I really have to stop watching slave movies and black oppression movies for awhile. It is too gut-wrenching for me. I always find myself thanking God that I wasn't born during that time, and asking for forgiveness towards those that did harm back then and now. It puts me in a state that only a drink, food, or a comedy can change. The movie, 12 Years a Slave, is no different. It definitely had me feeling some type of way, but I'm glad I saw it. So will you, and here's 12 reasons why:
12. The story is a little different than other slave stories we've seen. Instead of Africans being kidnapped and sold into slavery, Solomon Northup, an America and free black man, was kidnapped in Washington, DC and sold into slavery. Because he was born free and never experienced slavery, he had a tougher time assimilating. He knew who he was, were he was, and he was more willing to fight back than a stranger in a strange land where everyone is speaking a strange language.
11. It's based on a true story. I typically don't like movies based on a true story because now I can just google it and find out how it ends which is why I'm not eager to see the Captain Phillips movie. The difference here is that we rarely get a first hand account of what slavery was like. These days it's some white man's Hollywood interpretation. No thanks, I'll pass. But, I really got a sense of how tough this was for him and some of the struggles when you are born free rather than born a slave.
10. It's directed by a black man, Steve McQueen, and Lord knows we need more of them out there so that we can have quality movies on the market featuring quality black acting. Raise your hand if you're over Madea and Tyler Perry.
9. We have to support good black movies, and this is one of them. There was no coonery or befoolery; just strong black men and women fighting to stay alive.
8. The list of phenomenal actors in this movie is quite lengthy. Chiwetel Ejiofor is the lead actor as Solomon, and his emotions are so gripping, you will have to fight back the tears and keep yourself from cheering. This movie also star Alfre Woodard, Paul Giamonte, scene stealer Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Sarah Paulson, and new comer to the American film, Lupita Nyongo.
7. The last two women on this list are just amazing as their portrayals as the slave owner's wife and the slave he fancies. Sarah Paulson as Mary Epps was not having it. She did not want her husband sleeping with the negras as she called it. Lupita Nyongo is the beautiful and extra chocolaty Patsey. Master Epps has a thing for Patsey, and can't keep his hands off of her. She hates every second. Patsey can't stand how much the wife despises her because of her husband, and she doesn't want to deal with his torture and rape. It was great to get those point of views for once.
6. Did I meantion Brad Pitt is in this movie? He is scruffy and extremely yummy looking. Too bad he's only on the screen for about 10 minutes. That'll be enough for most.
5. The slave fights back. There isn't a lot of revenge killing like in Django, but Solomon, aka Pratt, fights back. We all love it when the slave says, "oh hell no," grabs the whip, and whips the overseer. You have that collective cheering in the movie. That'll pick you up after watching a man get beat for absolutely no reason.
4. It'll make you want to read the book. I'm sure the book is better as they usually are, but I really am intrigued and eager to add the autobiography, Twelve Years a Slave, to my Kindle.
3. This was a well directed and well acted movie. The movie, 12 Years a Slave, is long, about 2 and half hours, but it's worth it. At first I thought it was a little slow, but the pace was necessary to get in all of the information and help your form attachments to the characters.
2. It's moving and thought-provoking. This movie really makes you think about how it can take just one person to change things and make a difference. It really takes you through droves of emotions. Bring the tissues because if you are the sensitive type, you'll need them.
1. It's just a good movie. It has the whole package: interesting plot, great acting and directing, and a story that moves you. It's a definitely a must see, but again I think I'm down for something a little more light, fun, or ridiculously stupid and scary after this.
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