12 Years a Slave
Fox Searchlight Pictures | Release Date: October 18, 2013
8.0
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Generally favorable reviews based on 1650 Ratings
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9
pdw123Sep 19, 2016
One of the finest films of the year along with "The Butler", or Americans need to consider them companion pieces and view both for sure! Even though this is NOT a film to watch for entertainment but for an education about what slavery reallyOne of the finest films of the year along with "The Butler", or Americans need to consider them companion pieces and view both for sure! Even though this is NOT a film to watch for entertainment but for an education about what slavery really was, the "Great Debaters" and the Quentin Tarantino film from last year ARE ones which are going in the proper direction, instead of the direction you usually think of Hollywood as going. The Henry Louis Gates series on PBS now is also quite good, and I think he must've been an adviser on this film. That said, Michael Fassbender and Steve McQueen should be considered to be beyond their time, or it's high time we had a film like this!… Expand
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10
All_ButTrU4Jan 3, 2022
Chiwetel Ejiofor is so impressive in this incredibly intense, visceral film. (When it ended, nobody in my theater moved for a period of time, and there was no round of applause mostly, it seemed, because of the shock of it all. ClappingChiwetel Ejiofor is so impressive in this incredibly intense, visceral film. (When it ended, nobody in my theater moved for a period of time, and there was no round of applause mostly, it seemed, because of the shock of it all. Clapping didn’t seem like the right thing to do.) The fact that we experience the story from the perspective of a kidnapped free man makes the film instantly relatable. I was so happy to have watched all of Tom Fontana’s excellent “Copper” which features an African American civil war veteran doctor living in New York, and all of his family’s struggles in Five Points. Solomon, a New Yorker kidnapped from Washington DC, could be any of us. The Southern landscape as it likely existed in those days provides such a beautiful-yet- eerie backdrop to this movie. What I particularly appreciate the fact that all the shots are confined you never see very far into the distance. There’s never any perspective on things. When the boat transporting the kidnapped south moves, you see the paddlewheels. On the plantations, you see the three or four acres where the slaves live. You never get any aerial shots, which is so effective in giving you a disoriented, lost feel. Even if Solomon wants to escape, he has no idea where the hell he is, and neither do we. The acting in general is uniformly excellent. Fassbender? Wow. Not since Ralph Fiennes in Schindler’s List has an actor put out so completely for the detestable guy role and to such great effect I cried...
Several times.

I think it is very appropriate to start my review by saying those words. In an age where showing our emotion in public is apparently a taboo. Needless to say, apart from a few heartless sods, I was not the only one who left the local theatre wiping tears from my cheeks.

Putting it simply, 12 Years A Slave is superb. The way I see it, this should become the staple period-piece film. It is a film that shows us a dark, visceral story of a point in time that the American government would much rather sweep under the rug.

It is a triumphant story of loss and despair, but also of remarkable perseverance and resolve.
The simplicity of the plot leaves the weight of its success on the individual scenes and phenomenal writing. The great cast and setting meld together perfectly.

In a year of phenomenal films, 12 Years A Slave comes out on par with many others, if not slightly above.
I hope that in a few years, this might be the film that is shown in history classes. It is not something that should be watched for the sake of the film, it is something that has to be watched because of the horrific times which its characters live in.… Expand
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7
AndrewHordMay 29, 2020
It is great film.Yes ,it is not a masterpiece,but it is obviously important film about very cruel period of America.
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8
bm2759Jan 19, 2014
Chiwetel Ejiofor is an actor I've been a fan of for some time now. I first took notice of him in Serenity, then was quite pleased with his performances in Children of Men, Redbelt, and Salt. 12 Years a Slave shows us just how talent his is.Chiwetel Ejiofor is an actor I've been a fan of for some time now. I first took notice of him in Serenity, then was quite pleased with his performances in Children of Men, Redbelt, and Salt. 12 Years a Slave shows us just how talent his is. Through him we see joy, contentment, fear, horror, hate, anger, reluctance, hopelessness, and gratitude. He will be remembered as one of the greats.

Like many have said this is a very brutally honest depiction of life as a slave. It's truly horrible and Solomon's journey shows us a range of different he encounters. Amongst those who 'own' him we see truly evil people, opportunists, kind-hearted slavers and cruel slavers. Amongst his fellow slaves we see people who are helpful, selfish, indifferent, and traumatized. Through him we experience the worst of human nature and indifference to the suffering of others.

Solomon's ordeal shows us that even as a slave not everyone (but almost) enjoyed treating African slaves as property to do with as they wished, and were barely human. This story serves as a reminder of how far Western civilization has come today, when compared to the rapid industrialist expansion which caused slavery of Africans to begin. Through this story we're able to see that social justice is of utmost importance.… Expand
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9
sammieteeJan 25, 2014
Very powerful movie. It was extremely well done but very hard to watch. Ejiofor's preformance was incrediable and Fassbender's performance as a cruel slave owner makes you cringe. The ending was heart breaking and happy at the same time. IVery powerful movie. It was extremely well done but very hard to watch. Ejiofor's preformance was incrediable and Fassbender's performance as a cruel slave owner makes you cringe. The ending was heart breaking and happy at the same time. I recommend this movie for anybody who will be able to watch them. It's hard but it's worth it.… Expand
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9
NBAluke579Jan 2, 2014
12 Years a Slave is an exceptional film and a triumph of modern storytelling. The movie easily could have turned out to be nothing but "oscar-bait", but the extremely talented visionary director Steve McQueen never allows this to happen and12 Years a Slave is an exceptional film and a triumph of modern storytelling. The movie easily could have turned out to be nothing but "oscar-bait", but the extremely talented visionary director Steve McQueen never allows this to happen and turns this into one of the most powerful,unflinching films in recent memory.This film is every bit as brutal as his previous two features Shame and Hunger, and it is never afraid to go the extra mile to show us the atrocities of slavery and human suffering. The cinematography is rich, and the performances are outstanding most notably from Ejiofor and Fassbender who truly immerse themselves in their roles. 12 Years a Slave earns my highest praise, it is an incredible movie and very much worth at least one viewing.I can't give it any less than a 9/10.… Expand
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9
WalkingDead5640Jun 8, 2014
Very powerful and it definitely deserves all the praise and awards. A truly real, well crafted, extraordinary piece of cinema, though it may be a hard watch with the racial themes. I love how director Steve Mcqueen can capture a very lengthyVery powerful and it definitely deserves all the praise and awards. A truly real, well crafted, extraordinary piece of cinema, though it may be a hard watch with the racial themes. I love how director Steve Mcqueen can capture a very lengthy shot and make it so powerful and grand in his movies. This movie is epic and well acted.… Expand
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10
JCouch777Jan 5, 2014
12 Years A Slave is one of the most heartbreaking but engrossing movies I have ever seen. With some of the most emotional performances ever seen by Chiwetel Ejiorfor and Lupita Nyong'o. Fassbender was equally as great also. I'm calling it12 Years A Slave is one of the most heartbreaking but engrossing movies I have ever seen. With some of the most emotional performances ever seen by Chiwetel Ejiorfor and Lupita Nyong'o. Fassbender was equally as great also. I'm calling it right now that Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actress all go to this film. Proud to say that it is the first movie to ever make me cry.… Expand
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10
Prodigy2013Jan 4, 2014
One of the darkest chapters in American history has never been brought so impeccably to the screen. ‘12 Years a Slave’ tells the story of Solomon Northup, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor; a free black man living in Saratoga Springs, New York inOne of the darkest chapters in American history has never been brought so impeccably to the screen. ‘12 Years a Slave’ tells the story of Solomon Northup, played by Chiwetel Ejiofor; a free black man living in Saratoga Springs, New York in the 1840’s. Residing in a relatively progressive community, the man leads an upstanding life with his wife and two kids; and works as a skilled fiddler and carpenter. Such a privileged life; as this is decades prior to America’s emancipation proclamation, and much of the blacks are still at the whims of white slavers. Upon meeting and celebrating with two men over a business venture; the men drug Solomon and sell him into slavery down South, where he experiences a true American Horror Story. Well; Benedict Cumberbatch as his first master, William Ford, was a very reasonable man; but “still a slave owner”, as one slave rightfully puts it. Being born in the wrong circumstances seemed true where Ford is concerned, as he was indeed a kind man; but the arrival of Michael Fassbender’s Edwin Epps, Northup’s second master; showed that blatant cruelty does exist in the hearts of some men. Evil incarnate, Epps rule over his “property” with an iron fist; and threatens his wife by striking up a complex “affair” with a slave name Patsey, who he deems the ‘Queen of the field’. Fassbeneder gives a ferocious and appropriately complex performance that warrants some serious awards consideration, and special applause must also be given to Lupita Nyong’o who plays Patsey. The brutality of the subject matter is in no way sugar coated, thanks Steve McQueen’s ballsy direction. His unflinching approach to telling the story paints a true portrait of the harshness of the slave system and drew out some staggering performances from his cast. That leads me to star, Chiwitel Ejiofor who’s put through the wringer as Northup. His arc as a naïve free man, to a man scarred by slavery was very well portrayed. Despite my enthusiasm, I was bothered by McQueen’s nonexistent representation of the passage of time in this film… after all the movie is called 12 Years and slave. But for a movie this excellent, all can be forgiven. Production design and costumes were top notch, and Sean Bobbit’s cinematography accentuates the savagery on the screen, with his many single shots. Though unsettling, don’t be discouraged from seeing it… a film this powerful deserves everybody’s attention.… Expand
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7
TerenceYiboFeb 3, 2014
极其压抑的典型McQueen式电影，虎头蛇尾，进行到后面就乱套，剧情很无聊，一点没有Extraordinary的感觉，几位主演的水准都很平庸，结尾莫名其妙，Hans Zimmer失水准，不过场景很美。
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9
AlexanderLuthorAug 1, 2014
This was a fantastic film, well written and tremendous performances from all the stars. Far better film than I went in expecting.....................
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9
gracjanskiNov 1, 2022
The movie is touching of course and well made. The actors are great, especially Michael Fassbender.
The only problem of the movie is, that it is one-sided and the characters are not very detailed. So sometimes I didnt like the movie, becauseThe movie is touching of course and well made. The actors are great, especially Michael Fassbender.
The only problem of the movie is, that it is one-sided and the characters are not very detailed. So sometimes I didnt like the movie, because it was like a propaganda against Whites.… Expand
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10
Angel1711Mar 16, 2018
This movie is a must watch for everyone. No one should forget what the world was like only not that long ago. This, completely unjustified, sense of superiority, is so inherently evil. "What is true and right is true and right for all. WhiteThis movie is a must watch for everyone. No one should forget what the world was like only not that long ago. This, completely unjustified, sense of superiority, is so inherently evil. "What is true and right is true and right for all. White and black alike." (c) Bass. I am white, and I can't believe white committed such atrocious crimes. When you watch it, pease try and swap skins, and imagine what it'd be like if it was the other way around...… Expand
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10
SynomasDec 3, 2013
12 Years a Slave is a difficult movie to watch, but it is absolutely recommended viewing as an emotionally gripping tale that draws eyes open to the incredible brutality of savagery of slavery during the 1800's in the United States.

I do12 Years a Slave is a difficult movie to watch, but it is absolutely recommended viewing as an emotionally gripping tale that draws eyes open to the incredible brutality of savagery of slavery during the 1800's in the United States.

I do not believe this movie was exploitative or unnecessary whatsoever. There are terrible and tragic things that have happened in the world's history, should we simply let these events fade away into obscurity?… Expand
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10
AndremaxJul 10, 2018
One the most beautiful movies stories of all time. Perhaps the best movie that you won't want to watch more than once, 'cause it's a very very suffered and shocking movie. Epic, intense and emotional. Don't blame yourself if you drop a tear.
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10
sammurphy66Jul 21, 2014
12 Years a Slave is without a doubt,the best film of 2013 - it is emotionally captivating, brilliantly acted, and has a wonderfully heart warming story of a man who faced unfathomable adversity.
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10
AdamCrostonJan 10, 2014
Oscar-worthy film that is a must see! All actors played their part to perfection, with Fassbender and Ejiofor being the pick of the bunch. Captured the brutality and severity of slavery in 19th Century USA, telling the story of SolomonOscar-worthy film that is a must see! All actors played their part to perfection, with Fassbender and Ejiofor being the pick of the bunch. Captured the brutality and severity of slavery in 19th Century USA, telling the story of Solomon Northup; a free black man captured and sold onto a plantation. For me the powerful performances and direction makes this an outright masterpiece...… Expand
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9
AssassinationMar 25, 2014
The Autobiography of Solomon northup !!

** 12 Years Of Slave ** * This movie which dwells you in the depth of emotions which is caused by suffering and hardship rather than a warm happiness & enjoyment ! this film actually puts you inThe Autobiography of Solomon northup !!

** 12 Years Of Slave **

* This movie which dwells you in the depth of emotions which is caused by suffering and hardship rather than a warm happiness & enjoyment ! this film actually puts you in the place in which you being entertained by sadness and hardship in which you would never have expected or cannot deny being entertained !.This movie can literally capture your emotions it makes you feel for those characters in this movie like any other its has a specialty within itself that is unique from others ! .This is one of the greatest movie hands down it has beauty in its own which is both wonderful and outstanding !! .

* This movie is an autobiography of Solomon northup who is being kidnapped and sold for slavery that eventually turns his life into misery & hardship ! This film was true to its source materials that gave this movie the huge clarity actually it also gave the feel to his suffering and also suffering for others who he associated with ! This movie has both beauty and truth .

* The Actors Performance was outstanding they stood as the actual generators who generates our emotion when they perform during screen play ! Each and every actors performance stood as pillars for this entire movie ! Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup did and excellent performance so did other actors like Lupita Nyong'o as Patsey ,Michael Fassbender as Edwin Epps ,Benedict Cumberbatch as William Ford and Brad Pitt as Samuel Bass they gave their respective characters heart and soul for this movie ! .

* The Characters in this movie is heavily relied upon the performance of the actors as it being performed excellent and wonderful it gives the characters its beauty and brilliance !.

* This movie is basically less in humor you cannot find any moment that so enjoyable because the story doesn't fit in with humor as it eventually displays emotion which are related with misery and hardship !.

* This movie is entirely dramatic as its display an amount of clarity and sense of wonder with great screenplay and excellent acting performance that gives this movie its advantage and credit ! .

* The director of this movie Steve McQueen did an outstanding dramatic movie with great direction & screenplay that make this movie as one of the best autobiographic movies of all the time ! .

* Overall the movie is outstanding with all the performance it has successfully captured our emotions that gave this movie a sense of wonder , excitement and also sense of satisfaction which makes this entire movie wonderful .

12 Years of Slave : *********

(9/10)… Expand
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10
Clean_ReviewNov 19, 2013
A great movie. Perhaps the best I've seen in several years. The story line and acting for 12 Years a Slave are exceptional. This film had excellent writing with dialogue that gave it an elevated feel. The cast and their outstandingA great movie. Perhaps the best I've seen in several years. The story line and acting for 12 Years a Slave are exceptional. This film had excellent writing with dialogue that gave it an elevated feel. The cast and their outstanding performances melded together seamlessly.

This was truly a remarkable movie experience. More than any other film I've seen this year, 12 Years a Slave had an impact on me after I left the movie theatre. The fact that this movie is based on a true story adds to the affect. Although some parts can be difficult to watch, this movie is well worth your time to see.… Expand
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10
Kyfresh1Dec 27, 2013
Best movie I've seen since There Will be Blood. It's not often you go to see a movie and afterwords you feel horrible about the actions of your ancestor. This is not a movie you will want to watch countless times. However, just like SchindlerBest movie I've seen since There Will be Blood. It's not often you go to see a movie and afterwords you feel horrible about the actions of your ancestor. This is not a movie you will want to watch countless times. However, just like Schindler List everyone needs to watch this to understand the horrors of slavery.… Expand
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8
ambenderDec 28, 2013
Although certainly impressive on all fronts, the movie just quite isn't the masterpiece that many are proclaiming it to be. Comparisons to Django Unchained are inevitable, but McQueen's film represents a more serious (and harrowing) approachAlthough certainly impressive on all fronts, the movie just quite isn't the masterpiece that many are proclaiming it to be. Comparisons to Django Unchained are inevitable, but McQueen's film represents a more serious (and harrowing) approach to difficult material.… Expand
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9
twerk-kingFeb 21, 2014
Exceptional acting and great direction. While many are not familiar with Solomon Northup's epic life story, including myself, the film delivers a great execution as if you were the one experiencing all these events that happened in Solomon'sExceptional acting and great direction. While many are not familiar with Solomon Northup's epic life story, including myself, the film delivers a great execution as if you were the one experiencing all these events that happened in Solomon's life. Steve McQueen really knows how to capture the essence of the theme. Moreover, the acting was EXCEPTIONAL. Big applause for Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Sarah Paulson, and newcomer Lupita Nyong'o. I'm surprised that Sarah Paulson didn't get the praised that she should've gotten. However, the movie itself is already a box office success, it doesn't need a lot of awards to attract audiences.… Expand
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8
deanableJan 6, 2014
A good film for sure. But grim and sadistic. It will win many awards I'm sure but I don't think Best Picture will be one of them mainly because the direction of the film is awkward at times and often intrusive
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7
rniecat123Jan 5, 2014
This movie was well acted but I found it a bit slow at times with the main actor looking into space constantly. Lots of people appeared and went with no follow up. I would have liked to see more content and less brutality. It would haveThis movie was well acted but I found it a bit slow at times with the main actor looking into space constantly. Lots of people appeared and went with no follow up. I would have liked to see more content and less brutality. It would have been a much better movie had there been more dialogue. The main star seemed to hog the whole movie.… Expand
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9
bfoore90Oct 25, 2019
An incredible look at the story of a free black man's fight to return to his family after being abducted and sold into slavery.
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10
frodosring08Jan 11, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. There is a scene in the film when a Louisana plantation owner, Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender), confronts one of his slaves, Patsey (Lupita Nyong’o), about her disappearance. Despite her entreaties to explain her brief absence she is subjected to a whipping. As the lash tears into her back members of the audience gasp, some whimper, others cry silently, but all recoil back into their seat horrifyingly transfixed by the terror of the scene, as each crack of the whip brings forth a fine spray of blood. The whole scene is the dark heart of the film and indeed, the heart of darkness of the American slave trade. It is also the most powerful scene in thirty years of filmmaking in a film that is simply a modern masterpiece, and by far the best film you will see this year.

Therein lies a dichotomy because cinema is about entertainment and 12 Years a Slave is a gruelling watch – a harrowing, unflinching, unsentimental and absorbing examination of the barbarity of slavery. It is emotionally draining and not a film to be viewed for an evening’s entertainment. The director, Steve McQueen, first came to prominence in 1999 when he beat out Tracey Emin to win the Turner Prize and like his artwork, his three films so far – Hunger, Shame, 12 Years a Slave – reflect the same clarity of vision, emotional intensity and economy of thought. 12 Years a Slave is set up as a grim story of survival, the mood is sombre, the tone is dark and the music (Hans Zimmer’s ‘Time’ from Inception) is perfectly suited to a piece that is a metaphor for a journey in hell.

Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Solomon Northup, a freeman living in Saratoga, upstate New York in 1841 when he is persuaded to work for a travelling music show in Washington DC and then kidnapped and sold into slavery after a drunken night out. First into the relatively benign hands of a minister, William Ford (Benedict Cumberbatch), and then onto a drunken and violent plantation owner, Edwin Epps. This is where the film differs slightly from Northup’s autobiographical account of the same name, because he had a second owner, John Tibeats, an irrational and violent man who nearly killed Northup on more than one occasion. Epps was his third owner but in the film, for the sake of economy, Tibeats is portrayed as William Ford’s harrying carpenter (Paul Dano). This is the only detail in the film that differs from the book and astonishingly, the power of the scene in which Patsey is whipped has been diluted by the director, because Northup reports on brine being poured onto her back afterwards – a scene of suffering which even modern audiences would have found too much to bear.

Steve McQueen is ably served by a fantastic cast and special mentions must be given to Sarah Paulson who plays the pitiless Mistress Epps, Lupita Nyong’O (Patsey) and above all, Michael Fassbender, who brings Edwin Epps to demonic life – a man who is a violent and sadistic bully – whose self loathing, rage and madness is agitated by his lust and abominable treatment of Patsey. A slew of awards including the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor surely beckons for Fassbender and both Ejiofor and Nyong’o will be strongly in the running for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively. Ejiofor effectively portrays the grim determination and quiet dignity of a man struggling to keep hold of his sanity in order to survive his hellish nightmare, and his sense of discombobulation early in the film is palpable. Nyong’o is the touchstone upon which the cruelties, helplessness and capricious nature of slavery are revealed and you will be left wondering about Patsey’s fate at the end credits. Sadly, you will be left disappointed, consigned as a footnote in history. Both actors deserve recognition for their work.

12 Years a Slave is the best film ever made about slavery and retrospect has shown that it needed a non-American to make it to avoid the mawkish, reverential and over-sentimental sensibilities that would have weighed the film down if say, Steven Spielberg, had made it (consider 'Amistad' as a case in point). The historians Sue Eakin and David Fiske have researched and verified the details of Northup’s life and the minutiae of plantation slavery in his story, so there is no doubt that his ghost written autobiography is a truthful and accurate account of his ordeal. The film’s veracity and honesty is a stark reminder that in America, the issue of slavery must be examined in all its excoriating and shameful detail in the light of day. Without full closure on this issue, I cannot see how the racial divide in American society can begin to be breached, mended and healed for the development of a truly United States of America. My, and presumably, many people’s ignorance of Northup’s story is testimony to the fact that not enough is known or done about revealing the full history of slavery and the unfettered horrors, injustices and brutalities of the Atlantic Slave Trade… Expand
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10
722oaklandJan 13, 2014
This was really a good movie. Try to see it if you have not already seen it.

I knew from reading history that there were free blacks, primarily in the north; and that they had to be careful not to be kidnapped and sold into slavery.This was really a good movie. Try to see it if you have not already seen it.

I knew from reading history that there were free blacks, primarily in the north; and that they had to be careful not to be kidnapped and sold into slavery. Knowing it and seeing in enacted on the screen was a very different thing. Represented on the screen were all of the things/people I had read about. Not an enjoyable movie, but unforgettable… Expand
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8
alpoFeb 4, 2014
An excellent and disturbing film. McQueen does a great job presenting all characters as humans, rather than stereotypes, although Brad Pitt's character seemed a bit too saintly. The acting is generally top notch, particularly MichaelAn excellent and disturbing film. McQueen does a great job presenting all characters as humans, rather than stereotypes, although Brad Pitt's character seemed a bit too saintly. The acting is generally top notch, particularly Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, and especially Chiwetel Ejiofor. Beautifully shot as well.… Expand
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10
sfleetwoodJan 19, 2014
An amazing hard hitting truth about the terrible time Solomon Northup suffered. with an amazing script and actors if there's any justice this film will clean up at the Oscars
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8
antonimaJan 24, 2014
In case you don't know what you're walking into: this movie is really SAD . There is no sugar coating here, it is a simple portrayal of the injustice and tragedy that happened in the American south before the civil war. At the end, there isIn case you don't know what you're walking into: this movie is really SAD . There is no sugar coating here, it is a simple portrayal of the injustice and tragedy that happened in the American south before the civil war. At the end, there is no great satisfaction, justice isn't really meted out. A man's life is broken, a family is shaken to its foundation, and emancipation isn't going to bring to justice the wicked people who built and profited from that system. This is not a movie you will enjoy watching, but it is very powerful and it illustrates a real issue very, very vividly.… Expand
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8
Longo12Feb 24, 2014
This movie demonstrates the horrors of that time period so well it is sometimes hard to watch. The acting is fantastic and I think all the actors deserve recognition for their performances. My one big complaint though, is I didn't feel likeThis movie demonstrates the horrors of that time period so well it is sometimes hard to watch. The acting is fantastic and I think all the actors deserve recognition for their performances. My one big complaint though, is I didn't feel like we got to know the character of Solomon at all. There was not much insight to who he was as a person other then he loves his family. I felt a lot of the supporting roles, in particular Michael Fassbenders, were handled pretty well but it often felt as if we were being shown all these horrific things just because he was there and not so much how it had effected him (Hopefully that comes across how I meant it). But overall definetly worth a see.… Expand
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7
blamiresFeb 21, 2014
Having read before I saw the film that Steve Mcqueen has won a Turner prize I could not help but view the undoubtedly stunning cineography as a separate entity. It made it more difficult to be drawn into the story and empathise with theHaving read before I saw the film that Steve Mcqueen has won a Turner prize I could not help but view the undoubtedly stunning cineography as a separate entity. It made it more difficult to be drawn into the story and empathise with the characters as I felt the director was determined to randomly slot in as many scenery shots as possible at the expense of developing the characters, especially important in a film with little plot. This was borne out by both myself and partner thinking the film was longer than 2hr 15min and neither of us shed a tear - unusual for me!… Expand
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10
jordansalfordFeb 23, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 12 years a slave is not a movie for the weak hearted. The Movie is an unbelievably true account of the horrors of slavery and it will make you uncomfortable to say the least. Everyone in the cast delivers wonderful performances that further add to the power of the beautiful and vivid imagery that transport you through the journey of Solomon Northup. A freeman who is wrongfully sold into slavery and spends 12 years in the slave trade. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a wonderfull yet subtle performance as Northup that further enriches the visual beauty of the movie and helps stay away from the stereotypes of other slave movies that have been over dramatized.… Expand
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10
muhamedzeidFeb 23, 2014
12 years a slave is not a regular movie ... it's a slavery experience that force your mind to think about similarities between you and "Blat", and by the end asking yourself, Am I really free or just a slave with different master and instructions?...
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8
Mordovan89Mar 1, 2014
It was quite interesting, especially in the script movie, but the torture scenes are very strong, even you feel the pain of the slaves, that if it was painful, but otherwise had no problem, it is a great work and end was the best, if not winIt was quite interesting, especially in the script movie, but the torture scenes are very strong, even you feel the pain of the slaves, that if it was painful, but otherwise had no problem, it is a great work and end was the best, if not win the Oscar, but stay in my favorites.… Expand
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10
ahnehnoisMay 15, 2015
This is an incredible movie. Much as I'm inclined to take a skeptical eye to everything, this film is about as genuine and nuanced as a two hour runtime could possibly allow. You get a sense of free life, and the horrors of slavery areThis is an incredible movie. Much as I'm inclined to take a skeptical eye to everything, this film is about as genuine and nuanced as a two hour runtime could possibly allow. You get a sense of free life, and the horrors of slavery are thoroughly depicted, but you also see enough to show it isn't as simple as it looks. The film's many white slaveholders are diverse. All complicit, but some more sympathetic and rational than others. Tellingly, the women are just as bigoted and sadistic as the men, if not more so, and it's very rare to see gender equality of that sort portrayed. And of course, at the end of the twelve years, some whites are on the side of righteousness. The slaves are likewise diverse in their personalities, and compelling to watch.

The film is beautiful, and showcases the pastoral rural scenery, contrasting it with the sickening violence. Its historical accuracy isn't perfect (certainly, the real Solomon Northrup wouldn't have had such white teeth), but altogether seems to be close to the historical record, and the real story is of course remarkable as told by the man who lived it. It definitely deserved to see the screen.

The one sour note for me was the score, which is distracting when it comes in. Hans Zimmer has done great Hollywood scores, but I would have preferred they stuck with incidental music in the form of Negro Spirituals, or at least had gotten a less mainstream composer. That being said, the many great actors, dazzling craftsmanship of film, and compelling narrative are every bit deserving of the high praise this film has already received. Even if you're not normally interested in a downer, this would be the time to make an exception.… Expand
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9
RamonGuerreroMay 1, 2014
An amazing journey to a era of slavery, brutality, and a sad true story of a surviver, by the hand of stunning performances, and one of the most recognised director, Steve McQueen is at his very best, but still a bit slow at some sequences.
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7
monroe076Mar 11, 2014
It's an OK film, but more historical fiction than history. Most characters are black and white (no pun intended) and the only one showing some complexity was the plantation owner played by Benedict Cumberbatch. The screenwriters mostly usedIt's an OK film, but more historical fiction than history. Most characters are black and white (no pun intended) and the only one showing some complexity was the plantation owner played by Benedict Cumberbatch. The screenwriters mostly used violence and cartoon injustice to get you to sympathize with the protagonists and the ending was a bit too sugary and expected for my taste.… Expand
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7
Tomd1941Mar 13, 2014
A good movie although not great. It overplayed the parts of cruelty and beatings to a disgusting point. The flashbacks in time were confusing and awkward. Great acting on the parts of Salomon and Patsy.
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10
philosophorseMar 14, 2014
Boring at start. He's just playing the fiddle and white people are dancing and prancing as they are made to. I thought that the movie will stay this way, but when he appears in chains, I told myself: "Oh, this again?". But that thought wasBoring at start. He's just playing the fiddle and white people are dancing and prancing as they are made to. I thought that the movie will stay this way, but when he appears in chains, I told myself: "Oh, this again?". But that thought was killed when a white man suddenly beaten him bloodily until his paddle-thing shattered to pieces. And then I thought to myself, do I still want to watch this? I didn't. It broke my heart into thousands of red splinters. The acting was superb, though dialogue from Platt had room for improvement. Patsey's character was developed exceptionally, perfectly. The movie deserves all praise and hail, and this is a movie (though brutal and sexual), must be watched by your entire family. To let them see the sins of your ancestors.… Expand
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8
CherryxldNov 23, 2014
12 Years Slave es una película de drama convincente y con un guión atractivo, y que aunque la película le falto un poco de chispa, no dejo de ser un buen drama.
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9
diogomendesDec 9, 2014
A beautiful look at American slavery, "12 Years a Slave" is undoubtedly the best movie of 2013 (along with Captain Philips and Gravity) thanks to its phenomenal cast and expertly written story.
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9
elsylorenaJul 19, 2014
Una grandiosa película, realizada para hacerte llorar, con maravillosas interpretaciones por parte de sus protagonistas y que muestra una parte importante de la historia norteamericana.
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8
43in2014Aug 1, 2015
Prior to watching this: I have not read the book.

Premise: Set before the Civil War, a black, free man was tricked and sold into slavery, from where he tries to escape to get back to his family Pros: 1) it has a powerful story. 2)Prior to watching this: I have not read the book.

Premise: Set before the Civil War, a black, free man was tricked and sold into slavery, from where he tries to escape to get back to his family

Pros:
1) it has a powerful story.
2) Great acting all around.

Cons:
1) It is a drama and drama may not be to everyone's taste.

Score: 4/5. Worth watching it in the cinema.

Who would be satisfied with this? The elder you are, the more you would like this.… Expand
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7
AxefaceJun 22, 2014
12 years a slave is a good film that could have been a great film, it is well worth watching and the conclusion is fantastic, but they somehow felt the need to try just a little bit too hard, when the subject matter is more than powerful12 years a slave is a good film that could have been a great film, it is well worth watching and the conclusion is fantastic, but they somehow felt the need to try just a little bit too hard, when the subject matter is more than powerful enough.

Chiwetel delivers an excellent performance - as always, yet I don't believe that the movie deserves the shining critical acclaim it has received.… Expand
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8
ydnar4Nov 22, 2014
12 Years a Slave couldn't be more real. It really captures what the world was like at that time. Solomon Northup was portray beautifully and I'm glad that this film managed to capture the Oscar for Best Picture, its a very worthy film. The12 Years a Slave couldn't be more real. It really captures what the world was like at that time. Solomon Northup was portray beautifully and I'm glad that this film managed to capture the Oscar for Best Picture, its a very worthy film. The ending has one of the most intense scenes that I've seen in any movie, I won't spoil it, because its amazing. It must have took a lot of studying in order to create this film. I may have to go out and read Northup's book now.… Expand
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7
borderlinefilmsFeb 5, 2015
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Objective Subjection

The scarcity of film stock in 1920s Russia spawned innovations in editing. When a Film Professor intercut a poker-faced head-shot with highly-charged discarded footage, his students marvelled at the acting. Soviet montage pioneers also discovered they could lurk considerably longer on a distant shot than on a close up.

Steve McQueen, a black Brit, does a splendid job retelling the cruelest, and perhaps the most troubling period in American history. The contentious subject alone makes it a necessary Oscar contender. A lot of slack available here. Regardless of the style, if the issue is treated with respect it will get respect. Anytime the movie lulls, the audience will inevitably meditate on history's horrible transgressions. Still, people don't go to the cinema to be shamed or reminded of past horrors. So stylizing the movie with foreign objectivity prevents it from getting weepy or sentimental. The complexion and complexness of the story is elevated by plantation owner Edwin Apps' (Michael Fassbender's) justifications. Slavery was legal. Period. Morality is not an issue. Don't blame him, blame the law. Just the way it's still apparently legal to kill Blacks in Florida with its disturbingly primitive Stand Your Ground law. The complexity in 12YAS is supplemented by Fassbender's overall bizarre, eccentric and exceptional behaviour. He even works the fields himself. His transgressions are further justified by deflecting much of the blame on his jealous wife, another marginalized figure. Subjugation is relative and hierarchal. The issue of slavery is even further complicated by abolitionist Bass (Brad Pitt) who, intentionally or not, comes off as a liberal putz.

It's a bold and powerful film all right, due largely to the subject at hand, if not McQueen's aloof presentation. The film gives us a formal study of callous persecution. It's framed with a stoic examination of impartiality intercut with readymade emotional content. McQueen at once immerses and detaches us from the human suffering constituted by American slavery. Notice how long he manages to linger on the hanging scene by shooting it at a distance. Lupita Nyong'o is nominated for an Oscar because her character suffers deeply. Her acting was heightened by basic editing techniques. Leave out the whipping scene or simply remove the shot of the deep, bloodied tracks lashed on her back, and she probably wouldn't be in the running. Similarly, the subject of slavery is so vexing and all-consuming that Chiwetel Ejiofor can play Solomon Northup entirely with detached resignation.… Expand
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7
ryanneevmanDec 23, 2014
Good, but 12 years a slave is just another slave movie that seems extremely real, and well made, which is a good thing, but it is done too mamy times, and seen too many times as well.
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10
DenisManuSep 5, 2014
12 Years a Slave is brilliant and depressing at the same time.The performances in this movie are simply fabulous and definitely Oscar worthy.A true heart beating drama that leaves you speechless.
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10
wolfehightApr 10, 2015
This was a great watch. I highly recommend this movie as a good Friday/Saturday night flick. It is well produced and directed, very believable. I would definitely watch again.
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9
JohnMasterLJan 4, 2015
Steve McQueen a creado una obra de arte, a pesar de la intensa violencia, racismo, y varias brutalidades gráficas que acontecen en esta película, 12 Años de Esclavo es un logro cinematográfico, su crudo realismo te dejara sin aliento.Steve McQueen a creado una obra de arte, a pesar de la intensa violencia, racismo, y varias brutalidades gráficas que acontecen en esta película, 12 Años de Esclavo es un logro cinematográfico, su crudo realismo te dejara sin aliento.
AUNQUE..... No me parece que se merecía el Oscar a mejor película, eso era para Gravedad de Alfonso Cuaron… Expand
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10
PanapaokNov 11, 2014
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Solomon Northup was a free-born man living in Saratoga, New York married with two children. In 1841 he was kidnapped and sold into slavery. Viewers should not take Northup's story as something individual. Situations like this happened several times over the course of this horrific period, a clear type of holocaust of the African-American human people.

If you have already watched Hunger (2008) and Shame (2011) you certainly know that Steve McQueen directs his films with merciless realism. His first two films were very dark and perplexing and so is 12 Years a Slave.

The main theme of McQeen's film agenda is, I believe, about complex human-beings finding themselves in difficult situations. Bobby Sands, Brandon and finally Solomon Northup. Even though their names don't really matter, because they are just characters who represent the difficulties of our everyday lives.

The film is a cruel examination of slavery in America and McQueen was probably the best director for this kind of material. His long takes and the objectivity of his camera make the movie seem realistic. The movie as an achievement represents perfection at cinematography, production, costumes and editing. Hans Zimmer score is hypnotic and controls the emotions of the audience. And of course a great screenplay by John Ridley who adapted Northup's memoir and created almost all the dialogue.

Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a powerful and riveting performance as Solomon Northup. After a good stage career and some decent film performances, Ejiofor takes full advantage of his great talent previously shown in Dirty Pretty Things. This is one of the best performances of all time.

Behind Ejiofor we see an extremely talented supporting cast full of charismatic and great actors. Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong'o give career best performances and stand out among Brad Pitt, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sarah Paulson, Paul Dano and others.

What an incredible, haunting and touching film it is. Highly recommended for everyone who has the gut to watch the truth in a so tense way. Not only the best movie of the year but also one of the greatest and most important achievements in the history of movie-making.… Expand
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10
UltimateBubFeb 7, 2015
This is truly a fantastic film. It all comes down to the quality of the story, the narrative. "12 Years a Slave" is a beautiful film, not because of its theme but because of how that theme is handled. Other than that, everything else is nearThis is truly a fantastic film. It all comes down to the quality of the story, the narrative. "12 Years a Slave" is a beautiful film, not because of its theme but because of how that theme is handled. Other than that, everything else is near perfect. The cast is as solid as possible, the score is one piece of art... Even though it may be a little graphic for some people, I truly believe this is how a slavery movie should be told. It doesn't get better than this.… Expand
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9
horizonbtsFeb 21, 2015
Impressive film and a true story, which for me always adds to the experience! The acting is very good and the story intensive!! The film is actually hard to watch at times as some of the scenes are quite graphic. Still very true to theImpressive film and a true story, which for me always adds to the experience! The acting is very good and the story intensive!! The film is actually hard to watch at times as some of the scenes are quite graphic. Still very true to the atrocities that took place in slavery before the civil war! This has you coming away with a distaste and a displeasure that we as humans could stoop so low in actions. Again I repeat at times for me this was hard to watch, but you wanted to finish to see how Solomon the main character persevered! I was hesitant to take on the task of watching this movie, but in the end glad I decided to purchase it in DVD. If you haven't seen this movie I would suggest in doing so, but be warned again the film can be very graphic at times.… Expand
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9
homer4presidentMar 29, 2015
"12 Years a Slave" is arresting, a film that needs to be watched and is easily the best movie that touches on the topic of slavery. Even more so, it is a film that is both informative, extraordinarily emotional, and an incredible eye-opener"12 Years a Slave" is arresting, a film that needs to be watched and is easily the best movie that touches on the topic of slavery. Even more so, it is a film that is both informative, extraordinarily emotional, and an incredible eye-opener to slavery's mental destruction to man.… Expand
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7
YorkManMar 10, 2016
12 Years a Slave is a powerful, emotive, haunting and, ultimately revealing tale about a free black man, who is tricked and then kidnapped, being forced into bondage, and sold into slavery.
As the title suggests, this lasts for 12 years,12 Years a Slave is a powerful, emotive, haunting and, ultimately revealing tale about a free black man, who is tricked and then kidnapped, being forced into bondage, and sold into slavery.
As the title suggests, this lasts for 12 years, before he's able to get a conscientious white man to pass on a message, which brings one of his former friends and associates to come and rescue him
So far, so good.
The film pulls no punches in its portrayal of life for a slave on a plantation. Long hours, repetitive work, threat of beatings (and death), not much food, risk of disease etc. As well as highlighting the inherent hypocrisy of the racist, white land/business owners, who seemingly justify their attitudes through judicious twisting of the tenets of the Bible.
It's a film you can't ignore, and has created debate around the world. Well written, well directed and brilliantly acted.

However, it just falls a little short of being a modern masterpiece and morality tale.
The main reason is that you can always sense it's based on a work of non-fiction, and is trying to be true to the author's observations and points of view.
As such, the director has to rein in the narrative, and therefore struggles to fill the run-time of the movie. There's not enough actual plot to sustain 132 minutes, and so many scenes just drag on with unnecessarily long tracking shots, or dialogue that adds nothing to either the plot or the characters.
Another issue I personally had was that the slaves in the film all spoke with good diction and pronunciation. It bugs me when historical films (especially one such as this which was praised for its' accuracy) don't apply proper accents/vocal inflections, during a time when we actually know how people spoke.
The other issue is that the ending is a good ol', US of A, 'feel good' ending.

They could have, and should have, concluded the film with a lingering, panning shot of the dozens of other slaves toiling away and who didn't manage to get 'rescued', those who were slaughtered by the thousand after the South surrendered at the end of the Civil War.....… Expand
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10
aadityamudharApr 19, 2016
Chiwetel Ejiofor is so impressive in this incredibly intense, visceral film. (When it ended, nobody in my theater moved for a period of time, and there was no round of applause mostly, it seemed, because of the shock of it all. ClappingChiwetel Ejiofor is so impressive in this incredibly intense, visceral film. (When it ended, nobody in my theater moved for a period of time, and there was no round of applause mostly, it seemed, because of the shock of it all. Clapping didn’t seem like the right thing to do.) The fact that we experience the story from the perspective of a kidnapped free man makes the film instantly relatable. I was so happy to have watched all of Tom Fontana’s excellent “Copper” which features an African American civil war veteran doctor living in New York, and all of his family’s struggles in Five Points. Solomon, a New Yorker kidnapped from Washington DC, could be any of us. The Southern landscape as it likely existed in those days provides such a beautiful-yet- eerie backdrop to this movie. What I particularly appreciate the fact that all the shots are confined you never see very far into the distance. There’s never any perspective on things. When the boat transporting the kidnapped south moves, you see the paddlewheels. On the plantations, you see the three or four acres where the slaves live. You never get any aerial shots, which is so effective in giving you a disoriented, lost feel. Even if Solomon wants to escape, he has no idea where the hell he is, and neither do we. The acting in general is uniformly excellent. Fassbender? Wow. Not since Ralph Fiennes in Schindler’s List has an actor put out so completely for the detestable guy role and to such great effect.… Expand
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9
EpicLadySpongeFeb 4, 2016
Enjoyable and lovable from both critics and users! 12 Years a Slave could win like a whole load of awards due to the fact of how excellent and how interesting it is.
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10
TheFilmDoctorMar 22, 2016
12 Years a Slave, sure to be a heavy hitter when the 2014 Oscar nominations are announced, is a powerful and compelling adaptation of Solomon Northup's autobiographical account of the dozen years he spent as a slave on Louisiana plantations12 Years a Slave, sure to be a heavy hitter when the 2014 Oscar nominations are announced, is a powerful and compelling adaptation of Solomon Northup's autobiographical account of the dozen years he spent as a slave on Louisiana plantations from 1841 until 1853. When it comes to depicting the conditions in which slaves lived and worked, 12 Years a Slave doesn't soft-sell anything. Scenes of brutality are routinely depicted in unflinching shots that skate close to an 18 rated edge.

The screenplay, credited to John Ridley, offers a condensed and slightly reworked history of Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a New York free man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery. He toiled on plantations for 12 years, serving under various owners, until he found an ally in a white Canadian carpenter who was willing to take word of his plight north. After being freed, Northup's story was published and sold some 30,000 copies. After being forgotten for about a century, it was rediscovered during the 1960s. Steve McQueen's (Shame) movie isn't the first adaptation - the 1984 TV film Solomon Northup's Odyssey told the story, albeit with the violence and brutality considerably toned down from what is depicted in 12 Years a Slave.

The film offers a formidable indictment of the cruelty of which human beings are capable. Not every white man in the film is vile - Benedict Cumberbatch's Ford and Brad Pitt's Bass are counter-examples - but even the best men are hamstrung by the social and cultural mores of the time. Two people embody the most unpleasant aspects of white men in the South - Tibeats (Paul Dano), a worker on Ford's land, and Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender), a cotton plantation owner. Both perceive blacks as less than human, thereby making their treatment of them justifiable. Epps also uses Biblical verses to validate his occasionally horrific actions. It has been said that the Bible can be used to justify almost any atrocity and this is an example. Epps' view was widely shared throughout the South before, during, and even after the Civil War.

2 Years a Slave is dominated by Chiwetel Ejiofor, whose performance is sure to earn an Oscar nomination. Like Daniel Day Lewis' Lincoln in 2013, this is the one acting turn that rises to the top, emerging as heads-and-shoulders above other worthy contenders. Ejiofor's facial expressions, captured in lingering close-ups by McQueen, display a variety of emotions with such utter conviction that they cut to the quick. Ejiofor is equally good in scenes that depict Northup's comfortable home life before the abduction, his confusion during his early days of captivity, and his stolid determination while suffering under the yoke of oppression. His "Oscar moment" occurs at the very end, in a scene that will bring tears to the eyes of even the most hard-hearted audience member.

As the movie's villain, Michael Fassbender provides an Epps who is not only rotten to the core but unhinged (either by drink, religious fervor, or some kind of mental illness). The character is more frightening than Paul Dano's Tibeats because of his unpredictability and his position of power. The scene in which he commands Northup to whip Patsey (Lupita Nyong'o) is as close to unwatchable as anything represented on film this year. The performances of the principals elevate 12 Years a Slave's already absorbing narrative to a higher level.

However i do have to nit-pick one thing and it has to do with the acting, it relates to some of the smaller roles. Using Paul Giamatti, Alfre Woodard, and Brad Pitt in secondary parts (bordering on extended cameos), it creates "spot the star" moments that are more of a distraction than an asset. While there's nothing wrong with Pitt's portrayal, his larger-than-life presence overwhelms an underdeveloped character. It's not a fatal mistake but it's a questionable choice. The movie is powerful enough to overcome such minor missteps but it shouldn't have to.

Hans Zimmer is often criticized for bombastic scores but his work here hits all the right notes. It's ominous and understated and enhances the tension and grimness of many situations. McQueen also took pains to recreate Civil War-era plantations by using detail from the source material as well as other historical documents to inform period aspects of the film.

12 Years a Slave is unsettling and upsetting as only a story of this sort can be. There are elements of courage and redemption but the lingering impression reminds us of how ugly the dark side of human nature can be. Like movies about Nazi Germany, this film illustrates the horrors that can take root beneath the foundations of economic prosperity and civilization. 12 Years a Slave is by no means light entertainment but it provides a more worthwhile cinematic experience than about 90% of what's out there and the impressions it leaves aren't easily dismissed or dispelled.… Expand
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10
DoctorFilmMar 30, 2016
This epic account of an unbreakable soul makes even Scarlett O’Hara’s struggles seem petty by comparison.

The first thing fans of McQueen’s “Hunger” and “Shame” will notice here is the degree to which the helmer’s austere formal techniqueThis epic account of an unbreakable soul makes even Scarlett O’Hara’s struggles seem petty by comparison.

The first thing fans of McQueen’s “Hunger” and “Shame” will notice here is the degree to which the helmer’s austere formal technique has evolved — to the extent that one would almost swear he’d snuck off and made three or four films in the interim. Composition, sound design and story all cut together beautifully, and yet, there’s no question that “12 Years a Slave” remains an art film, especially as the provocative director forces audiences to confront concepts and scenes that could conceivably transform their worldview.

If “Django Unchained” opened the door, then “12 Years a Slave” goes barreling through it, tackling its subject with utmost seriousness. The film opens in a world where slavery is a fact of life and Northup has no recourse to challenge his captivity. Duped and drugged on a bogus job interview, he awakens in shackles and is beaten ferociously when he dares to assert his status as a free man. Some may wonder why he doesn’t continue to protest, forgetting that the word of a black man in pre-Civil War America had almost no legal currency, especially if said individual was unable to produce his free papers.

Assuming Northup wants to survive, a fellow hostage advises, he must do and say as little as possible, in addition to hiding his ability to read and write. “I don’t want to survive,” Northup bellows. “I want to live!” Separated from his wife and children, he faces a situation where the entire society is stacked against him. While not every white person in the film is evil, they willingly participate in a system that demeans their fellow man, and the injustice is too great simply to forget and move on (as Hollywood and society would evidently prefer).

Alarmingly, the few films of the past century to engage directly with the institution of slavery have nearly all come from the exploitation sphere, **** aspects of violence and sexual abuse that McQueen endeavors to cast in a different light. An early scene in which slave trader Theophilus Freeman (Paul Giamatti) prods naked slaves for the benefit of prospective buyers offers an alarming yet in-no-way-arousing corrective to an equivalent sequence in the tasteless 1971 mock-doc “Goodbye Uncle Tom,” which lingers on the nudity and degradation of such a market. There’s little ambiguity in these unflattering depictions, though neither is there opportunity for audiences to misconstrue them as erotic.

To simplify Northup’s memoir, John Ridley’s script lets the character — stripped even of his identity as he is redubbed Platt Hamilton en route to market — change hands just three times over the course of the film. Two of those owners, played by Benedict Cumberbatch and Bryan Batt, are as decent as the circumstances permit, even going so far as to encourage the fiddle playing with which he previously earned his living in upstate New York. The third, Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender), becomes the bane of Northup’s existence — a man who justifies his actions according to scripture and prides himself in “breaking” disobedient slaves.

Such cruelty is commonplace in the film’s first two hours, and though audiences might not pick up on the technique, McQueen applies the same unflinching approach to these moments that he used in “Hunger” and “Shame”: long uninterrupted takes that force us to absorb the full impact of human mistreatment, as when Northup survives a lynching attempt, only to dangle from a noose for several minutes while his fellow slaves move about in the background, too nervous to cut him down. This scene also perfectly illustrates McQueen’s knack for letting the characters’ behavior inform the sociology of the situation, rather than explaining things overtly through dialogue.

Though arguably too harsh for young eyes, “12 Years a Slave” will serve as an important teaching tool, giving audiences who’ve never witnessed the dynamics of slavery an impression of how the system worked. As in Northup’s near-hanging, we see that even though slaves far outnumbered their white masters, harsh discipline could serve to discourage organization by playing upon their survival instincts. Few scenes this year could be more depressing than Patsey begging Northup to end her suffering, unless you count the one in which Epps forces him to beat her nearly to death — an exchange heightened by the way McQueen constructs the sequence within a single 10-minute shot, as the agitated camera circles her abuse.

In many respects, “12 Years a Slave” works like a horror movie, beginning with a “Saw”-style abduction and proceeding through subsequent circles of hell, the tension amplified by a score that blends chain-gang clanging with those same foghorn blasts Hans Zimmer used in “Inception.” As captured by cinematographer Sean Bobbitt, however, a rare beauty suffuses even the most infernal situations.… Expand
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10
MovieMasterEddyApr 6, 2016
‘12 Years a Slave’ Holds Nothing Back in Show of Suffering.

“12 Years a Slave” isn’t the first movie about slavery in the United States — but it may be the one that finally makes it impossible for American cinema to continue to sell the‘12 Years a Slave’ Holds Nothing Back in Show of Suffering.

“12 Years a Slave” isn’t the first movie about slavery in the United States — but it may be the one that finally makes it impossible for American cinema to continue to sell the ugly lies it’s been hawking for more than a century. Written by John Ridley and directed by Steve McQueen, it tells the true story of Solomon Northup, an African-American freeman who, in 1841, was snatched off the streets of Washington, and sold. It’s at once a familiar, utterly strange and deeply American story in which the period trappings long beloved by Hollywood — the paternalistic gentry with their pretty plantations, their genteel manners and all the fiddle-dee-dee rest — are the backdrop for an outrage.

The story opens with Solomon (Chiwetel Ejiofor) already enslaved and cutting sugar cane on a plantation. A series of flashbacks shifts the story to an earlier time, when Solomon, living in New York with his wife and children, accepts a job from a pair of white men to play violin in a circus. Soon the three are enjoying a civilized night out in Washington, sealing their camaraderie with heaping plates of food, flowing wine and the unstated conviction — if only on Solomon’s part — of a shared humanity, a fiction that evaporates when he wakes the next morning shackled and discovers that he’s been sold. Thereafter, he is passed from master to master.

It’s a desperate path and a story that seizes you almost immediately with a visceral force. But Mr. McQueen keeps everything moving so fluidly and efficiently that you’re too busy worrying about Solomon, following him as he travels from auction house to plantation, to linger long in the emotions and ideas that the movie churns up. Part of this is pragmatic — Mr. McQueen wants to keep you in your seat, not force you out of the theater, sobbing — but there’s something else at work here. This is, he insists, a story about Solomon, who may represent an entire subjugated people and, by extension, the peculiar institution, as well as the American past and present. Yet this is also, emphatically, the story of one individual.

Unlike most of the enslaved people whose fate he shared for a dozen years, the real Northup was born into freedom. (His memoir’s telegraphing subtitle is “Narrative of Solomon Northup, a Citizen of New-York, Kidnapped in Washington City in 1841, and Rescued in 1853, From a Cotton Plantation Near the Red River, in Louisiana.”) That made him an exceptional historical witness, because even while he was inside slavery — physically, psychologically, emotionally — part of him remained intellectually and culturally at a remove, which gives his book a powerful double perspective. In the North, he experienced some of the privileges of whiteness, and while he couldn’t vote, he could enjoy an outing with his family. Even so, he was still a black man in antebellum America.

Mr. McQueen is a British visual artist who made a rough transition to movie directing with his first two features, “Hunger” and “Shame,” both of which were embalmed in self-promoting visuals. “Hunger” is the sort of art film that makes a show of just how perfectly its protagonist, the Irish dissident Bobby Sands (Michael Fassbender), smears his excrement on a prison wall. “Shame,” about a sex addict (Mr. Fassbender again), was little more than glossy surfaces, canned misery and preening directorial virtuosity. For “12 Years a Slave,” by contrast, Mr. McQueen has largely dispensed with the conventions of art cinema to make something close to a classical narrative; in this movie, the emphasis isn’t on visual style but on Solomon and his unmistakable desire for freedom.

There’s nothing ambivalent about Solomon. Mr. Ejiofor has a round, softly inviting face, and he initially plays the character with the stunned bewilderment of a man who, even chained, can’t believe what is happening to him. Not long after he’s kidnapped, Solomon sits huddled with two other prisoners on a slaver’s boat headed south. One man insists that they should fight their crew. A second disagrees, saying, “Survival’s not about certain death, it’s about keeping your head down.” Seated between them, Solomon shakes his head no. Days earlier he was home. “Now,” he says, “you tell me all is lost?” For him, mere survival cannot be enough. “I want to live.”

The genius of “12 Years a Slave” is its insistence on banal evil, and on terror, that seeped into souls, bound bodies and reaped an enduring, terrible price.… Expand
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10
MasterRileyDec 20, 2016
12 Years a Slave is an emotional movie based on the brutal true story. With great direction, writing, casting, and performances this is a movie experience you do not want to miss.
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8
WizGullofaJan 9, 2017
"12 Years A Slave" is a good film that confronts the horrors of slavery in a manner which no film will ever likely match. The performances are intense and shockingly real. In my opinion the films best performance is by Michael Fassbender. His"12 Years A Slave" is a good film that confronts the horrors of slavery in a manner which no film will ever likely match. The performances are intense and shockingly real. In my opinion the films best performance is by Michael Fassbender. His awful, rapist slave owner is such a horrible character it makes my blood boil just to see him on the screen. Efijior and Nyong'o also have fairly good performances but they don't compare to Fassbender. I think my only qualm with the film is that it is not exceptional as its reception made it out to be. However this is not any fault of the film. In conclusion, "12 Years a Slave" is a good, important film, not a great one.… Expand
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9
M1N5KMar 17, 2019
This film was beautiful. The colour grading was amazing, the writers did a really good job, and the actors were amazing.
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8
FilipeNetoMay 20, 2018
This movie is one of the most remarkable I have seen in recent times. Slavery is a theme that has been approached in cinema, giving rise to such grandiose films as, for example, "Amistad", a film with which we can make comparisons, since bothThis movie is one of the most remarkable I have seen in recent times. Slavery is a theme that has been approached in cinema, giving rise to such grandiose films as, for example, "Amistad", a film with which we can make comparisons, since both are close: they approach the same theme from a similar perspective, situate Its history roughly the same time and both start from true stories. However, this film has the added beauty of showing us the cruelty to which a slave was subjected by its owners. And I say the word beauty because we sometimes need to see in order to understand. From this point of view, this film, based on the memoirs of Solomon himself, is an interesting document that allows us to understand the history, the past, the cruelty of those acts. Needless to say, I loved the story and I think the script is great. I do not know to what extent he is faithful to the book, but it seems quite true to reality, to what really happened then. The sets and costumes were also well made and reliable. Chiwetel Ejiofor gave life to the main character and filled the screen with feelings, nostalgia, anguish and pungent pain, in an excellent interpretation. Dickie Gravois is the name, I think, of the actor who plays the foreman of the last plantation where Solomon worked, and I must congratulate this actor as he has made his character truly worthy of our hatred.

This is a precious film that hardly makes anyone indifferent. It is not for everyone. Children should not watch. It has some nudity and especially violence, which is needed in such a film. It's worth watching.… Expand
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10
MrsDrStrangeAug 11, 2018
Incredible movie, such a great film. And Benedict Cumberbatch was in the film so.. Good point.
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8
AlanoSilvaPBFeb 25, 2023
Rapaz que filme triste!!!
Até que ponto o homem mal pode chegar?
São filmes assim que me fazem perguntar a mim mesmo se ainda existe esperança para a própria humanidade?
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9
Wavy_YeezyMay 5, 2019
Maybe it's because I'm a teenager but I think this movie drags along too much. It didn't have to be as long as it was but despite that this is still an incredible film.
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8
vusal_iskandarJun 22, 2019
Early minutes into the movie seem really boring, and as if talk to us the end of story, everything I already knew about slavery. But after moments and moments, it takes point and direction. Especially great story, superbly acted andEarly minutes into the movie seem really boring, and as if talk to us the end of story, everything I already knew about slavery. But after moments and moments, it takes point and direction. Especially great story, superbly acted and beautifully shot can be noted.… Expand
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10
TootsieWootsyAug 29, 2019
"12 years A Slave" is beautifully written with well crafted performances from the actors and actresses bringing the script to life. The film is brilliant and powerful, reminding audiences what this nation was built upon and how it shaped the"12 years A Slave" is beautifully written with well crafted performances from the actors and actresses bringing the script to life. The film is brilliant and powerful, reminding audiences what this nation was built upon and how it shaped the course of history. Some scenes in the film was so painful to watch, it was hard to look at the screen. The performances of each actors from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Paul Giamatti, Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong'o was so moving and believable that audiences can feel every bit of the suffering, loss and despair the characters they portrayed.… Expand
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7
DawdlingPoetNov 23, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 12 Years A Slave is a historical drama based on a biography/memoir by the main character of the film, Solomon Northup. It covers themes of freedom, property and ownership, plus dignity in the face of adversity, survival and endurance.

It is, understandably, quite a grim watch - there are scenes which are likely to make most people flinch, in which the various slaves are attacked or, alternatively (but effectively the same thing), tortured for daring to step out of line. Its a very sad fact that such activity was ever considered acceptable by people, people of any colour, ethnicity et al. I was aware of the subject matter before watching the film, so I wasn't especially shocked by the heavy content it contained. I feel its important for films covering such dark periods in societies past to be as realistic as possible and not to sugar coat things. I can't claim to be any kind of specific expert in this area historically but I can say that I believe the film to be certainly closely based on the biography of said Mr. Northup published in the 1800s.

I felt it was a pretty emotive watch as well, for obvious reasons. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Mr. Northup and he does a very good job at portraying his character, seeming quite strong willed, yet also visually seeming upset, angry and frustrated at the relevant points in the plot, as you'd expect. I felt he really helped bring his character to life and it was little surprise to me to discover that he was nominated for an Oscar in the best performance by an actor in a leading role category in 2013. I feel it would be difficult not to feel sorry for Solomon and not to admire his determination to fight for his freedom, to believe he'll be able to regain it again.

Also cast is Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays Ford - one of the less violent slave owners. He is slightly more compassionate than others and comes across as a quite thoughtful character. Paul Giamatti plays Freeman, Adepero Oduye plays Eliza, another slave who lives alongside Solomon, Bill Camp plays Radburn and Michael Kenneth Williams plays Robert. As well as this, Michael Fassbender plays Edwin Epps, one of the biggest villains. I found his role to be really quite chilling at times. Oh and then there's a little known (ahem) actor called Brad Pitt, who plays a Canadian who comes to help out at Mr. Northup's slave owners residency and who plays an important part in the plot. He comes across as quite understated in this role.

The music used is quite good at intensifying what are clearly quite traumatic scenes, in heightening the sense of potential impending doom. The music is at times operatic in style, although not always.

Content wise, this film contains some offensive language, including, obviously, some racially offensive language (such as the 'N' word which many African Americans were referred to as at the time, in a perjorative sense). There is also, of course, some moderate violence, including bloody violence and torture scenes, which are quite frightening. As well as this, there are sex references, an implied rape scene (although no explicit nudity is shown) and moments of partial nudity present. Due to this, the film carries a 15 rating. According to what I've read online, the content pretty accurately reflects what we believe to have been carried out at the time (no doubt via the memoirs the film is based on), as sad as this is and as such it isn't regarded as being unnecessarily over-the-top, in a Hollywood/exploitation sort of a sense.

The plot pace felt a bit slow at times but then I suppose its important to convey how difficult it was for people like Mr. Northup, to attempt to abandon his slavery status. It isn't what may be called an enjoyable watch, for pretty obvious reasons but it didn't seem to shy away from things and, as I say, I felt that was somehow admirable. The film has a total running time of two hours and a quarter, so it isn't a short but sweet type of film but then neither should it be, I suppose. I do feel like this is a pretty memorable film. It did feel a little long winded but then scenes which maybe didn't specifically add a lot of context to the plot as such, did help towards building a better sense of character development, so I wouldn't really say that it unnecessarily dragged on. I also noticed (and appreciated) some nice, if but brief, shots of pretty sunsets shown at the end of scenes involving Mr. Northup laboring hard at work all day. You could argue that its showing the beauty in a place of such hard work and physical pain, so its a case of highlighting one extreme and then the other in the same area.

Yes I'd recommend this film as being an emotive watch about one mans struggles being caught up in a dark time in society's past. Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a great performance and while I found it to be an understandably hard watch, I felt it was a good film well made.… Expand
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10
LucasTSSep 23, 2019
In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man living in upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.
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10
MovieMagnetNov 16, 2019
Perhaps the greatest and most significant film ever made about American slavery. The ending of this film was both profoundly devastating and cathartic. A truely Oscar winning performance by Ejiofor, who exuberates integrity and honour in thePerhaps the greatest and most significant film ever made about American slavery. The ending of this film was both profoundly devastating and cathartic. A truely Oscar winning performance by Ejiofor, who exuberates integrity and honour in the role of Solomon Northup. This is film at its most necessary. Watch this masterpiece.… Expand
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10
MiguelAngel78Mar 7, 2020
Me encanto en todos los aspectos. Un mensaje sin lo politicamente correcto. Solo interacciones naturales con personajes muy humanos
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9
loremMar 30, 2020
A true masterpiece that reveals, once again, the cruelty and falsity of human nature.
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10
bradens584Dec 20, 2020
12 Years a Slave is hard to watch. It’s by no means bad, with amazing acting, beautiful directing, fleshed out characters and a brilliant script, but it is so incredibly brutal. The film does not hold back in recreating the horrors of12 Years a Slave is hard to watch. It’s by no means bad, with amazing acting, beautiful directing, fleshed out characters and a brilliant script, but it is so incredibly brutal. The film does not hold back in recreating the horrors of slavery, and that’s why I believe it’s a very important film to see. I’ve been seeing Lupita Nyong’o in a lot of films recently and she’s quickly developing to one of my favourite actresses, and she does not disappoint in this film.… Expand
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10
ChahatApr 10, 2020
One of the best movies. This film made us to rethink about how lightly we take our freedom
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8
ThejodjeremieOct 23, 2020
The movie is very violent but it's supposed to because of the story its telling. The movie is great and I recommend it.
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9
DogeGamer2015Aug 14, 2020
Es dura de ver, pero consigue cautivar y hasta conmover, está bien dirigida y tiene unos excelentes actores.
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9
gamingmachineryJul 14, 2020
No review present. No review present. No review present. No review present.
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10
geewahJan 23, 2021
A classic.
Steve McQueen shows why he is one of the most influential film makers of his generation.
Confronting, gripping and powerful.
Is to slavery, as "Schindler's List" is to the holocaust, as "Requiem For A Dream" is to drug use.
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9
MovieloverNikMay 20, 2021
12 Years a Slave sure isn't an easy watch but it's totally worth it. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Michael Fassbender are fantastic as well as Lupita Nyong'o. Steve McQueen's Direction and the Visuals are really great too.
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10
gabacJul 22, 2021
um dos melhores filmes que ja assisti, um classico do cinema, excelente em todos os aspectos
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9
JJ2FAS4UDec 31, 2021
----------------------------------9.0/10-----------------------------------
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7
AgentLviJun 27, 2023
Decent movie. The story is so --so, scoring is great, visual is decent, and the voice is also great
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8
royalguy07Jan 3, 2023
Crazily star studded and exceptionally performed. The plot and execution is still fairly typical of this kind of story. It is a very miserable tale. Brad Pitt comes in very hot in just 2 scenes and at least a dozen recognizable whiteCrazily star studded and exceptionally performed. The plot and execution is still fairly typical of this kind of story. It is a very miserable tale. Brad Pitt comes in very hot in just 2 scenes and at least a dozen recognizable white character actors show up to play vile racists.… Expand
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8
DarkwingSchmuckJul 27, 2023
12 Years a Slave is a tragic look at the true story of one man's life being stolen from him for over a decade. Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a marvelous performance, and Lupita Nyang'o is a revelation in her Oscar-winning role, though the film's way12 Years a Slave is a tragic look at the true story of one man's life being stolen from him for over a decade. Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a marvelous performance, and Lupita Nyang'o is a revelation in her Oscar-winning role, though the film's way of conveying time is its greatest flaw. While the movie takes place over the span of 12 years, it's executed in a way where it could just as easily be over a year or two if the title hadn't stated otherwise.… Expand
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9
a_leitaoApr 19, 2022
long film but worthy of its lenght. A drama that still has a lot of heart as it forces out all the humanity and compassion in the audience
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10
Drizzt-Do-UrdenJun 4, 2022
This movie is incredible disturbing and thought provoking. I think every white person should watch this movie for some context of American Slavery.
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