As sentimental as this period drama epic dealing with the unfortunate upbringing of one slave woman attempts to be, it's overwrought, cloying emotional manipulation feels all too potent and usually drowns out any authenticity and integrity prevalent in the script.
Of course the production, as with most Spielberg pictures, remains satisfyingly high-budget as he showcases some of the beautiful scenery of the south.
Acting is quite hit and miss with professionals like Danny Glover maintaining realistic performances but others like then first-timer Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey straining and failing to inhabit their character's lives effectively and instead offering some slightly embarrassing over-acting.
Of course the production, as with most Spielberg pictures, remains satisfyingly high-budget as he showcases some of the beautiful scenery of the south.
Acting is quite hit and miss with professionals like Danny Glover maintaining realistic performances but others like then first-timer Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey straining and failing to inhabit their character's lives effectively and instead offering some slightly embarrassing over-acting.