too intense and I couldn't bear to watch. The story is a great reminder of the hardships and suffering of the African people and captures the true meaning of why we celebrate Black History month. It is one of the most interesting shows I have watched as it gave me better insight of how the slave trade functioned and the oppression of a whole race as well as the many cultures within it.I would definitely recommend others to watch the Book of Negroes or read it. It is a heartbreaking yet an eye-opening story.

seabreezelise This mini series is artfully and authentically written, acted and directed. Ms. Ellis and the cast are compelling and so believable. The story itself offers more of the complexities of the people and time period and reminds us of the vastness of a history that we have accepted on face value, as told to us from a very limited set of perspectives. This view hit me hard. A lesser told story of the Black family under the assault of genocide, racism, poverty, persecution and unthinkable acts of terror is explored here. The love story that often takes a second seat to those events, is, here, given a fuller and deeper expression. It was painful but so authentic, I was compelled to watch each episode and encourage all to do the same. There are a few moments when you want your children to close their eyes, and many when they will have questions and comments. It also demonstrates how even when the Caucasians considered themselves "good" to blacks, they were so entrenched in racism and superiority that they had to be made to know that their "good" was self-serving and constrained by their own indoctrination that they were inherently "better." It's a great way to explore history. Watch it.

Allan Ndungu The book of Negroes is an inspiring story of hope and the determined will to survive whatever calamities life unfolds. Aminata's story is a human story that transcends colour, race and class. She makes the best of her situation and always has faith in the better part of humanity even when all she sees is the ugliest side of it. It is not a poor imitation of "Roots" or "12 years a slave". The book of Negroes is a story of it's own. The history surrounding the black populace of Nova Scotia is put into historical context and also presents us with the very difficult decision slaves had in regards to the fight for American Independence.

SnoopyStyle Aminata Diallo (Aunjanue Ellis) is captured from her West African village and sent into slavery. She falls for Chekura, a boy in the slaving party. He in turn is also sold. She is sold to the cruel Robinson Appleby. She resists his advances and eventually has a child with Chekura. Rosa Lindo is a sympathetic white woman but she dies. Her husband Solomon is able to buy Aminata but also brokers the sale of Aminata's child away from Robinson. Aminata escapes from Solomon to live in NYC's Canvas Town during the American Revolution. She is befriended by Revolutionary bar owner Samuel Fraunces (Cuba Gooding, Jr.). Chekura manages to escape and join Aminata. She is also befriended by British Cpt. John Clarkson (Ben Chaplin). At the war's end, she helps to record names of slaves into the Book of Negroes for slaves who supposedly served the British Army for one year and thereby earning their freedom.It's great for this little mentioned part of history to be made. Also Aunjanue Ellis is a very compelling actress. I can do without Cuba Gooding Jr. doing an accent. Also Rick Roberts doesn't fit my image of General Washington. Aminata directly challenging Washington on slavery seems too obvious and on the nose. It's unrealistic. The story is rushed through a long winding life. I can understand the need for it. However it does feel sometimes like a highlight reel. The production and directions are mostly TV movie level. Ellis is able to elevate the production almost by the sheer power of her will.