REVIEW: 12 YEARS A SLAVE

Firstly, I would like to wish my blog readers a Happy New Year 2014. Thank you for reading my movie reviews on this blog since I started it in April 2013.

Kick-starting my first review of 2014 is a film that has garnered praises from critics for the past few months. Released in the United States in October 2013, the historical drama 12 Years A Slave finally comes to Malaysian shores. As of this posting, the film has been nominated for 7 Golden Globe Awards and has also received many other accolades.

12 Years A Slave is directed by British director Steve McQueen. The film’s star-studded cast consists of Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Sarah Paulson, Alfre Woodard, Paul Giamatti, Lupita Nyong’o, and Brad Pitt. The film is written by John Ridley, who adapted it from the memoirs of Solomon Northup titled Twelve Years A Slave.

Will the filmmakers honour the true story this film is based upon? Do read on…

 

Chiwetel Ejiofor (3rd from right) as Solomon Northup

 

SYNOPSIS:
In the middle of the 18^th century, slavery of African-Americans in the United States was still widespread. White slave owners employ black African-Americans to work in their plantation which harvests cotton, corn, and many more. These slaves are often mistreated and held captive by their owners. However, not all African-Americans are subjugated to slavery and they are some who are free men, such as Solomon Northup. Northup is a family man with a wife and two kids, He makes his living as a carpenter and fiddle (violin) player. One day, Northup was enticed by two individuals to partake in musical exhibition. He was drugged and sold into slavery against his will. This is the story of his 12 years as a slave.

Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) reluctantly being force into slavery

SCRIPT:
For a movie that is based on a true story, the script is pretty solid and strong. The plot outline is clear and does not stray away too much from the main character as it is adapted from his memoirs. Good chronological structure from start to finish, though I would have liked some time indications on screen. The film could have done without flashbacks but still did not disrupt the story. Some of the dialogue maybe difficult to understand as it focuses specifically on a country’s history. Despite this, eventually you will get the gist of the story. I like how the story always touches on the many discriminations a slave receives. There were some parts where the gruesomeness of slavery was showcased and this could be a good lesson for the global audience.

Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) talks to a slave merchant played by Paul Giamatti

ACTING:
The performance by the ensemble cast were extremely superb. The actors carried their roles well and I could feel the tension and despair of the protagonist. I found myself hating the antagonist (villain) of the film which translates to good performance by the actors. Chiwetel Ejiofor (2012, American Gangster) gave his best performance yet as the lead Solomon Northup. Michael Fassbender (Inglorious Basterds, X-Men: First Class) as one of the plantation owners was ruthless in his role. Special mention should be given to newcomer Lupita Nyong’o as Patsey who gave a sterling performance. This film has some of the best acting I have seen in awhile.

Top notch performance from Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, and Chiwetel Ejiofor

FILMING:
I don’t know much of the history of slavery in the United States but judging my this film, you can feel that the filmmakers tried to bring authenticity whenever possible on screen. And the filmmakers managed to do an excellent job doing so. From the plantations to the slave quarters, and from the wardrobe to the make-up, the production design really excelled in this ‘period’ film. I also liked the music score which was composed by the maestro Hans Zimmer.

Director Steve McQueen (standing) briefing Lupita Nyong'o and Chiwetel Ejiofor

PACING:
Good start to the film and then it comes slow throughout the movie with a good escalation towards the end. It is a heavy drama and the pace is slow. However, it is not draggy as the story is engaging from scene to scene.

TONE (MOOD):
Overcoming multiple obstacles and seemingly small odds but clinging on to hope as a means of survival.

Left to right: Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, Benedict Cumberbatch as William Ford, and Paul Dano as Tibeats

DOWNSIDE:
The subject matter might not be a universal subject, therefore not many people might fancy it. The heavy drama and slow pacing could be a turn-off to some.

UPSIDE:
Extremely great acting performances from the cast. The film could be a lesson for those unfamiliar with the history of slavery in the United States.

An intense scene from the film between Michael Fassbender as Epps and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Northup

OVERALL:
The story might not be for all but this film has some of the best acting I have seen in awhile. Be warned that the movie moves slow but well-worth the ending.

RATING:

8.5 out of 10