Steve McQueen's 12 Years a Slave stars Chiwetel Ejifor as Solomon Northup, a free black man in 1840s America. He makes his living as a fiddle player, and his wife is a teacher. He is shanghaied by a pair of nefarious white men, and soon finds himself on a ship headed to New Orleans where he is informed he will be called Platt and is sold into slavery by an unscrupulous businessman (Paul Giamatti). Solomon bides his time, attempts to preserve a modicum of self-respect, and waits for the chance to reclaim his rightful name as well as his family. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
Director: Steve McQueen
Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Paul Giamatti, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Alfre Woodard
Release Date: Oct 18, 2013
Rated R for violence/cruelty, some nudity and brief sexuality
Runtime: 2 hr. 14 min.
Genres: Drama
Review:
When you are watching a movie there occasionally comes a sense that you are watching a classic piece of filmmaking. It’s rare especially in modern cinema but it does happen. Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave is majestic journey through America’s “peculiar institution”. McQueen direction and visuals are beautiful, unflinching and incredibly moving. It’s a powerful movie centered by a powerful performance from Chiwetel Ejiofor. I’ve always found Ejiofor incredibly interesting as an actor and it was really impressive watching him flex in considerable acting muscles here. Ejiofor has a quiet strength about himself which suits the character very well. Ejiofor’s talent shines through during those moments when he doesn’t say anything. His pain and anguish is readily apparent through his eyes and face, its spectacular piece of acting. The supporting actors are a who’s who of A list actors with Michael Fassbender getting the beefiest role. Fassbender continues to impress me which his range. Personally, I didn’t know if he’d be able to pull off a plantation owner but he delivers in spades. Lesser known actress Lupita Nyong'o has a small role as a fellow slave but it’s a stunningly effective and tragic performance, it wouldn’t surprise me if she was nominated for a supporting acting nod come awards season. That same can be said of the film as a whole. It’s a prestige through and through with everyone’s talents on full display in this modern day classic.
A
I am dying to see 12 Years a Slave. I heard it is a shoe-in for Best Picture and Best Director. I will definitely see the film when it comes into my local cinema. Patiently waiting for it to get out of its extended limited release ... which feels like forever.
ReplyDeleteI'll be all over the awards list when it comes time, it's really an impressive film!
DeleteI just saw it too and I thought it was fantastic. That being said, I also think it is a bit overrated. The performances and cinematography were amazing along with the story as a whole. But I would never have a need to watch it again and I thought that there were some odd separations from main characters.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Daniel!
I can't disagree, it's a classic but probably one I won't revisit anytime soon. I really thought it was well done all around but I always knew I was watching a "prestige" film if you know what I mean.
DeleteWhile I am not the most interested in the movie, both the cast and the setting does intrigue me enough to watch the movie eventually. Wait, Cumberbatch is in the movie? I did not know that and I do not recall seeing him in the trailer, although I have not seen the trailer in a while.
ReplyDelete-James
Yep, Cumberbatch and Brad Pitt even shows up. Top tier talent shows up all over the place, its worth a watch at least once.
DeleteI have not seen this yet, but the mire praise that gets heaped on it, the more I'm likely to put it further down my list. Only time will tell if one will be able to actually put this alongside great films like The Godfather. I think critics and reviewers are far too easily impressed. They heaped tons of awards on films like The Artist, Amour, The English Patient, Gravity etc. and I found them all lacking and deeply flawed, very much unworthy of the praise given to them. I felt like I had been ripped off as my excitement to see them was betrayed within 30 min of viewing.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your review and can see from your thoughtful opinions why you in particular gave this an A. I freely admit that my idea of great, groundbreaking films runs counter to more established cinephiles. Many of my fellow movie geeks think I am out of my mind. Lol Hopefully when I see this, I will be able to have a similar viewing experience to yours.
It's a movie I probably won't watch again but I can't deny it's a well made film all around. I do try to keep an even keel but like all the films you mentioned which I enjoyed but rarely if ever revisit. By the way, thank you for reading I really appreciate you taking the time to read my ramblings!
Deletea very well made and well acted film. i think lupita actually steals the show.
ReplyDeleteShe really leaves an impression, I really think she'll get some notice come awards season.
DeleteOne of the best and most courageous films of the year.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, a very impressive piece of filmmaking.
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