Friday, 3 January 2014

Film Review: 12 Years a slave

Genre:  Biography Drama  History , warning this film has very extreme racialism that may offend some people & upset a few people 

Cert: 15 cert

Parents advised to read before viewing film as some scene may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: There's a scene of consensual sex that lasts about 40-50 seconds. A rape which lasts about the same time; the rape is not very violent and the victim does not fight back, but it is clear the sexual act is unwelcome. None of these scenes have nudity.
There is one heavily implied attempt at sex in which a white man approaches a young black woman on a boat and begins to lead her away before being stopped by two other black men.
There are two or so shots of slaves washing up -- genitalia from a distance, bare butts and breasts can be seen.
In a slave market, the slaves are sold nude so that their potential buyers can inspect them. Again, nudity can be seen. Most of it is from a distance, but it's still a rather lengthy scene. 

Violence & Gore: Very brutal beating/whipping scenes with harsh results. The viewer usually doesn't see the wound being directly inflicted, as the camera angle is opposite of the actual contact. You can, however see the gory effects, whipping sounds, pained faces and even some blood spray from the most savage hits.
A woman who has been whipped is cared for by other slaves. Her open wounds are shown close up.
A woman slave asks another slave to end her life because she is suffering so much at the hands of her master.
A man is hanged by the neck on his toes for an extended scene before the rope is cut down. (He turns out to be okay.)
In one scene, a few slaves are hanged and we see their bodies convulse briefly.
A man is stabbed to death.

Profanity:  Frequent uses of mild to moderate language such as "n****r" and one use of "bitch."

Alcohol/Drugs/Smoking: A man says he is fired for having alcohol problems.

Frightening/Intense Scenes:  Some people may be disturbed by the sexual abuse of one of the female slaves. A mother is also sold and separated from her children. Heavy themes of racism. Black people are whipped, referred to as property, mocked and called offensives names. This film, while a great one, contains devastating scenes and should be upsetting to just about all viewers.

Story: Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon North-up (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender), as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) will forever alter his life.

Likes : 12 Years a Slave tells the true story of Solomon Northup played outstandingly by Chiwetel Ejiofor, an educated and free black man living in New York during the 1840's who gets abducted, shipped to the south, and sold into slavery. It is a film that stimulates at both an emotional level and an intellectual one.
This Astonishing, heartbreaking ,Powerful and Gripping story really dose bring you to tears & anger over how these people were treat over there colour just for slaves & money,this is the very reason why i hate the human race at time there no reason what so ever to treat these people this way it upset me that we as a human race let this going on back in the 18th century.
This is one film that has left me speechless as the credits rolled with shock , i was in tears by the end of it as it such a beautiful & powerfully made film ive ever seen in a while, that gave this story justice.
The trailer just doesn't do this film any justice really, you really have to see this film for yourself to see why this is a very powerful film, with some of the best performances from all the cast & actors, i was Surprised to see a cameo by Benedict Cumberbatch & Brad pitt who's few lines really made his character a good man standing up against slavery brilliant done for a 5 min scene.
 Steve McQueen is a fearless filmmaker, continuing his streak of unfiltered brutality within human depths. He frames his actors' faces in extreme close-up, the eyes staring into despair, the nostrils fuming in aggression. Naked flesh are shown not because of erotic content, but rather because of desperation and futility. Long takes and wide shots are not uncommon in his films, and here they showcase a plethora of fantastic scenes and performances that work to discomfort the viewer as much as possible. McQueen doesn't just allow the audience to tackle slavery, he guts the audience and leaves them for the consequences. This is an extremely uncomfortable film to watch. Beautifully shot locations are placeholders for unsettling sequences before and after, contemplated by Hans Zimmer's poignant and at times horrifying score. This all works to create a nightmarish time and place where hell walks on Earth
I seriously can't express the anger, the emotional feel i got from watching this its that shocking you get the feel you just want to walk out the room because what you see in this film was very brave but the story of one man struggle from being a free man to be tricked & sold into slavery really make every emotion come out of you.12 years a slave is a masterpiece of a film that is one film i seriously recommend you watch.

Dislikes : As much as this film is brilliantly done, i hate the N word being used, i hate slavery & racism all together, i can't stand any animal or human cruelty on this earth & i wont stand for it.

Overall : Very powerful, gripping, Astonishing & heartbreaking film

Rating: 5 out of 5 for entertainment / 10 out of 10 for story line being told/ all star acting



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