In Gambia, West Africa, Kunta Kinte, son of Omoro and Binta, distinguishes himself in manhood training rituals. But he does not enjoy his new status long: slave traders sweeping the countryside seize him. Chained with other captives, Kunta begins an agonized odyssey to the New World.
Despite a violent rebellion, the slave ship Lord Ligonier completes its voyage and Kunta Kinte endures the indiginity of an Annapolis slave auction. Fiddler, the slave in charge of Kunta's training, becomes his only friend, a friendship that's tested when Kunta plans his escape.
In 1776, a nation fights for freedom - but not for all. Still driven by his memories as a Mandinka "fighting man," Kunta (now renamed Toby) escapes once more.
After Genelva's nighttime dalliance with Junta deflects suspicion so she can flee with her lover, Kunta forms a romantic attachment to the worldly-wise Bell, whom he marries.
The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.
Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.
Chicken George returns to North Carolina to find his sons have married and started families - and to learn about a state law that says his status as a free man is forfeited if he stays more than 60 days. Meanwhile, the nation erupts in Civil War.
The Civil War is over but night riders terrorize ex-slaves. By marking his clients' horseshoes, Tom identifies the raiders but endangers his own life. Chicken George, who fought for the Union, rejoins his family. He leads them to a new home in Tennessee.
Author of "Roots" Alex Haley goes on a voyage to his ancestral home village in Africa and to the grave site of his relative Kunta Kinte in Virginia with LeVar Burton who portrayed Kinte in "Roots". Narrated by Louis Gossett, Jr.
Based on Alex Haley’s best-selling novel about his African ancestors, "Roots" is the story of Kunta Kinte, a West African youth captured by slave raiders and shipped to America in the 1700s. The saga follows the different generations up until the Civil War where Kunte Kinte’s grandson, Chicken George gained emancipation. The mini-series captivated the American television audience and became a social phenomenon unlike any other program of its time. The series brought racial issues to the forefront, became a catalyst for open and honest discussions about race and sparked a national interest in genealogy and family history.
Hosted by Louis Gossett Jr.
Based on Alex Haley’s best-selling novel about his African ancestors, "Roots" is the story of Kunta Kinte, a West African youth captured by slave raiders and shipped to America in the 1700s. The saga follows the different generations up until the Civil War where Kunte Kinte’s grandson, Chicken George gained emancipation. The mini-series captivated the American television audience and became a social phenomenon unlike any other program of its time. The series brought racial issues to the forefront, became a catalyst for open and honest discussions about race and sparked a national interest in genealogy and family history.
The characters of Kunta Kinte and Fiddler from Roots are back in this movie. In this movie the two of them accompany their owner to another plantation at Christmas time and they learn that the son of the owner helps slaves escape. And the two of them try to help him and also see this as an opportunity to escape themselves.
