12 Years a Slave

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Chris S @Janomi Jul 18 12 Years a Slave is an excellent, overwhelming film built around Chiwetel Ejiofor’s extraordinary performance as Solomon Northup. He gives the story its humanity, dignity, and emotional weight without making the role feel showy. So much rests on his face: shock, fear, grief, anger, calculation, and the need to survive without losing himself. Steve McQueen directs with restraint and force. He does not soften the brutality, but he also does not turn it into empty spectacle. The long takes and quiet pauses make the cruelty feel unavoidable. Lupita Nyong’o is devastating as Patsey, bringing strength, terror, exhaustion, and heartbreaking vulnerability to some of the film’s most painful scenes. The movie is intentionally exhausting, and not something I would casually revisit, but its personal focus makes the horror of slavery immediate, human, and impossible to dismiss. See more Jeremy H. @hansonink85 Jun 11 Deep. Emotional. Outstanding. See more Jay W @RT52162311 Jun 10 Well, it is truth in advertising, the movie delivered exactly what it promised. So prepare yourself going into it, this is not a happy movie. The movie can linger on a shot for a long time to let a moment really sink in. It is painful to watch, and that is very much by design. I acknowledge it is a well-made film, with great acting, cinematography and music. But it doesn't mean I will ever want to watch it again. I have a hot take: slavery is bad. See more Tyson D. @Spudsprout Jun 9 (Overall Rating: 4.58/5) (Masterpiece) --- (Cinematography/Atmosphere: 4.5/5) Amazing set design and costumes. There was also great camerawork during scenes that intentional make the viewer uncomfortable. --- (Storyline/Plot: 5/5) From what ive read, this film sticks extremely close with the book written by Solomon Northup.  Honest history is rare and was well executed here. --- (Acting: 4.75/5) Stellar performances by the entire cast. We'll done in very uncomfortable roles to play. --- (Character Quality: 4.75/5) Great diversity from complete evil and apathy to good caring characters with everything in between. --- (Entertainment Value: 4/5) It is not an exciting movie by any means and is emotionally and visually brutal thoughout. However it is all necessary to tell the story. --- (Expectations vs. Reality: 4.5/5) This is my first time watching and the film met my expectations and beyond. Uncomfortable ugly truths need to be seen and felt. See more Pedro Henrique C @Pedro2005 May 13 12 Years a Slave (2013) It's a truly movie and powerful film that shows the harsh reality of slavery in the United States and how difficult it was to prove one's freedom in the face of so much injustice. See more Lasse L @RT62932725 Apr 19 12 Years a Slave is a harrowing story, and the cast is great, but it's also exactly what I expected. There is always the risk that when films are based on real events, they won't necessarily be dramatically satisfying. Given the subject matter I understand why a, I assume, faithful adaptation was probably the right call, but I don't think it's a truly great film. See more Read all reviews

12 Years a Slave

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