Text/[United States] John Ridley
Translated/Ji Xiaoqian
Subtitle: 1841
(fade in)
interior, townhouse/study, day, early April 1841.
Close-up: a pair of black Hands open a bag of beautifully packed violin strings.
The camera cuts to these hands to string the violin. Violins are not high-end goods, but they are also quite good.
The lens cuts to the wide-angle photography of the study. A young man, Solomon Northup, sits on a chair with a violin in his hand. Solomon's grace and demeanor are outstanding. But he also seems to be able to bear hardships and stand hard work.
This person has been engaged in manual labor for a period of time.
Solomon played the bow lightly, as if tuning the violin. The results were satisfactory to him, so he played enthusiastically.
(The camera is hard cut to) The
interior, the mansion/living room, at night
we have a joyous and lively occasion. A dinner party is being held in a magnificent mansion. The guests are eight couples. They are all white, very young, only in their early 20s. Both men and women are well-dressed. We feel that they should all be rich people.
The furniture in the living room was moved aside. At this moment, these couples of men and women are dancing the lil dance (Note 1).
They were accompanied by Solomon, and the music was cut directly from the melody he had previously played. There is no shortage of enthusiasm when he plays, and he obviously doesn't treat the performance as a mere service.
After the song was over, the dancers applauded warmly, and then thanked and congratulated him one by one. Obviously, even though they are high whites, they still have a considerable degree of respect and appreciation for Solomon's skills.
Interior view, Northup house/bedroom, morning
Saturday morning. Annie wore her best clothes; she was Solomon's wife, a few years younger than him. We also saw the children of the Northup family: Margaret was 8 years old and Alonso was 5 years old. Both of them are beautiful and well-dressed. Annie helped the children put on their clothes and hats, then stood up and stood behind them. It seems to be preparing to pose for the portrait.
They waited a moment, and Solomon walked into the hall. He stood still and looked at his family with satisfaction, his eyes full of appreciation. Appreciation is particularly obvious. It is not that he has no love for his family, he loves his family deeply. But at this moment, he is indeed admiring his greatest achievement: a healthy, decent, and abundant family. He walked over to the children, one of them gave a coin, then walked up to Annie and put a kiss on her cheek. The children giggled at this scene.
Location, street,
Solomon and his family went out and walked along the streets and woods of Saratoga.
This morning, the streets were full of pedestrians, and many people went out for a walk. Most are white, but there are also blacks. They are free blacks and can get along with whites fairly easily—but not completely casually. We also saw several black slaves traveling with white masters. Most of this combination came from the South, and—although the blacks were slaves—they did not suffer too much physical abuse and did not do heavy farm work. They are well-dressed, "living an easy life" (relatively speaking), and are following their masters.
The Solomon family came to a crossroads, the ground was muddy, and there were chariots and horses. Solomon and the children jumped easily over the mud. Annie stood at the edge of the mud and asked Solomon for help.
Annie: Solomon...
Solomon looked at his wife, smiled happily, and waved her to come forward.
Solomon: Come on, Annie, skip over.
The children laughed and cheered their mother.
Alonso: Jump, you must do it.
Margaret: I skipped it. You can too.
Annie: I don't want to ruin my skirt. Hold me!
Solomon leaned close to her and stretched out his arms. However, his eyes flashed with mischievous light. Annie gave her husband a warning look, and Solomon responded—
Solomon: I will catch you, Annie. (Pause) I will.
Annie reminded her husband again slightly severely-
Annie: You will.
Annie said, jumping forward. Solomon caught her, hugged her around, then gently put it down. The children applauded cheerfully. Afterwards, Solomon took Annie's hand and walked forward.
When the Solomon family went their own way, among the slaves on the street, we noticed one person in particular-Jasper. He followed the owner, but he couldn't help but stared at Solomon's family turning into the shop. At first glance, this beautiful and happy family stimulated him.
His master was busy with his business, and Jasper took the opportunity to sneak to the shop. He seemed to be stuck there, watching with admiration. A voice suddenly sounded—
Voice (outside the picture): Jasper! go!
Interior, shop, for a while
we are now in Mr. Sifas Parker's shop; he is a white grocer. Solomon greeted him.
Solomon: Mr. Parker.
Parker: Mr. Northup, Mrs. Northup.
The children of the Northup family ran around the store with coins in their hands, looking for goods to buy.
Annie looked at silk and other fabrics. Parker recommended to Solomon-
Parker: Solomon, how about a new bow tie? Pure silk, French style.
Solomon: We need a new big bag to prepare for our wife's trip.
Parker: Another year has passed? Is it going to Sandy Hill?
Annie: Yes.
Mr. Parker used a long stick to hook a big bag from the upper shelf of the shelf.
Parker: It fits your style and is strong enough to go back and forth forty miles.
He handed the bag to Annie. Annie fell in love at the first glance.
Annie: It's so beautiful.
Solomon (asking cautiously): How much is it?
Annie: We want it. Children, come and see what your dad bought for me.
The children ran over and chanted excitedly as they ran. They passed by Jasper, who had sneaked into the store silently.
A portrait of William Henry Harrison stood at the cash register, with black crepe hanging on all sides. There is a condolence book behind the ledger. Mr. Parker asked Solomon-
Parker: Do you want to sign our condolence book? I hope I can find a way to transfer the condolence book to Harrison's widow. For this country, this is a sad day.
Solomon: Yes, of course. Poor Mrs. Harrison, and her children. I hope the light is ahead.
Jasper showed fear and cowardice. As if he wanted to interject, but didn't know how to speak. Parker noticed Jasper and said-
Parker: Please wait a moment, sir, I will do it for you.
Solomon: Can we talk about the price...
Parker: Forgive me, Mrs. Northup. There are customers waiting. Welcome, sir.
Solomon kindly reminded Jasper-
Solomon: Happy shopping, but take good care of your wallet.
Parker: Don't listen to this gentleman's nonsense. May I show you a new bow tie? Pure silk, Fa...
Before Parker finished speaking, the door opened. It is the master of Jasper, Fitzgerald. He was stern, obviously annoyed.
Fitzgerald: Jasper! (To Parker) Sorry to interrupt.
Solomon: No interruption.
Fitzgerald glanced at Solomon. His eyes were cold, as if he was not only talking to this black man, nor was he interested in hearing a response from a black man. His eyes moved back to Parker.
Fitzgerald: Good day, sir.
Interior view, Northup House/Restaurant, evening
Annie is busy in the kitchen. Dinner will be ready soon, and the meal will begin soon. At this time, Solomon was sitting at the end of the dining table reading the newspaper. He read to the children serious news about the funeral arrangements for the newly-deceased President Harrison.
Solomon: "Our president left the world like this."
Solomon read the report from the beginning.
Solomon: "All morning, beginning at sunrise, the slow and solemn bells rang through the sky. The salute of mourning announced that the funeral will be held soon. Our city, and our entire country, are called to stand for the fall of this great man. Mourning: William Henry Harrison. "Long
silence. Marguerite asked-
Marguerite: Can you read it again?
Annie: Not right now, baby.
Annie entered the restaurant and put a plate of chicken in the center of the table. She took her seat, and everyone else bowed their heads.
Margaret: Thank the Lord, for giving us food to satisfy our hunger, for giving us peace and rest, for giving us family, so that memories will never be remembered.
Everyone: Amen.
Solomon: Margaret, the prayers are so beautiful.
Margaret: Thank you, Dad.
Solomon: Alonso, do you have anything to say?
Alonso: Yes, I helped my mother make dinner.
Annie: Yes, you are a good helper. Especially when making sauces.
Margaret: Dad, I really want to learn the violin. can you teach me?
Alonso: I think too!
Margaret: Ah, but I asked first.
Solomon: You two, don't shout. After eating this delicious meal, we will have the first lesson. That's a deal. Let's start our meal now.
Everyone enjoy the food. The scene is full of warmth and happiness.
Interior view, Northup House, night
Solomon and Annie put the difficult children into bed. The process was both fun and laborious. The children were stuffed into the quilt and each gave a goodnight kiss. After Margaret lay down, Annie blew out the candles and the room went dark. Profile in the hall: Solomon wrapped her arms around Annie and hugged her tightly. They were intoxicated in the happiness that this simple and wonderful gift from heaven brought them, which was their children.
Interior view, Northup House.
Now that Anne and Solomon can be alone at night , we see Anne and Solomon stuck in each other's arms. They are not only physically dependent on each other, but also inseparable emotionally. They are in harmony, and they are the representatives of the married couples made in heaven and earth.
They looked at each other affectionately for a long time.
Solomon (joking, pretending to be desperate): Three weeks. Two more days.
Annie: This is the old rule. I was thinking, what would you do without me?
Solomon: I won't be idle.
Solomon lowered his eyes.
Annie: Honey, I can make a lot of money when I go out to help the kitchen.
Solomon: I hope I don't have to share your cooking skills with others.
Annie looked at him.
Annie: You will do it.
They kissed.
Location, Northup's house,
we are outside Northup's door in the morning . The coachman was waiting at the door in a carriage. Annie and the children were dressed for travel-Annie proudly showed her new travel bag. The coachman loaded his luggage into the carriage.
Annie gave her husband a kiss as a parting gift.
Solomon: Safe journey.
Annie: My home is safe.
Annie and the children got in the car, the coachman yelled at the horse, and the carriage moved forward. Solomon waved his hand and said goodbye to his wife and children affectionately.
Location, park, day
Solomon went out for a walk. He passed by two people. The two men are standing outside talking to Mr. Moon. They are Merrill Brown and Abram Hamilton. Brown is about 40 years old, shrewd and alert. Hamilton is about 25 years old, with a red face and very light eyes. The two were well-dressed, but slightly vulgar. As Solomon described, Hamilton is a bit sissy.
Moon pointed Solomon to the two men.
Mr. Moon: Damn... he is there. Mr. Northup... There are two gentlemen who want to know you. Mr. Brown and Mr. Hamilton.
Brown: Hello, sir.
Mr. Moon: Mr. Northup, these two gentlemen are looking for talented candidates. I was telling them just now that Solomon Northup is a violinist.
Hamilton: He did say so.
Solomon: Mr. Moon is really kind.
Brown: Considering his kindness and your humility, can we take a moment for you to talk a few words, sir?
Exterior scenes, parks/pavilions,
we jumped into a green space in a short time . Solomon, Brown and Hamilton sat on a bench.
Solomon: The circus?
Hamilton: It is our long-term hire. They are currently in Washington.
Brown: The term circus is not enough to describe our team. We have toured all the way, and the shows were wonderful and very popular. It is a real spectacle, not the same as the ordinary circus we have seen. Civilized people are guaranteed to have never seen the creatures from the dark hinterland of the African continent. There are also acrobats from the East who can twist their bodies in the most incredible ways.
Hamilton: I am Mr. Brown's assistant, an internationally renowned magician.
Brown: We are going back to meet the big guy. We left the circus for a few days in order to perform a few shows on our own and make a little money.
Hamilton: The reason we want to ask Mr. Moon is because...
Brown: Yes, we want to accompany the show with music. It took a lot of effort for this. Really talented people seem to be rare.
Solomon: Thank you, sir...
Brown: If we can persuade you to go to New York with us...show with us, you will pay one dollar for each day of the show and three dollars for the night of the show. In addition, we also provide travel expenses, enough to get you back to Saratoga from New York.
Solomon: You have to understand, this proposal is too sudden for me.
Hamilton: Come to think about it, this is an opportunity to open your eyes and take a look at this country-
Solomon: It's very tempting...
Hamilton: If you have any other thoughts on this proposal...
Solomon finally weighed this. Business.
Solomon: Your salary is very attractive, and I am eager to visit this metropolis.
Hamilton: We are very happy, sir. very happy. But we have to add one thing, our travel plan-
Brown: We are in a hurry to leave.
Solomon: By chance, my wife and children also went on a trip. I will write to her and tell her our plan.
Brown: Great! Please be calm and restless, and we will continue to talk.
Interior, Northup's house/bedroom. Later when the
scene returns to Northup's house, we see Solomon packing up: put a few pieces of clothing in the suitcase, and then take his violin.
Interior view, Northup's house/study, after a while
Solomon sat down to write a letter; the pen was hanging on the letter paper that had been written a few lines. But Solomon changed his mind. He tore the letter paper without much thought and threw it aside. We feel that Solomon does not value the communication value of letters. In the near future, this fact will become more important.
Exterior scene, Solomon's house/interior scene, carriage, and for a while,
Solomon carried a felt travel bag and boarded the light carriage. Brown and Hamilton waited inside. They traveled in a van and pulled two "noble" horses.
Hamilton: Are there no letters to send?
Solomon: No need. My return date is about the same time as my family's return date.
Brown: Then let's go.
Interior view, tavern, evening, in mid-to-late April 1841
we were in a roadside tavern. Its service is for people to have a drink, to have fun, nothing else. Solomon played the violin, and Brown and Hamilton performed magic as a partner. The performances of the two were very ordinary and nothing surprising. The audience is sparse, and it's not "classic".
Interior view, tavern, the
performance ends later , there are not many people in the tavern. Solomon, Hamilton and Brown sat down to dine. Hamilton and Brown drank, but Solomon remained untouched. Hamilton finished counting his income and found that he made very little money. Solomon took it indifferently, but Hamilton and Brown became more frustrated as they talked.
Hamilton: No one gives a tip for money. They just want to have fun without paying.
Brown: Besides, unless it is to spend less money to watch more dramas, there is no time to be satisfied.
Solomon: People are too sad to have fun. The whole country.
Hamilton: I sincerely apologize, Solomon. We promised you a chance, but you got nothing.
Brown: It's easier after meeting with the circus. The performance of the two big men can't make a gimmick, what can we expect? Unlike a circus, it is eye-catching in itself.
Hamilton: That's right.
Brown: I told you about our circus. The creatures from the dark hinterland of Africa.
Solomon, an acrobat from the East : You described it, yes.
Brown: Yes. We have to rush back to Washington immediately. Solomon...I believe we are acquaintances now, but, if you take the liberty, please forgive me...Do you intend to walk with us?
Solomon smiled softly.
Hamilton: Of course it’s good to perform in a pub, but a master like you deserves higher courtesy.
Brown: Yes, yes.
Hamilton: More importantly, you can become famous. The circus can attract people of great prestige. I would like to introduce you here and there, and you won't have to worry about not having a job in your life. Now is the time. Your family is out, and at this time, there is an opportunity to show it to you.
Brown: We said this not only from the perspective of fellow artists, but also from the perspective of businessmen. At least it's worth a try.
Solomon: You have a reputation. My family will return home soon, maybe I can only audition.
Hamilton: Oh, very good, sir. very good. I have never been so excited.
Brown: There is a very practical concern. If you plan to continue traveling with us, you must apply for a certificate of freedom.
Solomon: No need.
Brown: Here in New York, it's not necessary. But we will enter the slave-holding state, and take precautions... It saves us from bothering to explain your identity, which is good for all of us.
Hamilton: It only takes six shillings to save a lot of trouble in the future.
Brown: We go to the customs in the morning to get a certificate, and then we continue to travel. May business be prosperous wherever we go.
Location, Washington, the
bustling city in Japan . At this moment, it is still difficult for people to conceal their sadness. The grief came from the death of the president. Many people were dressed in black with black gauze hanging around. Black armbands flashed from time to time, and occasionally the American flag was lowered to half mast. Moreover, Harrison's portrait is displayed in various places.
Solomon, Hamilton, and Brown arrived in Washington, and they continued on in the carriage.
Interior view, Gasby Hotel/Restaurant,
a crowded, noisy, smoky but decent place at night . Vigorous. Solomon, Hamilton, Brown, and others, were drinking in the hotel bar. Like almost everywhere in this city, there are also black gauze hanging in the background. Brown counted coins on the table and counted forty-three dollars. Solomon was taken aback.
Brown: Forty-three dollars. Give you all.
Solomon: This...this is much higher than my salary.
Brown: The extra part should be regarded as the advance payment of the circus. We described your musical genius to the director. I can't describe it...I wish you could see the director's expression at the time. He was so excited that he couldn't do it anymore.
Hamilton: You should invite him to dinner with us.
Brown: I have it. I asked, but there was too much preparation to do before the team set off.
Solomon: Gentlemen-
Brown: Tomorrow we will prepare for the premiere in Washington. But tonight, let's put our minds on this great man. For him, the city is preparing a solemn memorial ceremony. He put aside the praise of mortals, and accepted the praise of Heavenly Father. A good person is gone. Let us have a drink to commemorate him.
Hamilton and Brown raised their tankards and poured them down. Solomon-slightly reluctant-followed suit.
Hamilton: Cheers.
Brown: Have another glass. The respect we pay with swigs is well-deserved by our late president.
Hamilton and Brown drank again, and Solomon died.
Location, alley. Later, the
camera cuts to Solomon in the alley outside the pub. Brown and Hamilton are by his side, silhouetted, and the street light shines from behind them. Solomon was extremely uncomfortable. He curled up and vomited violently.
Hamilton: It's okay, Solomon. No shame. It's not shameful at all.
Interior view, Gasby Inn/Solomon's room,
Hamilton put a spittoon next to Solomon's bed. Solomon was still lying on the bed, who still felt that the world was spinning. Hamilton sat down by the bed. He stroked Solomon Khan's writhing face, and said softly—
Hamilton: I'm afraid Brown and I didn't bring you good luck. But after the rapids, it will be smooth sailing. This has always been the case.
Solomon:...I'm...I'm sorry...
Hamilton: Hush. We don't want to hear your apology. We don't listen.
Brown: Let him sleep.
Hamilton: Well. Get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow...you will feel comfortable and energetic, as if the whole earth is completely new.
In Brown's view, Hamilton stayed a little too long, and was a little too intimate with Solomon. He said in a word-
Brown: Hamilton! What we can do for him is limited to this.
Hamilton: This is the regret.
Hamilton showed a strange look of disappointment and pulled away from the bed. He walked over to blow out the candles. The room was plunged into darkness, and the darkness was thicker than the night. Brown and Hamilton go out. Solomon groaned while lying in the darkness. His voice became more and more painful.
Interior view, Burch's dungeon,
Solomon moved a bit at dawn , slowly waking up in the new environment. He found himself in a dark room, about twelve square feet in size, with solid stone masonry on the walls. There was a thick door that was tightly locked, and a small window with iron bars and shutters. The only furniture is a wooden stool and an old, dirty box stove. Solomon stood up, only to find that his hands were handcuffed-the other end of the chain was a buckle on the ground-and his legs were also shackled. Solomon felt unbelievable at first. Then it was replaced by rage and panic. He began to pull on the chain and wrestle with it. At the same time, despair is growing. Solomon shook desperately, and the iron chain slammed the stone wall. The handcuffs and fetters bit into his flesh and blood, and he groaned and screamed without dignity, but couldn't break free to be free.
After struggling desperately for a while, Solomon lost his strength and slowed down, and eventually collapsed completely and couldn't help himself.
Interior view, Burch's dungeon,
Solomon wakes up again in the morning. He heard movement outside the door...it was the sound of footsteps. The door opened. Incoming was James Burch, who was in charge of the slave cell; and Ebenezer Radburn, who was a guard and overseer.
When the prison door was opened, a ray of light leaked into the room, which was originally almost dark. The light pierced Solomon's eyes. Without greetings, Burch asked bluntly-
Burch: Hi, boy, how do you feel?
Solomon struggled to stand up. With his own willpower, he began to state the facts.
Solomon: This is Solomon Northup. I am a free man; I live in Saratoga, New York. Living with my wife and children, they are also free people. I have the supporting documents. You have no right to detain me-
Burch: You are not-
Solomon: I promise you-I promise-once released, I will compensate you for your loss.
Birch: Since you said that, then show your supporting documents.
Solomon confidently reached into his trouser pocket and fetched documents. He fumbled for the trouser pocket on one side, then the other, empty in the pocket. He rummaged up and down all over, but the documents were obviously gone. Solomon's self-confidence was shaken, but it turned into determination instead of fear. With or without supporting documents, he will not be easily intimidated. Birch announced-
Birch: You are not a free man. You are not from Saratoga. You are from Georgia.
There was a moment of silence. None of the three spoke. Solomon and Birch glared at each other, not giving way to each other. Birch spoke again-
Birch: You are not a free man. You are nothing but a fugitive slave from Georgia.
Burch waited for Solomon to acquiesce. Solomon had no intention of this. The two glared at each other again and reached a deadlock. Birch leaned over to Radburn and said a few words, which we couldn't hear clearly.
Radburn came out of the painting, and immediately returned with a set of "tools": a nail rack-a flat wooden board, about the size of two open palms, with many spiral nail heads on it; he also brought one Nine-tailed whip, a thick whip made of multiple strands of thin rope. The head of the whip spread out, and each strand of string was tied with a knot at the end. Burch insisted in one bite—
Burch: You are a nigger running away from Georgia.
Solomon was silent, he would never admit such a thing.
So the two men grabbed Solomon and pressed them face down on the stool. They did not take off his shirt. Radburn stepped on the chains, making Solomon unable to straighten up.
Burch suddenly raised the nail pat, and smashed Solomon's back hard. He didn't say a word when he slapped his cruel hand--no ridicule, no ridicule. Solomon screamed every time he struck. His back was instantly swollen with scars.
The beating was endless, until Burch was exhausted. He was sweating and panting.
Burch: You still insist that you are a free man?
Solomon:...I...I insist...
Burch regrets asking this question. Not out of sympathy, but he was too tired to fight anymore. But, just as if he had to return to work, Birch turned around and tortured Solomon. While beating, add a sentence from time to time-
Burch: You are a slave. You are a slave of Georgia!
Burch hit and hit...until the nail shot broke in two. Burch picked up the whip immediately, and without pausing for almost a second, he began to beat Solomon cruelly, with the whip deep into Solomon's back. Burch's arm was sore again, but Solomon still did not "reckon".
Birch: Are you a slave?
Solomon:...no...
Burch started to whipping, whipping, whipping... Solomon's back was covered with flesh and blood. In the end, Birch couldn't move. He was sweating, panting, and he could only pack up the torture instruments and leave. Radburn stayed for a while. He removed the fetters from Solomon's legs. Open the window a crack. When he did these things, he was a benefactor, and he was sneaky, but he was indeed slightly sincere.
Radburn: I have seen many black people here. nausea. Makes me sick. There is nothing that cannot be solved, so why have to fight to death? Do whatever it should, violence is of no use. Why bother to be fine? If you take it softly, take it softly, don't be upset. (Pause) Or, you can continue this virtue, but I am worried that you will not survive next Sunday.
Radborn finished talking and left. Solomon took a breath. But sitting and resting seems to mean bowing to failure. He began to pull the chain again. But no matter how hard he struggled, the chains would not loosen a bit. Solomon yelled out loud—
Solomon: Help me! Come, help me!
Even if someone heard his yelling and there was no response, Solomon continued to cry for help.
Location, Birch’s Dungeon, then foreground
Prime lens: In Burch’s dungeon there are shutters and grilled windows—Solomon’s wailing can hardly escape this space. The camera lens is pulled from behind the dungeon to take pictures of the cityscape until it clearly shows that this is the best capital of a country. The symbols of freedom-the White House and the Capitol-laughed at Solomon's imprisonment. It is still early, and the streets are rarely pedestrianized, littered with rubbish and the tatters left by the parade the day before, the city has a miserable and ominous sight.
Interior view, Birch's dungeon,
it is now daylight, and the door to the courtyard slammed open. The dazzling white light flooded Solomon.
Location, Birch’s dungeon/yard.
This is a yard higher than the dungeon. There are brick walls all around. There are two men and a boy in the yard. The older one is Clemens Rey, about 25 years old, he is well educated. John Williams is about 20 years old. He was born a slave, long a slave, ignorant, and full of fear of his situation. Finally, a child about 10 years old, when others call the name "Randall", he will respond.
Solomon, Clemens Rey, John and Randall stood naked. They tried to cover themselves, but they also knew in their hearts that it was useless. Radborn was also present. There are buckets of cold water in front of him. He poured water on the naked man.
Radborn: Come on. bath.
While the men were soaked in water, they were also overwhelmed with humiliation. They passed a piece of coarse soap to each other and scrubbed themselves.
Radburn: And that boy. Wash him.
Solomon hit some soap and rubbed it on Randall.
Radburn: Now start rubbing. Rub it clean.
Solomon put a little effort on his hands while scrubbing. Randall was obviously cold and uncomfortable. He begged to ask Solomon in general—
Randall: Do you know when my mother will come?
Radburn: Let him shut up!
Seeing that Solomon didn't answer, Randall sobbed.
Randall: Mom... Mom! Will she come?
Solomon wanted to let the boy escape the beating.
Solomon: Be quiet, please be quiet.
Randall was heartbroken.
Randall: Mom!
Solomon started making random wishes, begging the boy to stop crying.
Solomon: Your mother will come, I swear she will come, but you can't make noise. I beg you. Quiet!
After hearing Solomon's assurance, Randall gradually stopped crying. Solomon looked at Radburn, who was throwing water on the black people covered in soap foam.
Interior view, Burch’s dungeon, at night
Radburn delivers Solomon food; a piece of dry meat and some water. Only enough for Solomon to stay alive and not starve to death. Radborn also brought a shirt.
Radburn: Your piece is broken into rags. There must be something decent to wear.
Solomon did not reach for the shirt.
Radborn: Come on. Put on.
Solomon resisted in his heart, but had to obey. He took off his old tattered shirt—the one he was wearing when he was kidnapped—and put on the clothes Radburn brought. This shirt is dirty and doesn't fit.
Radborn turned a blind eye to this.
Radborn: Yeah. good. good. Don't you appreciate me?
Solomon:...Thank you...
Radburn: You have to be decent and see how things go.
Radburn reached for the old shirt.
Solomon: No! That was made by my wife.
Radburn: It's all rags. Rag strips.
Radburn walked away carrying his shirt-what he called a "rag strip"-and locked the door when he went out. Solomon sat there, with the plate in front of him. He did not eat and pushed the plate away.
Location, Burch’s dungeon/yard,
Clemens Rey, John and Solomon sitting in the yard. These days they have built enough trust to chat with each other. To this day, Solomon is still looking for reasons, trying to explain why he is behind bars.
Randall wandered in the background. As always, he was yelling "Mom" again. But at this time his shout sounded the same as the background sound.
Solomon: This one cannot withstand scrutiny. Is a crime. I now believe that someone is eyeing me. My drink has been changed...We are free men. They... they have no right to imprison us.
Solomon waited for the other two to respond. They are silent.
Solomon: We need someone to listen to us. If we have a chance to explain our situation-
Clemens: Who do you think will listen to us?
Solomon: My two traveling companions. I am sure they are looking for people everywhere at this time.
Clemens: I'm sure they are counting money. If you got you here, they must have made a lot of money.
Solomon: They are not abductors. They are artists. My actors go with me.
Clemens: Are you sure? Can you confirm their identity?
In fact, Solomon could not tell.
Clemens: Regarding your situation, this is how I see it: no matter how we were in the past...well, now that's the end of the matter, and then we will be transported to the south. I boldly guess that it is New Orleans. Upon arrival, we will be sent to the market. Besides...well, once I go to the slave state, I think there is only one ending.
John: No.
Clemens: I didn't mean to add up to you when I said this, John...
John: You, for you, there is only this kind of ending. But John was not trafficked, John was paid off, that's it. After the master pays off the debt, John will be redeemed-
Clemens: Our master will not come to us.
John was frightened.
John: Now John... John feels sorry for you, but this is the situation. Wherever you go, John won't go. The master will not leave me behind. Won't leave me.
Randall: Mom!
The three turned to look. This time Randall wasn't shouting out of thin air. In front of the courtyard stood Birch and two women. She was nearly 30 years old, and her name was Eliza. She was "covered with silk and satin, with a ring on her hand and golden ornaments hanging from her ears." Although she was a slave, Eliza was a mistress, and she had always lived a life of pampering, which was revealed in her speech and demeanor. The other is a little girl, light-skinned, about seven or eight years old. She is Emily, Randall's half-sister. Eliza went into the yard, first yelled happily, and then cried with joy. Obviously this is a scene of mother and child reunion.
Burch locked the courtyard door, and Eliza hugged Randall. She couldn't help herself.
Eliza: My baby. My lovely, lovely baby.
Interior view, Burch’s dungeon. In the
evening, Solomon is now in a cell with Eliza and her children. The children fell asleep, and Eliza puffed up at Solomon, who was listening sympathetically, as if she was trying to defend herself.
She speaks roundly, and at the same time it is not without exaggeration.
Eliza: I have been favored by my master. When I say this, you also understand what is going on. I am more favored than his wife. Do you know, he built a house for me. The only condition for building a house is that I live there with him. There is also a promise that will set me free. For nine full years, he allowed me to live both comfortably and luxuriously.
Show off her clothes to Solomon.
Eliza: Silk, jewelry, and the servants who waited on us. This is our life, and this is the life of this beautiful little daughter I gave him. But Master Bailey's daughter... always stares at me fiercely. She hates Emily, even though they are close relatives. Master Bailey's health is getting worse and worse, and she is in charge of the family. In the end, I was taken to this city, when they lied to me that they came here to apply for the certificate of freedom. I wish I knew what the fate was waiting ahead; was it sent to the south? I believe that I will not come back here alive.
Eliza turned to look at her children.
Eliza: My poor, poor babes.
Interior view, Burch's dungeon, night
It was late at night, and everyone was asleep. The key turned in the keyhole and the door opened. Burch came in, and Radburn followed him. Burch hardly gave Solomon and Eliza time to get up, and immediately gave the order-
Burch: Alright. Holding a blanket. stand up.
I have a foreboding that things are not going well.
Eliza: No, please don't...
Burch: I don't want to hear you nagging. Come to the yard.
Eliza: Please...
Radburn: Don't play this set, it's not necessary.
He put his hand on Randall's head.
Radburn: It's just a trip. Don't you want to scare the kids when they go on a boat trip, do you think?
Eliza shook her head and said she didn't want to.
Radburn: That's good. stand up.
Location, Burch’s dungeon/yard, night
Solomon, Clemens, John, Eliza and the children are all gathered. They were handcuffed together. When he shackled John, he drew back straight. He shivered and talked desperately-
John: John's master will pay off the debt. John's master will come to rescue him.
Not wanting to hear a word, Burch picked up a short stick and smashed it on John's head a few times. John continued to talk weakly—
John: John’s master would—
Burch continued to fight until John closed his mouth. Strangely, Emily and Randall were not afraid at all. Why should they be afraid? They have ignored this brutality.
Burch: Don't say a word to any of you. Don't say a word.
Birch and Radburn drove the handcuffed slaves out of the yard.
Exterior scenes, Burch’s dungeon/interior scenes, carriages/slabs, and the
slaves were led to the carriages for a while. They were arranged to lie down one by one. The camera was aimed at them, and a piece of tarpaulin was pulled over to cover them, blocking their sight.
At this moment, the screen was completely dark, and we could only hear the sound of a horse-drawn carriage running fast.
Location, Washington, DC, dock, Ye
Burch led the group of slaves to the dock, and then led them across the springboard and boarded the steamboat "Orleans". The captain, crew, and a mulatto watched them without interfering.
Interior view, "Orleans"/cabin, in the foreground. The
slaves were pushed into a dark, damp cabin, staying with cargo boxes, drums, and rats. Burch came over to "check" the chains; make sure they were all locked securely.
Satisfied, he crawled out of the cabin from the exit on the overhead deck. Radburn followed. In the dark cabin, John and Eliza were crying.
Solomon stared at Birch for a long time, as if cursing him. As if wanting to implement a certain degree of revenge. But the bigger insult was that Birch and Radburn talked to themselves, not paying attention to Solomon at all. He is insignificant to them. This fact caused Solomon's chest to writhe with anger, which he cannot describe in words.
Interior, steamboat, at night,
we are in the engine room of the steamboat, the pistons are pumped, the oily black gears turn, the strength and rhythm are aggressive, and it seems hypnotic. A shovel came into view, adding coal to the furnace.
Location, sea, dusk/dawn
steamboat sailing between Washington and Norfolk. The lens was shot from upside down, from the splashing water to the powerful blades of the steamboat.
Interior view, "Orleans"/cabin, night
slaves eat and pray in the cabin below. The mulatto woman shuttled between them and caught Eliza's gaze.
Mulatto woman: Cheer up, don't be downcast.
Clemens Rey and Solomon watched the woman back to the upper deck, and the flap trap door was firmly locked behind her. Clemens Rey turned to face Solomon, and solemnly advised
Clemens Rey: If you want to live, you must do as little as possible and talk less. Don't tell anyone your true identity, don't tell anyone you can read or write.
Clemens Rey turned and walked away, staring blankly into the distance.
Clemens Rey (slowly): Unless you don't want to live anymore.
Solomon's face was confused and desperate.
Exterior view, Norfolk/Dock,
a floor plan overlooking the Norfolk Dock. The sardines are arranged in rows, spread out to dry, and gleam like silver coins in the sun. A string of slaves entered the painting and was led in file towards the ships docked at the dock.
More slaves—about fifteen in total, of varying gender and age—are taken on deck. The leader is Robert, who is desperately resisting. "At the fastest speed" was pushed into the cabin.
Birch and Radburn had already taken the goods to a place where they were too lazy or ignored, and left. When they left, they didn't say a word to Solomon or anyone else.
When these new arrivals, a considerable number of slaves, got on the ship, the crew lifted anchor, and the "Orleans" started sailing again.
Interior view, "Orleans"/kitchen
Solomon cleans the kitchen in the back view. He was doing the cleaning while watching Robert cooking. Robert's knife skills caught Solomon's attention.
Interior view, cabin, later, the Japanese
cabin is now crowded.
Robert wore a muzzle, his hands tied behind his back, and he was fettered. Solomon and Clemens Rey looked at him.
A sailor walked down the stairs, took off Robert's muzzle, gave him a sullen look, and walked away.
(Cut to)
Solomon, Clemens Rey and Robert are talking.
Robert: If you want me to say, we have to resist.
Robert lowered his voice when he said this.
Solomon: The crew is not large. I believe they must be thoughtful and equipped with weapons.
Clemens Rey: Three people can't deal with all the crew. The others here are niggers who were born slaves. The nigger didn't have the guts to resist, not at all.
Robert: All I know is that when we get to the place, we will live rather than die, and would rather fight.
Clemens Rey: Rebellion will undoubtedly die, and bow your head and forbearance can survive.
Solomon stared at Clemens Rey, irritated-he raised his voice, no longer whispering. He gritted his teeth when he spoke.
Solomon: A few days ago I stayed at my home with my family. Now, I tell you, I have nothing left. If I want to survive, "don't tell anyone my true identity." I don't want to live, I want to live.
Location, the sea,
the paddle of the Japanese steamer stirred the sea, filling the whole picture. The steamer sailed southward through the waves.
Interior view, cabin, night
slaves are sleeping.
A sailor descended the ladder and touched Eliza. He bent over and stroked her daughter's face, trying to wake her up.
Solomon woke up, looked over, and stared at this scene. From his vantage point, we can see Eliza stand up, trying to stop the sailor. The sailor stared at Eliza, and Eliza looked at him. Knowing it well, she led him to the corner of the cabin.
Halfway, Eliza walked by Robert’s side. He jumped up and stood between Eliza and the sailor. He reached out and grabbed the sailor’s shoulder. Robert’s gaze said, "No, you can’t do this."
K Lemmens Rey also woke up, watching from the side.
At a weird moment, there was a dead stalemate between the sailor and Robert.
The camera focused on the sailor's face. Slowly, a sinister smile emerged. The camera returned to Robert's face, puzzled.
Robert looked down. We followed his sight and saw a knife, the blade of which had been submerged in Robert's ribs. The sailor drew the bloody blade.
Wide-angle photography of these two men. Robert collapsed on the floor like a sack of potatoes.
Clemens Rey and Solomon's reaction: panic.
Location, "Orleans"/deck,
we are now back on the deck of the steamer. Solomon and Clemens Rey pushed Robert's body from the side of the ship into the sea. Solomon watched the corpse roll over behind the ship... and then sank underwater.
Clemens Rey spoke, without a trace of emotion in his tone.
Clemens Rey: Good fate. Better than us.
Location, New Orleans Bay,
Solomon's view from the stern of the Japanese steamer: Robert's body is submerged in the water.
Location, New Orleans/Harbor,
a broad-shouldered, shrewd white man standing there shouting—
Rey: Clemens... Clemens Rey!
We arrived at the Port of New Orleans, one of the busiest ports in this young country.
People on the pier are full of voices and people are busy, loading or unloading many ships. The slaves disembarked from the "Orleans" and were rushed into the fence. There was a lot of noise, speaking or shouting, in various languages. Solomon and the other slaves were confounded by everything around them.
In the crowd, two men were waiting for the "Orleans" to arrive in Hong Kong. They are Jonas Rey-the owner of Clemens Rey-and Davis, Mr. Rey's lawyer. They are all acting like business. As soon as the springboard was set, Rey shouted Clemens.
Clemens was ecstatic when he saw his master. He was uncharacteristically excited. Ironically, his master is now the incarnation of "freedom".
Clemens: ...my master...Master Rey, sir! Lord Rey!
Clemens pulled the chains. He tried his best to pounce on his master, causing several other slaves to fall to the ground one by one like dominoes.
Rey: Who is in charge of this ship?
Captain: I am the captain.
Rey: This is Mr. Jonas Rey. My lawyer has documents certifying that this black man named Clemens Rey is my property.
The captain looked through the papers Davis handed him.
Captain: I don't know—
Rey: The court ordered you to return this property to me immediately, otherwise you will face charges of theft.
Captain: My duty is to deliver goods. I am not responsible for their source.
Rey: Don't quibble!
The captain said
to his opponent—— Captain: Let him go!
Biddy did as he ordered. Once loosened, Clemens immediately hugged his master, crying like a child who had lost his way back.
Rey: All right now, Clemens. You will come home with me. (To the captain) Consider this notice and warning.
Rey, Davis and Clemens leave. Solomon cherished a glimmer of hope in despair, hoping that Clemens and Rey would help. But there is no following. Rey and Clemens left for themselves-Clemens didn't even look back in Solomon's direction. Solomon stood there, watching them merge into the crowd and disappear from the field of vision.
Location, New Orleans/Harbor,
several hours have passed since later. The slaves sat on the side of the dock, under the scorching sun, waiting for their fate.
Theophilus Freeman, a tall, light-skinned man with a thin face, walked along the deck, taking a list of names as he walked. The slave who was called by the name stood up.
Freeman: Oren. John. Wright. Eliza. Randall. Emily. Pratt... Pratt!
Solomon did not respond. Freeman looked around and finally locked Solomon.
Freeman: Captain, who consigned the nigger?
Captain: Birch.
Freeman walked to Solomon and looked him up and down.
Freeman: Stand up.
Solomon obeyed.
Freeman: You fit the description given. Why don't you keep silent when you call your name?
Solomon: My name is not Pratt. My name is—
Freeman slapped Solomon hard.
Freeman: Your name is Pratt, and I will let you remember your name, and you will never forget it. (To the captain) Shackle my nigger. Let them get in my car.
Interior/exterior view, carriage, later
Solomon was transported away along with the other "Birch's goods"-Eliza and the children, John and Solomon.
They drove out of the port in a horse-drawn carriage, and their doors opened to the chaotic, busy pier.
This is the first time Solomon has seen real and harsh slavery. These slaves are not visiting servants, like Jasper in his hometown of Saratoga. Wearing heavy shackles, they were driven away like livestock, and chained together like convicts. Who is a slave is clear at a glance, not just by their skin color. The evil consequences and wounds of slavery are both. Black people generally suffer from scars-thick and heavy necrotic skin and muscle tissue from untreated lacerations-as well as branding, and often lack of arms and legs. The black people are bound in various shackles, from simple iron chains to complex shackles to barbed collars. Some people were caged or forced to wear muzzles. A slave is being attacked by bulldogs and slave owners. The bulldog tore the slave's clothes. These scenes will continue to be presented as the background. It can be seen everywhere, but there is no need to comment, because it is the norm. They remind the audience that there is a whole oppressive system here.
Location, Freeman's slave fence,
"Burch's Goods" arrived at Freeman's slave fence later . Freeman and his slave, Cape, a mulatto, lead the way. The yard is surrounded by a circle of thick planks with sharpened tops, not the brick walls of Birch’s dungeon yard. Including "Birch's Goods", there are a total of thirty slaves in the enclosure.
Solomon and the others looked around and saw nothing but the ravaged, desperate and frustrated faces. The three men sat side by side, wearing muzzles, staring silently at the new group of people. Someone tried to speak, but the voice he made was masked and could not be distinguished.
Location, Freeman’s slave enclosure. Later on, the
slaves took off their clothes—both men and women. They wash their bodies with soap and water. Women wash their hair. The men apply oil on the skin and then shave. Freeman walked around in the crowd, supervising them to groom their appearance.
Interior view, Freeman's slave enclosure. Later,
Kepp distributed new clothes to the slaves. The men get hats, shirts, pants and shoes. The women are printed cotton dresses and headscarves.
Interior view, Freeman's house/hall, later
this is a weird and ironic scene. The slaves were in a magnificent large room in the Freeman mansion. Cap is playing the violin, playing a miserable tune-background music. Freeman lined up several slaves. He gradually became irritable, worried and anxious, knowing that the success or failure of his business was at this point. He wanted his slave to make a good impression. Sometimes his patience prevailed, and at this time he waved to command the slaves to stand.
Freeman's slave business has a sense of etiquette class, even though what he did was just train slaves to make them more attractive. He arranged them in groups of five and lined up.
Freeman: From tall to short, understand? Are you taller than her? Then you stand in front of her. obedient. go. (To all slaves) Look up. A sense of direction; this will make you appear smart. Don't stare. Don't laugh like that, look like a fucking monkey grinning. Put something in your mind. Come on, think about something serious.
Fed up with Cap's performance, Solomon walked over and asked-
Solomon: Do you know how to play Lille?
Cap (indifferently): No. I don't know how to play Lille.
Solomon: Can I...?
Cape looked at Freeman—
Freeman: He can't stand your cat screaming spring. Let him come, kid. Let us see what he can do.
Cap reluctantly handed the violin to Solomon. Solomon adjusted the tuning, and then began to play. His fingers were a little stiff at first, and it took a few minutes before they became flexible. However, even when moving his fingers, even in such an environment, he is still extraordinary.
The slaves applauded together. Some even danced. Everyone appreciates his performance. Freeman took the lead in applauding.
Freeman: Go on. continue.
Solomon continued to play.
Freeman: It's too fucking stronger than you, Cape, too fucking stronger.
Seeing Solomon playing the violin, Cape looked depressed.
Interior view, Freeman's house/hall, day
We are witnessing a weird scene: various actions are mixed together. Customers came to inspect Freeman's goods. The room is decorated with flowers. Freeman walked around in the crowd, like a farmer showing off his wealth. Freeman ordered the slaves to raise their heads-"appear smarter", as he had previously warned. The slaves were ordered to walk forward and backward quickly, allowing the customers to feel their hands, arms and bodies. The customers also made the slaves turn around, asked the slaves what skills they had, and routinely asked the slaves to open their mouths and show their teeth.
From time to time, a male or female slave was taken aside, stripped of her clothes, for people to look at it more closely.
One of them was John, who was stripped naked and looked up and down.
Cape played the violin as before.
A buyer—William Ford, a middle-aged man with a amiable tone—referred to his list and asked Freeman-
Ford: How do Pratt and Eliza sell?
Freeman: Pratt is a thousand; he is a talented slave. Eliza seven hundred. My fairest price.
Ford: Do you collect the promissory note?
Freeman: As before, your promissory note can be accepted, Mr. Ford.
Eliza was crazy when she saw that she was about to leave her children and girls. She pleaded with Ford--
Eliza: Please, sir...Don't let us separate. Don't buy me unless you buy my children too.
Freeman: Eliza, be quiet!
Eliza: I will be the most faithful slave, sir. There has never been such a loyal slave, but I beg you not to separate us.
A buyer interrupted the argument. He walked to Freeman, looked at Randall sideways, and inquired coldly.
Buyer: The price of that child?
Freeman: Look how strong this child is. Just like ripe fruit. He will grow into a good animal.
Freeman told Randall to run and jump—showing his mobility and physical condition.
Freeman: Six hundred, the price is fair, no one cent is allowed.
Buyer: Deal.
He reached into his vest pocket, took out his wallet, counted six hundred dollars, and placed it on Freeman's outstretched palm.
Seeing Eliza's grief and panic, Ford was obviously moved with compassion. He wanted to buy Emily and give her some comfort.
Ford: How much is that little girl? You don't need her at all. So small, it won't bring you any profit.
Freeman: I don't know how to shoot that girl. The money that can be made from her is gone. She is a beauty. It's different from the nigger with thick lips, sharp head and only cotton picking.
Ford: It's her child, buddy. From the point of God, don’t you have the slightest sympathy?
Freeman: My sympathy is in the eyes of money. Do you want to buy it, Mr. Ford, or don't you want it all?
Ford: I want Pratt and Eliza.
Eliza clutched her children tightly.
Eliza: I can't go without children. You can't take them away from me.
As if to prove her wrong, Freeman lifted her foot and kicked her away from Emily.
Eliza: Please, no, no!
Freeman ordered Kep-
Freeman: Get her out.
Cape put down the violin and dragged Eliza towards the door, but she kept screaming and begging. This obviously makes other customers feel uncomfortable.
Freeman: Let her shut up.
Cap wanted to cover her mouth with his hand, but Eliza was still wailing, and Emily called her mother loudly.
Emily: Mom... Mom!
Freeman (to Solomon): Play! Pick up the piano and play.
Solomon obeyed, picked up Cap's violin, and began to play softly.
Freeman: Pull it!
Solomon's men stepped up, and the piano rang. This was still not enough to drown Eliza's wailing. Freeman ordered the other slaves to applaud Solomon's performance. Emily broke free and ran back. She was already in tears, but she seemed strong in her efforts—
Emily: Don't cry, mother. I will be a good boy. Don't cry. I will look up and look smart. I will always appear smart.
Freeman: Be happy, all of you! Damn, Cap! Tell her to shut up, or I'll peel your skin!
Cap pulled a rag and stuffed it into Eliza's mouth. Clamping her mouth with both hands, holding her head, dragged her out of the room. This is an extremely ugly scene.
Location, Ford Plantation. Later
Solomon and Eliza were sitting in a wagon driven by Ford. Eliza said nothing. After losing two children, her emotions fell to the bottom, unable to extricate herself.
They arrived at the Ford Plantation. The main building of the plantation-they usually call it the "big house"-is quite spectacular. It is a two-story building with a corridor in front. As usual in the back are the kitchen, poultry house, corn barn and several slave huts built with logs. This plantation can be described as an "oasis in the wilderness".
The arrival of Master Ford caused a commotion-the "excitement" of discovering the arrival of the new cargo. Mr. Chapin, a white overseer, ordered a slave named Sam-
Chapin: Sam, to report to his wife.
Sam: Madam! Madam, they are here.
Mrs. Ford came out of the building—with her slave maid Rachel, who was the cook and Sam’s wife—ran to her husband, kissed him, and then asked with a smile—
Mrs. Ford: Did you bring the niggas back?
There are two? You bought two?
Ford: Get me something to eat, dear. I'm already hungry.
Mrs. Ford: Let me see them...
Ford: Mr. Chapin-Mrs.
Ford (referring to Eliza): This is crying. Why is she crying?
Ford: Separated from the child.
Mrs. Ford: Oh, my goodness.
Ford: I can't help it.
Mrs. Ford: Very poor, poor woman.
Ford: Mr. Chapin, tomorrow you will take the two of them to the sawmill and let them start work. Let them nurture their spirits first; cook them a meal and let them rest.
Chaping: Yes, sir. (To the two slaves) Okay, come on, okay, don't dawdle.
Mrs. Ford (to Eliza): Eat something and take a break; you will soon forget about the child.
Location, the working area of the Ford Plantation, where Day
John Tibitz stood in front of the slaves. Chapin stepped to the side.
Tibitz: My name is John Tibitz, William Ford's carpenter foreman. You have to call me "Master".
Tibitz nodded in Chapin's direction.
Tibitz: Mr. Chapin is the supervisor of this plantation. He is in charge of all Ford's property. You also have to call him "Master". This plantation has hundreds of acres, and it crosses the Texas highway from the forest to the sawmill. If there is a clever nigger walking a bit vigorously on that road, I will remind him that there are people on this end of the road and there are hounds patrolling, and the other end is the mouth of the river, life is not so good, there is no food or drink, there are crocodiles, keep yours Life. No slave can escape alive. You are here to work, so start work.
Tibitz began to sing "Run, Nigga, Run" mockingly.
We cut to the montage of Solomon cutting logs and slaves working and returning to the sawmill.
(The lyrics of "Run, nigger, run":
Oh, run, nigger, run, the patrol will catch you,
run, nigger, run, you better run away
, nigger, run, the patrol will Catch you and
run, nigga, run, you'd better run away,
nigga, run nigga, run nigga,
tear your shirt in half and
run, nigga, run, the patrol will catch you and
run, nigga , Run, you better escape
Nigga run, run fast, poke your
head into the hornet’s nest and
run, nigga, run, the patrol will catch you.
Run, nigga, run, you'd better escape the
nigga, run across the field,
black charcoal and
run cripple , nigga , Run, the patrol will catch you.
Run, nigga, run, you'd better get away.
Some people say that niggas don’t steal.
I caught three in my cotton field.
One person took a bushel, and one person took a pea. The
other guy took a rope, and the rope went around his neck and
ran, nigga, run, the patrol will catch you and
run, nigga, run, you better run away
, nigga, run, the patrol will Catch you and
run, nigga, run, you better run away
, nigga run, nigga run away
white talents don’t bother to figure out the reason,
run, nigga, run, the patrol will catch you
run, nigga, run , You better run away.
Hey, Mr. Patrolman, don’t catch me
and the nigga behind the tree.
Run, nigga, run, the patrol will catch you.
Run, nigga, run, you’d better escape the
nigga run, run fast
head digging into the hornet's nest
run, nigger, run, the patrol will catch you
run, nigger, run, you'd better be able to escape)
location, woods, day, end of may early June 1841
we In the woods. A group of slaves were cutting down trees. The work was hard and heavy, and the hot weather added fuel to the fire. Solomon was in it, and Sam was there.
Location, woods, later the
slaves moved the logs to the wagon. The hard work is still going on under the scorching sun.
Location, road, later
Sam drove the car, and the other slaves walked by the car. We have a feeling that the journey is long and monotonous.
Location, the working area of the Ford Plantation, later
this is a vast working area, right on the edge of Indian Creek. There is a lot of work in progress, and the main task of the slaves is to pile up logs or chop logs into lumber. There is no doubt about the hardship of work with just one hand.
The carpenter in the work area is John Tibitz. There are also many customers coming and going to place orders.
Location, Ford Plantation, Sun, mid-June 1841
This is Sunday morning. All of Ford's slaves wore their "most decent" clothes-brightly colored, with as little tatters as possible. The slaves gathered on the lawn by the front porch. Mrs. Ford was also present. The slaves listened to Ford to read the Bible aloud to them. His tone was like a pastor who came to preach with compassion.
Ford: "As for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God said to you in the scripture? He said, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. God is not the God of the dead, but He is the God of the living. When the crowd heard this, they were amazed at his teaching. The Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, and they gathered together. One of them was a teacher of the law who wanted to test Jesus. Ask him, Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law. Jesus said to him, you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. This is the first commandment. And it’s the greatest. The second is the same, that is to love your neighbor as yourself. These two commandments are the general outline of all the doctrines of the law and the prophets."
Although Ford’s tone is relaxed and his words are full of hope, Eliza sits aside, but completely She couldn't hear it, she was sobbing softly.
We saw Mrs. Ford's eyes. Eliza, who was in tears all day long, made her feel very uncomfortable.
Location, working area of Ford Plantation, Japan, in mid-June 1841
slaves stopped for lunch. They chewed on the bacon and drank the water in the gourd. While they were having lunch, Solomon read Sam's Bible aloud to the other slaves.
Solomon: "But you must not be like this. The oldest of you must be like the young and the leader, but like the servant. Who is the greatest? The one who sits at the table or the servant? Isn’t it the one who sits at the table? But I am among you, as a servant.”
A white customer, Winslow, saw that the slaves were reading the "Bible" and couldn't help but become angry. He rushed over and grabbed the "Bible". .
Winslow: Where did you steal the Bible?
Sam: Hush, this book belongs to me.
The white customer didn't hear Sam's answer, he bowed left and right, and began to beat Sam. Solomon went to stop him. The effect was counterproductive, and Solomon became the object of this man to vent his anger.
Winslow: Take your dirty hands away!
Ford ran over.
Ford: What is going on here?
Winslow: Your nigger is either cheeky or wants to rebel. This one is reading the "Bible", the other says that the "Bible" belongs to him.
Ford: Yes, it was a gift from the hostess.
Winslow: You actually allow this to happen?
Ford: I also encourage it. As a Christian, I am willing to do my best to spread the gospel.
Winslow: What you did sucks, Ford. A literate slave is extremely dangerous.
Winslow walked away. He turned around and shouted
at Ford— Winslow: Those who allow slaves to read do not deserve to have niggers!
Ford returned the "Bible" to Sam and said quietly—
Ford: Leave him alone . Everyone should listen to the teachings of God. You can get comfort from it.
Location, road,
Risam drove the wood to the work area, slaves trekking on both sides, just as before. It's just... this time it's a little different from before. Sam stopped the car. He, and the slaves, looked up to the front of the road.
In the middle of the road stood a group of Chicksaw Indians. They were wearing suede shorts and weirdly colored cotton hunting shirts. This was their "ordinary" costume. The buttons buckle straight from the belt to the chin. They brought dogs a
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