I think it's indisputable that August and Annalees loved each other. He brings her to freedom; she frees his soul. They come to love one another's humanity. If they had been born in a different time, and a different place, they could have had a romantic relationship and lived together very happily. But pushing for them to get together under the circumstances in this movie is unrealistic. There was no way August and Annalees could have married and lived together. He couldn't live in the black world; she couldn't live in the white world. The only relationship society approved for them at that time was that of a master and a slave, and neither would've wanted that.
Even making love could have caused incredible hardships for them. Remember this is the early nineteenth century, there's no birth control. Annalees could've become pregnant, been left to raise a child by herself, or even die in childbirth (a depressingly common fate at the time). August must've known that he couldn't give her a wedding ring, a home with him, or a child that could imperil her hard won freedom. The last few scenes between them ached with sensuality, but August and Annalees knew what that could lead to. By letting her go, August is giving Annalees her freedom, a chance at a normal life, a family of her own. He knows that is what she DESERVES.
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Chloeninjagirl
16 years ago
That was very beautiful and true Nichol...even though I wish they gotten together. Move to Canada and live a better life together up there. But the way you said it Nichol was very true and still beautiful. :-)
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aviane
9 years ago
Well said. Beautiful film. Their respect and love for each other was more than evident.
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