Set in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina in the early 1800's, The Journey Of August King is as pure and simple a story as the haunting folk ballads of the region, and as beautiful as the misty mountains and green vegetation that define the Appalachian landscape. It begins with a short narration by Maya Angelou in her dignified, but captivating voice, lending a substance and grace to this extraordinarily touching film.

August King (Jason Patric) is a recently widowed farmer who is traveling by horse and buggy to the nearest town to purchase livestock and supplies. Along the way, he meets a runaway slave, Annalees, (Thandie Newton) who is hiding in a mountain stream. She asks for help, and he gives her directions to the nearest trail, reminding her that it is against the law to render assistance to runaway slaves. Annalees' ruthless and wealthy owner, Olaf Singletary, (Larry Drake) is willing to offer a generous reward, confessing that "she is a glimmer of light to me." Greedy bounty hunters emerge from the deep forest to hunt down the slave, and collect Singletary's reward.

Annalees again appears to August along his journey, and this time, he agrees to let her hide in his buggy until she is out of danger from Singletary and the bounty hunters. During their journey, Annalees and King slowly begin to develop a sort of restrained relationship. At one point King asks Annalees "why did you run away with a roof over your head? Her simple reply " to keep him form taking my soul." In response to Annalees' questions about his marital status, King tells her about the loss of his wife and the void it has left in his life.

Eventually, King and Annalees begin to develop a bond that is closer to mutual compassion than romantic love, although there are a few sensual scenes between the two, but never any hint of sexual involvement. When King and Annalees finally arrive at his homestead, he allows her to stay one night, and shares with her his most agonizing story, that of the death of his newborn child, which left his wife in such a state of despair that she took her own life. The story results in an emotional release that frees King from his self-imposed purgatory. The next day, King sends Annalees off, with the solemn instruction to stay above the mountain crest for safety, as she sets out on her own journey to freedom. Singletary discovers that King has aided Annalees in her escape, and exacts a costly revenge on King and his property. King's response is the simple affirmation "I was well to do. In a day or two I lost everything, but I've never been so proud."

This film is intriguing in it's simplicity and lyrical beauty. It was released in 1995, and has much in common with the evocative 1999 film, Songcatcher, which is also set in the Appalachian region. Australian Director John Duigan makes use of some of the primitive instruments and ballads in the soundtrack, and local dialects which lend a stark authenticity to the film. He also employs colorful sunrises set against the foggy mountain tops, the lush greenery, and swirling brooks of the Pisgah National Forest for dramatic effect.

Both lead actors, Jason Patric and Thandie Newton, render stunning performances as they respond, almost reflexively to the events that surround them, and both convey a subtle vulnerability that is enchanting. Duigan is triumphantly able, through his Direction, to turn this film with a politically sensitive theme, into the bittersweet story of release from enslavement both literally for Annalees and figuratively for King, without ever resorting to maudlin sentimentality. Although the film is slow and plodding, the subtle suspense and strength of the story holds the audience throughout.

This film literally sings with Annalee's strength of spirit and King's emotional pain and quiet dignity, which when exchanged, provides them with the fuel they need to forge ahead with their lives. The film ends with a lovely folk ballad Fly Away Pretty Bird. It is the perfect ending as we see Annalees trudging over the lonely mountain crests wearing King's deceased wife's clothes and shoes as he kneels over his wife's primitive makeshift grave.













Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older