12 Years A Slave

[RevKeith39]

I had been divided in my own mind on this. Yes, I wanted to see it because of the hype, but also wary of subject matter. I was right on both counts. An excellent film, brilliantly acted by all, with good soundtrack and cinematography; good direction [though flawed in fractured narrative at start which then gives way to more linear structure, together with too many paused shots - needed shaving by about 15 minutes] BUT...oh so earnest and 'oscar worthy' in tone. It reminded me of 'Justine' by De Sade; every character Solomon meets is going to be worse than the last, with no redeeming features. The whipping scene reminded me of Mel Gibson's torture porn of Christ. If I were a young black male in ghetto USA and watched this I would feel ready to leave the cinema and beat up the first white I met. I felt dirty, sordid and guilty...when there is nothing I can do to atone for these past wrongs. I felt the same about 'Schindlers List', a sense of despair, outrage and impotence. Yet at no time did I feel ENGAGED. I just felt cold.
So, as a piece of film-making 9/10. As an entertainment 6/10. So 7.5 seems about right. But I think it will clean up at the Oscars.

[raj101]

both horrific and riveting viewing, makes Mandela look like he got off lightly - just think about that.

Never thought of that, raj101! . . .but very true!

it is something of a bad twin to mandela. I could say a lot about this movie but suffice to say this is a movie I would want to have made, paints a nightmarish true picture of 'nazi' America without the Hollywood bullshit, so a straight 10. I actually think no scene is wasted here. Its exactly the imagery you get from listening to 'Strange Fruit' which was made not long after this period in time. I am just startled that it took over 100 years to make a film that accurately portrays the true history - though a movie like this probably wouldn't have been allowed back then I guess. I actually did cry when someone sympathetic (Pitts character) spoke the first thing supportive and just '12 years' into the movie, and this is probably one of the first movies I don't really want to write to much about since its so hard hitting to think of, so I'll stop there!

[baty]

I was unsure about the hype of the film maybe overplaying the actual film..... I was overwhelmed by the story, actors and the cinematography. For a full cinema you could hear a pin drop. Like raj101 I found it very 'hard hitting'. Lupita Nyong'o hopefully, will have an Oscar nomination.

I also felt ashamed that people could treat others so badly. We had quite a discussion about this after the film, I know that this was a different 'time' but just look around you don't have to go too far before comments, views ..bigotry can be found.

9/10

[McG]

I went back to Braehead for a second viewing of this film tonight and must admit that I found the film less harrowing/shocking but I actually found it even better. I picked up a lot more detail and didn't find the film as long the 2nd time around. I agree with RevKeith39 about each character Solomon meets as being worse than the one before and the effect they have on Solomon . . . Bass (Brad Pitt) is very good as the one who makes a positive difference.
Marks 9/10

[seven77]

Until this movie I'd never heard of Soloman Northup and the book he wrote. I'm shocked yet unsurprised that it hasn't received the same kind of recognition as the Ann Frank Diaries, since it too is an eye witness account of atrocity and genocide. The movie is a shocking reminder of how things were and are in some places. And how the oppressor in many life circumstances, then and today, is either completely incapable of seeing how crazy & wrong he is or they are just too wicked to care. The cast are outstanding, down to the tiniest glances, mannerism etc. Stunning movie and still feeling very stunned.

[neechofish]

Saw this at a packed Leeds Bradford Odeon last night. The cinema was silent throughout. Fantastic film. Very uncomfortable viewing but compelling. I did not feel moved to tears but i feel that was because I was so angry at what i was seeing. I would not say it did not engage me to result in tears, i just had other stronger emotions.

I thought it was beautifully made and fantastically done.

I agree with another poster in that it is a tragedy that it has taken so long for this to be made into a film, and this probably says more about society than the subject matter!

[himadaby]

Watching 12 Years a Slave yesterday night took me back nearly 180 years in the history of my country which had a history of slaves and indentured labourers who were brought over to work on the sugar cane fields. These slaves and labourers arrived from mainland Africa and India. Slave descendants’ still account for a good portion of its population today. Abolition of slavery is officially marked every year on the 1st of February; the day slavery was abolished in my country.

12 Years a Slave is a masterpiece history for many of the world’s population where slavery existed. It is mind blowing, soul touching even though some scenes are uncomfortable to watch. The cast did an outstanding job.

[rawsalsa]

This film was an incredible emotional experience for me on many levels. I’ve always loved Steve McQueen’s artistic flair even before he started directing. He seems to just gets better and better. From Hunger to Shame and now this, for me he is a director that knows how to evoke many emotions. An incredibly well structured and considered film on so many levels; the screenplay, the score, cinematography, editing and where every image seems perfectly selected and implemented.
The acting was supreme, from a perfectly understated Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northrup to the vicious Edwin Epps, (Michael Fassbender) and even Brad Pitt’s cameo; however special note is due to Lupita Nyong'o, who was absolutely brilliant as Patsey. She clearly deserves her BAFTA rising star nomination. I was overwhelmed with her character having me emotional and in tears several times throughout the film - so much so that it’s actually very difficult to express the various emotions here.

Given the subject matter, the film was perfectly brutal and showed the sheer savagery of the institution. For me, this film is exceptional. It’s a long time coming, but I’m grateful that it was made and in particular by McQueen who most definitely deserves Best Director for it. Painful viewing, but definitely 10/10.

[millwall]

Saw this in Cardiff last night excellent film well worth seeing again 10/10

[M R M R]

Great start to my 2014 viewing.

Not much to add, I pretty much agree with the previous comments.

No weak performances, no single big name/star hogging the limelight, tough subject matter superbly handled.