12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave

Rated R and Released in Grand Rapids 11/1/13

Reviewed 11/8/13 at Celebration North in Grand Rapids, MI

with Gary

3 out of 5 Js in QUIET Rating System

Seeing movies like this one is not relaxing, so if you are in the mood for something laid back don't see this one. Gary and I really liked the story and the acting was superb. We felt at times it was somewhat slowish, especially in the middle where every scene seemed to drag on. To be fair, it was probably due to each agonizing ordeal and wanting the trauma to end. Chwetel Ejiofor was magnificent and had a moving performance as the star Solomon Northrup. Another standout was Michael Fassbender. He did his job well, as you hated him as one of the disturbing plantation owners. Although we both wish there would have been more insight and backstory into Solomon's life. It would have really helped to know how he became an educated free black man who seemed to be well respected and successful for the times.

This fact-based story begins in 1841 with Solomon Northrup (Ejiofor), who lived with his family in Saratoga Springs, New York. Solomon became acquainted with two men who offer him a temporary job in Washington, D.C. Seems like a safe place to go, right? Very unfortunate for the trusting Solomon, the pair turn out to be the lowest of scum. After an evening out in D.C. Solomon groggily awakens chained up in a dark cell. Free man or not, his life changes for the next 12 years. Slave traders smuggle him and others down to Louisiana to be sold. Northrup's name is changed and he is told early on, do not show your education and keep your mouth shut, or it will not end well. He listened and his smarts keep him alive time and time again, shuffling between plantations. After being separated from his family for years, hopelessness would set in with most. Solomon catches a break though and has a fortunate encounter working with Bass, who was miss-cast and played by Brad Pitt (but he was one of the producers). Although it is very risky for Solomon to open up to Bass, he takes the chance. It's not a question of who is worse - the slave traffickers, the people who bought the slaves, the plantation owners, or the foreman who abused them - they all are sickening and it is still hard to believe. 12 Years a Slave is a stirring film that is well worth seeing. Be prepared for a tough movie to sit comfortably through, but no one really should feel comfortable watching this, should they?

QUIET Rating system: 3 Js

Quality: JJJJ

Understood story:  JJJ

Interest: JJj

Entertainment:  JJJ

Time:  JJ