Harriet

Reality-based and exceptionally strong film about the norm-breaking champion of liberty, Harriet Tubman, who fled slavery in the South to return to free others.

The thought was that Tubman would replace former president and slave owner Andrew Jackson to become the first black woman on the American dollar bill in conjunction with the American centennial of women’s suffrage in 2020, but it seems the Trump administration has now put a stop to this. So it’s appropriate with a film that forcefully raises this prominent figure and leader from out of the shadow of white men. Kasi Lemmon’s Harriet is an epic and timeless story about faith, principles and courage. Cynthia Erivo is peerless in the title role and is flanked by others including Janelle Monáe, in this impassioned biopic about a true feminist pioneer.

• Johan Blomqvist