12 Years a Slave

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12 Years a Slave

R

Released Oct 18, 2013

2h 14m

History

Drama

Biography

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Popcornmeter

95%

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377 Reviews

90%

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100,000+ Ratings

In the years before the Civil War, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South. Subjected to the cruelty of one malevolent owner (Michael Fassbender), he also finds unexpected kindness from another, as he struggles continually to survive and maintain some of his dignity. Then in the 12th year of the disheartening ordeal, a chance meeting with an abolitionist from Canada changes Solomon's life forever.

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Critics Consensus

It's far from comfortable viewing, but 12 Years a Slave's unflinchingly brutal look at American slavery is also brilliant -- and quite possibly essential -- cinema.

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Nijla Mu'min

Bitch Media

Director McQueen, drawing on the visual aesthetic of his previous works Shame and Hunger, never shies away from frames that capture the ways that beauty exists in the most painful situations.

Jan 20, 2021

Full Review

J. Hoberman

Harper's Magazine

12 Years a Slave is, like The Trial, a trapdoor over the abyss. Although less abrupt than Kafka's novel, the movie wastes little time before plunging its viewer into a nightmare of dehumanization.

Mar 4, 2018

Full Review

Candice Frederick

Reel Talk Online

Ambitious, honest and horrifying all at once, 12 Years a Slave may not be the easiest film to watch more than once, but it will stay with you forever once you see it.

Rated: A

Sep 6, 2017

Full Review

JD Duran

InSession Film

Steve McQueen brought it to life and didn’t hold back from intensity this story has at its foundation. Incredible performances from Chewitel Ejifor and Lupita Nyong’o carry this film.

Aug 13, 2024

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Sean Axmaker

Stream on Demand

What’s most impressive about the film is the way it shows how slavery distorts humanity on all levels.

Mar 8, 2024

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Mark Johnson

Awards Daily

A searing and thought-provoking portrait of pre-Civil War American slavery... 12 Years a Slave is an absorbing and divinely crafted film, even if it is a brutal watch.

Jun 14, 2023

Full Review

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Stephen L

A masterpiece of visual storytelling and emotional gravity. 12 Years a Slave doesn’t wallow in sadness - it illuminates, disturbs and ultimately uplifts. Steve McQueen directs with a painter’s eye and a surgeon’s precision, letting scenes breathe while never letting them drift. Chiwetel Ejiofor is quietly devastating in the lead role, anchoring the film with dignity and restraint. Michael Fassbender’s portrayal of raw, unhinged brutality adds a visceral layer of menace that lingers. Every frame feels earned, every moment lands with weight. It’s not just great cinema - it’s required viewing.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/24/25

Full Review

Dvc F

Powerful story hands down the acting is sensational this well done movie deserves praise on all counts it is a must see have this masterpiece in your library

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/23/25

Full Review

Jacob B

An angry film made by an angry filmmaker. Just like Mel Gibson seemed more interested in the torture of Jesus than in the teachings of the prophet, McQueen seems more interested in making torture porn than saying anything interesting or original about slavery in America. The overrated darling of film critics seems to mistake uncomfortable, gory violence for saying something profound. A big budget, award begging slog of a film.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/10/25

Full Review

Leprechaun K

Once in a blue moon, a movie comes along that becomes an instant classic. A powerful biopic that contrasts humanity and evil with exceptional performances by an outstanding cast.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/04/25

Full Review

Mr W

An ingenious recreation of the atrocities Solomon Northup and his fellow slaves endured throughout their lives of darkness and oppression. The screenplay was immaculately detailed, the cast were thoroughly committed to their roles and the lack of discretion when portraying the appalling conditions which slaves were forced into was astonishingly authentic. If you want to further your education on slavery, I'd whole-heartedly recommend watching this film, but brace yourself for the monstrosities you'll see and hear.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/02/25

Full Review

Maxwel M

Filme pesado, porém retrata uma realidade passada que deve ter atenção para que não se repita futuramente. Ótima direção e elenco, filme incrível!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/22/25

Full Review

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12 Years a Slave: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In the years before the Civil War, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the South. Subjected to the cruelty of one malevolent owner (Michael Fassbender), he also finds unexpected kindness from another, as he struggles continually to survive and maintain some of his dignity. Then in the 12th year of the disheartening ordeal, a chance meeting with an abolitionist from Canada changes Solomon's life forever.

Director: Steve McQueen
Producer: Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Bill Pohlad, Steve McQueen, Arnon Milchan, Anthony Katagas
Screenwriter: John Ridley
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Production Co: River Road, New Regency Pictures, Plan B Entertainment
Rating: R (Some Nudity|Brief Sexuality|Violence/Cruelty)
Genre: History, Drama, Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 18, 2013, Limited
Rerelease Date (Theaters): Jan 17, 2014
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 31, 2015
Box Office (Gross USA): $56.7M
Runtime: 2h 14m
Sound Mix: Datasat, Dolby Digital

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