12 Years a Slave (2013) Movie Review

12 YEARS A SLAVE (2013) MOVIE REVIEW

Let me just say this, if you have ever wanted to see a more emotionally draining and depressing film, then this may be what you're looking for.

Based on the biographical novel of the same name, this film follows the hardships of Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) as he is kidnapped from his home in up-state New York and is forced to into slavery after being betrayed by two newly acquainted "friends". Now to be honest, if these film wasn't based on a true story, I feel like it would not have had as much of an impact as it did as throughout the entire story, the events that occur just blew my mind and it made me open my eyes and wonder "Did that actually happen?!?!". Seriously, this film will make you feel thankful for the age in which we live in where it is free of slavery and intense racism against the black man. Anyhow, one of the other things I loved about the story was the fact that while it did make you despise the white men who beat him, it did actually make you feel somewhat sorry for certain slave owners, with Benedict Cumberbatch's character being one of them. Overall, I found the story all compelling and really set the stage for the entire film. 

Still of Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup

Like I mentioned earlier, one of the biggest things that this film had going for it was the simple fact that all the events were based on a true story. This automatically makes the audience sympathize with our main protagonist and manages to cause us to at some points in the film, ball our eyes out in utter despair for this unfortunate man. As well as this, I felt that the best part of this film by far were the characters and actors and portrayed within the film. Firstly, Chiwetel Ejiofor managed to bring such an incredible performance and managed to bring such an emotional part to this character through his use of words and mannerisms. Now for his polar opposite, Michael Fassbender in this film was, in my opinion, just phenomenal in this film as it is something very different from anything else he has done in the past and was just such an evil man and is more or less portrayed as the devil in his human state. As for Lupita Nyong'o, I felt that while she was incredible in this film, I do feel her character was unfortunately beaten down too much, especially by Fassbender and his wife whom seemed to simply despise her for her actions, though for some reason, Fassbender's character seemed to be attracted to her for this. Making him an even bigger dick. Paul Dano is one of these people in the film who I continue to emphasize that he is easily the most underrated actor working as everything he has done is just phenomenal, including this. But I digress, Dano was actually incredible in this film as he seemed to be one of the slave drivers that got sheer joy and excitement from harming these slaves like a child on Christmas morning. As bad as that sounds, I really can't put it any other way without it being worse or just as bad. As for Benedict Cumberbatch in this film, I felt that he also brought a terrific performance as he while he was the owner of all these slaves, he seemed to care more about them as people and wasn't as terrible as someone like...oh....I dunno...Michael Fassbender in this movie! Anyhow, Benedict really did bring something to the table with this film as he seemed so genuine in his actions, whether they be positive or negative. As for Paul Giamatti, I felt he was really good in this film as his character was a man whom simply sold slaves of to slave drivers, resulting in Solomon being sold off to other men. His performance was also really good and much like Cumberbatch, he seemed genuine no matter what it was. Lastly, Brad Pitt was actually the least talented in this film, though that is still saying alot as he was terrific in his small though significant role and managed to bring a sympathetic and supportive role to his...well..supporting role. Overall, every single in this film managed to bring something both old and new to the table, though managed to keep it fresh and unfortunately relate-able.

Still of Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o and
Chiwetel Ejiofor

Overall, what can I say about this film? It has won Best Film at the Oscars as well as 2 others for Best Writing and Best Supporting Actress. Seriously, this film is easily one of the greats and will go down in history as one of the best Hollywood has ever seen.

OVERALL: 9.7/10