Review of 12 Years a Slave (2013) by Timestar — 21 Jan 2014
There is very little I can say about this film that hasn't already been said: The acting is easily the best of this year, maybe even of the last decade, the story is effectively gut & heart-wrenching, and Steven McQueen brings just the right amount of visual panache and gritty realism to do the story justice. I cried. I cried every time I saw it.
It's about time American cinema stopped being afraid of our history with Slavery. And while that description isn't perfect (Steve McQueen is british, after all), it definitely signals a HUGE step in the right direction. There are demons everywhere, and this film is unafraid to throw its main character into the heart of darkness Northup actually experienced.
It may be hard to stomach at times, but every American (at least) should see this movie. It is a masterpiece.
This review of 12 Years a Slave (2013) was written by Timestar on 21 Jan 2014.
12 Years a Slave has generally received very positive reviews.
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