12 Years a Slave

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Synopsis and Credits: Read on IMDB

Should you watch this movie? Absolutely! Although the story takes place in the 19th century, the topics explored are sadly still prevalent today. Must watch!

20140302-001515.jpgThe movie tells the story of Solomon Northup, an African-American born a free man in New York state who is kidnapped and sold as a slave in South under the pretext of a different name and origin (Platt, a runaway slave from Georgia). He is taken from his family, a wife and two children, and forced to do hard labor at plantations in New Orleans under often harsh and terrifying conditions. The story is based on the memoir of the same name by Northup himself.

It’s a difficult topic to watch, but everything about this movie is so exceptional, you’d be at a loss if you miss it. The movie relies mostly on its visuals, although you will find interesting pieces of dialog it is the times of no words that are the most poignant and honest. What makes this movie so brutal to watch (yet so necessary) is not just how as people we have inflicted so much pain on pthers, but that it still happens in some parts of or world. Slavery doesn’t just exist in 19th Century USA.

At the epicenter of the success of this movie are the script, the performances, and the direction. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a heartbreaking Solomon. The entire journey through this movie is made so compelling by this incredible performance, recognized by several award nominations including the Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. An all-star cast supports this movie with Benedict Cumberbatch, Sarah Paulson, Paul Giamatti, and Michael Fassbender, also nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actor in a Supporting Role. But the breakthrough from this film is Lupita Nyong’o as Patsey. She does not need a lot of dialog to convey the emotions and brutality of life as a slave. She has also gotten lots of accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

Excellent movie. A must watch!

Paola’s mood after watching this movie:

Technically it should be face crying in utter heartbreak. I’d still say go watch it!

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  1. Academy Awards Nominees for Best Picture: A Recap | The Paola Campo Report - […] Born a free man, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is kidnapped and sold into slavery to work at various plantations…

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