The Journey of August King
The Journey of August King ★★½ 1995 (PG-13)
Adapted by Ehle from his own 1971 novel, set in 1815, about a runaway slave (Newton) protected by a lonely farmer against the landowner and posse tracking her down. August King (Patric), a widower on his way home from town, comes upon Annalees (Newton), prize possession of powerful slaveowner Olaf Singletary (Drake). August, a highly principled man, resists helping her at first, for fear of breaking the law and losing his farm and only remaining possessions. But he rises to higher moral ground, deciding to help her find freedom, whatever the consequences. Director Duigan (“Sirens”) crafts a thoughtful, but not particularly suspenseful, period piece of early American history. Patric/Newton relationship reflects the gradual feel of the film. Drake booms as slaveowner. Includes brief brutal scene of slave torture. 91m/C VHS, DVD . Jason Patric, Thandie Newton, Larry Drake, Sam Waterston; D: John Duigan; W: John Ehle; C: Slawomir Idziak; M: Stephen Endelman.