The praise for 12 Years A Slave has been almost universally positive, and it is not hype. Based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a freeborn African-American man who’s kidnapped into slavery, and starring Chiwetelu “Chiwetel” Ejiofor, the film is a riveting take on the gruesome practice–a part of American history many are too quick to gloss over.
Ejiofor winning anything less than an Academy Award for his stellar performance will be a travesty. The British actor’s managed to standout in a star studded cast that also includes Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Alfre Woodard, Paul Giamatti, and many more.
While the film is already critically acclaimed, a strong showing at the box office (it is in theaters now, October 18) is the only way authentic, engaging and thought provoking films like these will continue to be made. With that in mind, here at 10 reasons watching 12 Years A Slave is essential, whether you’re the descendant of a slave (or a slave master), are just curious or phenomenal cinema is what you crave.
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Photos: Fox Searchlight Pictures
Never Forget
Human beings were treated like chattel, and 12 Years A Slave does not try to toe around that fact. So no, you should never forget.
Chiwetel Is The Future
Many have known Chiwetelu “Chiwetel” Ejiofor is an exceptional actor. Now the world will know.
Lupita Nyong’O
Remember the name Lupita Nyong’O. She is an actress of Kenyan descent that plans a slave named Patsey. It is not hyperbole when we say she deserves a Best Supporting Actress nod at the Academy Awards.
Master Class
You surely know Michael Fassbender is a great actor. But he took it up another notch playing Northup’s master, plantation owner Edwin Epps.
A Family Man
The stereotype of slaves as aggressive oafs is longstanding. Solomon Northup was a family man and Ejiofor ably depicted him as such.
A History Lesson
A nattily dressed Black man kicking it with whites in 1841. Yes. And if that’s shocking, this movie is your chance to learn something.
The Violinist
Take notice of the role the fiddle plays in the tale, and how the context surrounding it changes as time progresses.
Alfre Woodard
Actress Alfre Woodard is a national treasure and she makes the most of her screen time. You’ll see.
No Coonery
There is no shucking and jiving in 12 Years A Slave. It’s a story about extraordinary resolve when a man is unjustly placed in a dire predicament.
Sheer Humanity
The story follows a man going through unfathomable trials and tribulations, but at the root, it’s a phenomenal tale of humanity that shows the peaks and valleys of adapting to personal circumstances.
Support A Brother
Spike Lee can’t complain about this one. Steve McQueen is an acclaimed British director, and a Black man (he is of Grenadian descent). Salute.
