Review of 12 Years a Slave (2013) by Michelle H — 04 Jul 2014

There are almost no words to describe this film! McQueen as a director always plunges into the darkest recesses of the human soul but does so with grace, beauty, and emotion. 12 Years A Slave is a brutal, realistic, and profoundly intimate look at slavery in America from one survivors point of view. Virtually unknown Chiwetel Eijofor stars as Solonon, who is first slipped a drug into his drink and then sold into slavery. The film is told entirely from his point of view as he goes from one cotton plantation to another. Not all of the salve owners are cruel, as seen by Benedict Cumberbatches sympathetic and kind performance. Once he ends up on Micheal Fassbenders plantation, all hell breaks loose! His wife is actually more psychotic than he is and pushes his buttons in all the wrong ways.

If you are sensitive to violence, you will have a hard time with this film. It is unflinchingly violent and does not pull any punches. These slaves where nothing more than property to these plantation owners and are treated like objects instead of human beings. In particular, there is a scene where a young slave named Patsy is brutally whipped almost to death. I flinched with every strike of the lash against her naked body. In spite of the violence, this film has a very strong moral center at the heart of it. Solomon continues to persevere in spit of the horror of his existence and ultimately finds a reason to hope. Others are not so lucky.

The film is beautifully shot and choreographed against the stunning backdrop of the swamps and valleys of Louisiana. It is not a fast paced film. Shots linger, emotions are fully explored. The atmosphere of the film is both oppressive and mesmerizing. A great supporting cast includes cameos from lots of great actors, including Brad Pitt. 12 Years A Slave is a historically relevant and.

Powerful piece of cinema that I will not soon forget. It is history brought vividly and disturbingly to life. A masterpiece!