Originally broadcast as a TV mini-series in 1977, Roots is the stirring story of one family's struggle for freedom. The ghost writer of Malcolm X's autobiography, Alex Haley, based the book by the same name on research of his own family's history. Producer David Wolper worked closely with Haley to produce the film.
The story begins about 1750 near the Gambia River in Africa as Kunta Kente, played by LeVar Burton, is born and grows up to be a Mandinka warrior. Shortly after his confirmation into manhood, slave traders capture him while he is alone in the jungle. The infamous "middle passage" is depicted in gut-wrenching horror. But manacles, stifling heat, meager food, crowded bunks and liberal use of the whip cannot dampen the slaves' zeal for freedom. Their attempted revolt does not meet with the success of that some years later aboard La Amistad, and Kunta arrives in colonial Annapolis and goes to the auction block.
Roots Study Guide Questions - These are to be answered while watching the film
The story begins about 1750 near the Gambia River in Africa as Kunta Kente, played by LeVar Burton, is born and grows up to be a Mandinka warrior. Shortly after his confirmation into manhood, slave traders capture him while he is alone in the jungle. The infamous "middle passage" is depicted in gut-wrenching horror. But manacles, stifling heat, meager food, crowded bunks and liberal use of the whip cannot dampen the slaves' zeal for freedom. Their attempted revolt does not meet with the success of that some years later aboard La Amistad, and Kunta arrives in colonial Annapolis and goes to the auction block.
Roots Study Guide Questions - These are to be answered while watching the film
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