Parents' Guide to

The Journey of Henry Box Brown

By Tracy Moore, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 5+

Powerful tale of former slave with big ideas about freedom.

Movie G 2005 28 minutes
The Journey of Henry Box Brown Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • The Journey of Henry Box Brown Movie: Scene #1
  • The Journey of Henry Box Brown Movie: Scene #2

Community Reviews

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age 4+

Based on 1 parent review

emilyg25
emilyg25 Parent
January 16, 2021
age 4+

A good intro to the ideas of slavery and freedom

Common Sense says this video isn't available online, but I found it by Googling the title (https://vimeo.com/channels/638130/107764894). The animation is pretty basic, but the story and narration is excellent. It introduces aspects of slavery in a way that allows a parent to build details through ongoing discussions. And the animals provide a relatable way to understand freedom vs. freedom.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Henry "Box" Brown (voiced by Alfre Woodard) is a former slave who has shipped himself to freedom. On the way, he meets a bird, a cricket, and a mouse, who ask him what a slave is and what it means to be free, and they listen to the sad story of how he lost his wife and children and decided to escape to freedom. Along the way, both Brown and his new friends discuss their favorite parts of freedom; what they enjoy the most about being able to sleep, eat, and sing when they want; and why freedom doesn't mean much if it's not something we all enjoy.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This short animated movie takes a complex, heavy issue and manages to present it in a way that kids can grasp easily. Concepts of freedom are broken down into very basic everyday pleasures, and here Brown tells them to a friendly bird, mouse, and cricket, each of whom grapples with his own understanding of the idea. Though there are sad parts, and the realities of slavery -- including the splitting up and selling of families -- are not glossed over, this is a simple, uplifting, and educational presentation of serious subject matter that gives kids a way in. Plus, it ultimately not only reinforces strong moral messages, but it also celebrates all that is best in humanity, without ignoring some of the U.S.A.'s greatest failures.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about freedom. What is the best part of freedom for Henry Box Brown? What's your favorite part of being free?

  • Why does Brown free the horse at the end of the film?

  • What does it mean when he says no one is free unless everyone is? Why is that so important?

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