12 Years A Slave is the best film I have seen in the '10s of the 21st Century. The decade is still young, so you may think that this doesn't mean much, but it does. As a film, it is a work of art, crafted by the masterful hands of Steve McQueen. The characters are perfectly performed, highlighted by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong'o's career defining performances. The fact that this film only won three Academy Awards is a tragedy in and of itself.
12 Years follows the improbable story of Solomon Northup, a freeman living in the north who is captured and sold into slavery in the south. Solomon uses his talents as a well educated man to manage a less cruel living with his Master Ford. Once sold into slavery again, Solomon must reside on the Epps plantation, run by the wicked and cruel Edwin Epps. These two existences in slavery seem different, as Solomon is allowed to entertain his master with his violin but sent to the cotton fields by the next master; however, theses existences share the same root. Both Master Ford and Epps are flawed and twisted characters. Though Epps acts on the urges to whip and rape whomever he pleases, Ford is evil in the sense that he cannot bring himself to do what is right since his will is too weak. From talking with people who have seen this movie, this is the one of the few points that some people seem to have missed from the film.
Overall, I think that the story of Solomon Northup had to be told. It's a painful reminder of a brutal chapter in our history; however, it is a necessary one to learn from. McQueen's craft and the excellent acting performances added another, higher level of cinema to this film. I believe that everyone should watch this movie. It examines human character, by looking at the great injustice, lack of will, willpower, and hope that any person can demonstrate. Conclusion: Must See
Rating: 9.25/10
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