12 Years A Slave (2013), directed by Steve McQueen, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor (Solomon), Michael Fassbender (Epps), Lupita Nyong’o (Patsey) and a whole host of other big names, tells the story of a musician and free man kidnapped into slavery.
The first time I watched this film many years ago, I was very moved by the storyline, and thought it was a fantastic, beautiful portrayal of a horrific time. The characters were 3D and had their own arcs, only improved by the amazing talent of the cast. I was particularly interested in the different classes and statuses of the black characters which is something that I haven’t seen explored in other films about slavery.
I wish I could say more about this masterpiece, but the honest truth of it is that it’s all been said before. It’s been out for coming up to 7 years now, and has been praised to the heavens and back in the time.
I would most definitely recommend this film to anyone who hasn’t seen it. It’s a beautiful piece and an important story.
(Watched on 06/01/20)
365 Films 