Movie Review: 12 Years a Slave (2013)
Written by Anthony Sargon
Just when I thought that "Gravity" had set the bar for movies this year, I've just come crashing back down to Earth. "12 Years a Slave" contains some of the best performances this year, including an Oscar-worthy turn by Chiwitel Ejiofor, and could just be one of the best movies ever made.
The film is based on the true story of Solomon Northrup, a free man living in 1840’s New York who gets conned and sold into slavery. He then spends the next 12 years of his life doing and witnessing terrible things, with the hope of perhaps regaining his freedom one day.
"12 Years a Slave" is the third feature film from director Steve McQueen, and it’s a brilliant effort. Forget "Django Unchained"; this film reveals the true horrors of slavery and gives us an unflinching look at one of the darkest times in the history of the United States. It’s a deeply powerful movie that you won’t soon forget.
Chiwitel Ejiofor gives the performance of his career, and what is probably the best performance of the year. I thought Hugh Jackman had the Oscar in a bag, but that’s no longer the case. The entire supporting cast is amazing too, especially Michael Fassbender, who plays the terrifying slaver Edwin Epps. There are so many good actors in the film that I didn’t even know were in it; Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch, even SNL’s Taran Killam.
The direction, cinematography, performances, and soundtrack all work in sync to create a beautiful but very difficult film to sit through; like I said the movie doesn’t shy away from showing you what it was like to be a slave, and while some may find it too exploitative or gratuitous, I think it serves the film's purpose brilliantly.
Anthony's Verdict:
I was blown away by "12 Years a Slave." It's a cinematic masterpiece that should not be missed.
Numerical Score: 10/10
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