Friday 4 April 2014

Movie review - 12 Years a Slave (2013)

12 Years a Slave (2013) / biography, drama, history

Directed by Steve McQueen
Screenplay by John Ridley
Based on Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup
Produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Bill Pohlad, Steve McQueen, Arnon Milchan, Anthony Katagas
Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Benedict Cumberbatch, Michael Fassbender, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Paulson, Brad Pitt, Alfre Woodard,
Trailer: click.

There's nothing that you don't already know.

PLOT
An adaptation of the 1853 memoir tells a story by Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a New York State-born free African American man who was kidnapped in Washington in 1841 and sold into slavery. He worked on plantations in the state of Louisiana for twelve years before his release.

REVIEW
Cruel story with beautiful cinematography, solid script and great acting. The film is hard to watch at times but that's the point because that's how it was. Brutal, unfair, heartbreaking. Chiwetel Ejiofor's performance was really good. He's quiet but inner strong and others are excellent as well (Michael, Lupita, Benedict, Paul). But despite being named the best film of the year and receiving numerous awards I can't agree this is The Best movie in 2013. Even more, in my opinion it's a bit overrated. Yes it's powerful drama and has all the 'needed' elements to succeed but for me it just plays too safe, predictable and never really reaches emotional chord. I know films like this are a necessary yet on the other hand, these films are unlikely to teach you anything you don't already know and feel sorry about. Good film worth watching? Yes. Masterpiece of 2013? No! 4/5


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