The North Star (2016): cast, story & where to watch
2016 · Film · ★ 5
Released in 2016, The North Star is a drama and history film directed by Thomas K. Phillips, running about 88 minutes. “A Perilous Journey to Freedom (Based on a True Story)” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. The North Star is the story of Benjamin "Big Ben" Jones and Moses Hopkins, two slaves who escaped from a Virginia plantation and made their way to freedom in Buckingham, Pennsylvania in 1849. Big Ben's 6 foot 10 inch size and a record bounty for his safe return make him the focus of every slave hunter on the east coast. Their journey exposes them to danger and cruelty; however it also exposes them to the unexpected kindness of the people involved in the Underground Railroad. These experiences will change Ben and Moses forever. Upon reaching the relative safety of Mt. Gilead Church on Buckingham Mountain, Ben and Moses get to experience life as free men and cross paths with historical figures such as Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Joshua and Jonathan Fell. Their freedom also allows them to experience heroism, romance and treachery. Written by LuckPig Studios
Who’s in it. The North Star stars Jeremiah Trotter as Big Ben Jones, Thomas C. Bartley Jr. as Moses Hopkins (as Thomas C. Bartley), Clifton Powell as Mr. Lee and John Diehl as Master Anderson, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.0/10, The North Star has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The North Star page.
If you liked it. Fans of The North Star tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The North Star (2016)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The North Star change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The North Star worth watching?
- The North Star holds an audience score of 5.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and history. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The North Star?
- The North Star stars Jeremiah Trotter, Thomas C. Bartley Jr., Clifton Powell, John Diehl and Keith David.
- When was The North Star released?
- The North Star was released in 2016, with a runtime of about 88 minutes.