12 Years a Slave

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Cinema S @cinema_sensei Aug 18 A brutally honest and deeply moving depiction of slavery, made even more powerful by the fact that it’s based on Solomon Northup’s true story. Chiwetel Ejiofor is phenomenal, while Lupita Nyong’o and Michael Fassbender are equally unforgettable. Steve McQueen’s direction is restrained but devastating, though the slow pacing and a few supporting roles occasionally weaken the flow. Still, the realism, performances, cinematography, and emotional weight make it an incredibly powerful film. See more 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 Read all reviews

12 Years a Slave

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