Oct 18, 20 12 years a slave isnt the first movie about slavery in the united states but it may be the one that finally makes it impossible for american cinema to continue to sell the ugly lies. Clearly its central theme is slavery, and the depravity human nature can so easily reach. Sarah paulsons chilling mistress epps confronts solomon northup chiwetel ejiofor in steve mcqueens acclaimed new drama 12 years a slave. Its far from comfortable viewing, but 12 years a slaves unflinchingly brutal look at american slavery is also brilliant and quite possibly essential cinema. In 1841, african american solomon northup, a free man, is kidnapped and forced into slavery under the name platt for 12 years. He faces the hardships of being a slave under the hands of a few different slave owners. Find 115 listings related to 12 years of slavery movie in aurora on. Oct 18, 20 free black new yorker solomon northup is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the south.
Just because critics have proclaimed 12 years a slave a landmark event and easily the greatest feature film ever made about american slavery does not mean its as tedious as such eat. Filmfestival favorite 12 years a slave showcases slavery. Fox searchlight plans to add about 500 theaters this weekend for director steve mcqueens 12 years a slave after last nights best picture drama win at the golden globes with a goal of. Fox searchlight released its new film, 12 years a slave, last friday night in theaters across america. In the antebellum united states, solomon northup, a free black man from upstate new york, is abducted and sold into slavery. Art house exhibs asking for 12 years a slave after.
The only thing that lets this film down is the rather odd beginning and the at times lessthanclear dialogue. The overwhelmingly white, moneyed telluride audience entered 12 years a slave, based on the true story of a new york musician kidnapped and sold into slavery in 1841, primed for an ordeal of great. Its 1841, and solomon northup kisses his wife, anne, and two children, margaret and alonzo, goodbye for what they think will be a threeweek separation. Subjected to the cruelty of one malevolent owner michael fassbender, he also finds unexpected kindness from another, as he struggles continually to survive and maintain some of his dignity. The independent critic 12 years a slave one of the.
Jan 17, 2014 in the years before the civil war, solomon northup chiwetel ejiofor, a free black man from upstate new york, is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the south. Oct 28, 20 12 years a slave is a powerful, yet emotionally draining film that i recommend everyone i know see. There are films that make you think and make you feel and make you experience a world youve never known and a world you may never want to know, but the film itself has such a tight grip on you that you dare not let go of it even for a fleeting second. Sign up for eventful s the reel buzz newsletter to get upcoming showtimes and theater information delivered right to your inbox. Apart from that, it is a very good film, but be prepared to be shocked by some of the violence. Deeply, and unsentimentally, 12 years a slave delves into the unpleasant details of northups 1853 memoir, taking a few dramatic liberties along the way. The story takes place in 1840s america, and revolves around solomon northrup, a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Everything you need to know about 12 years a slave movie. There were 14 other movies released on the same date, including escape plan, broadway idiot and carrie. While both of those boxoffice and critical successes offered compensation for their heavy subject matter with outbreaks of humor and a hip attitude, 12 years a slave is a somber, meditative, almost poetic film that delivers the horrors of bondage stripped down and headon.
Read the 12 years a slave movie synopsis, view the movie trailer, get cast and crew information, see movie photos, and more on. This movie just needs to be seen, and i think it could educate plenty. The opening scenes of 12 years a slave, steve mcqueens searing adaptation of the truelife account of a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the precivil war south. Its also the most compelling, wellwrought and well. But i began reading about the movie this past spring, before word of its coming release was generally public. National association of theater owners presidentceo john fithian surprised cinemacon with his comments about the. Unflinching 12 years a slave poses monumental marketing. Twelve years a slave is based on an incredible true story of one mans fight for survival and freedom. Oct 25, 20 12 years a slave is critically acclaimed but fox searchlight realizes its painful depictions of slavery make it a. Oct 22, 20 director steve mcqueen tweaks a movie formula to great effect in his powerful new film on slavery. Facing cruelty personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by michael fassbender, as well as unexpected kindnesses, solomon. In the precivil war united states, solomon northup chiwetel ejiofor, a free black man from. Nov 01, 20 just because critics have proclaimed 12 years a slave a landmark event and easily the greatest feature film ever made about american slavery does not mean its as tedious as such eat.
Yet its more than just a litany of sorrows, the ultimate slavery movie its already been dubbed. Oct 18, 20 12 years a slave, based on the 1853 autobiography of solomon northup, tells the violently tragic, but ultimately redemptive, tale of one such kidnapping victim. Watch 12 years a slave anytime, anywhere with fandangonow. Facing cruelty at the hands of a malevolent slave owner, as well as unexpected kindnesses, solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity.
Nov 08, 20 considering the social and economic importance of slavery in americas history, the scarcity of serious films depicting the daily life of slaves in the confederate states is significant especially since the aftereffects from this shameful episode still echo through the culture. United states october 18, 20 limited canada october 18, 20. Eventful movies is your source for uptodate 12 years a slave showtimes for local movie theaters. Get the latest showtimes for 12 years a slave and bypass the lines by buying movie tickets online. Art house exhibs asking for 12 years a slave after globes. In the precivil war united states, solomon northup, a free black man from upstate new york, is abducted and sold into slavery. Already being touted as the best picture frontrunner, 12 years a slave is the finest movie ever made about slavery in the united states. Fox searchlight plans to add about 500 theaters this weekend for director steve mcqueens 12 years a slave after last nights best. Following its cinematic release in theaters, the region 1 code widescreen edition of the film was released on dvd in the united states on march. Essay analysis of the movie 12 years a slave a true and historical movie about a free black man, solomon northup, tricked into slavery called 12 years a slave hit movie theaters on october 18, 20 and was directed by steve mcqueen. I know we were shown roots in high school when we learned about slavery, but i actually hope 12 years a slave is used as a teaching tool as well.
Also stream 12 years a slave on your mobile, tablets and ipads plot. Overall, 12 years a slave is a brave piece of filmmaking and one to last through the ages in terms of acting and storytelling. Oct 17, 20 the steve mcqueendirected film hits select theaters friday. In the precivil war united states, solomon northup chiwetel ejiofor, a free. Frank rich on 12 years a slave and liberal feelbad. He worked on plantations in the state of louisiana, where he remained for 12 years until he was released. Oct 17, 20 the opening scenes of 12 years a slave, steve mcqueens searing adaptation of the truelife account of a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the precivil war south.
The steve mcqueendirected film hits select theaters friday. Chiwetel ejiofor 12 years a s lave part 2 from betrayal to acceptance learn how chiwetel ejiofor portrayed an emotional transformation in a pivotal scene from 12 years a slave on this episode of fandango frontrunners. Jul 19, 20 12 years a slave is based on an incredible true story of one mans fight for survival and freedom. I love that quote mcqueen gave about why he chose to do this story. In the precivil war united states, solomon northup chiwetel ejiofor, a free black man from upstate new york, is abducted and sold into slavery. John ridley screenplay by, solomon northup based on twelve years a slave by stars. Frank rich on 12 years a slave and liberal feelbad movies. Subjected to the cruelty of one malevolent owner michael fassbender, he also finds unexpected kindness from another, as he struggles continually to survive. Facing cruelty personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by michael fassbender, as well as unexpected kindnesses, solomon struggles not. Director steve mcqueen tweaks a movie formula to great effect in his powerful new film on slavery. The movie has already garnered significant oscar buzz. The film was initially scheduled to be released in late december 20, but some exuberant test screenings led to the decision to move up the release date. Through faith, will power, and courage northup must survive and endure those 12 years as a slave. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity.
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