12 Years a Slave

This is a true story of a free black man, a man that had all the equal freedom of a white man in the 1800's, all the luxuries, he was well taught, was an excellent violin player and knew how to read and write, lived in a nice house.. he was free, one day he was tricked to play for money by two white men who got him drunk and sold him into slavery. He was kidnapped, and the heart-dropping adventure begins there. This movie is unlike other slave movies, it's no BS, it's based on real events in this man's life.. this is a true story, based on a memoir written by Solomon Northup and the detail is truly eye opening. I say that every American should see this with an open mind, put yourself in Solomon's shoes, for a few hours, watch this movie, and see the torture and pain black men and women had to go through in those times. There are a lot of people here that say "this movie is boring", i say no, this movie is full of adventure, it keeps you intrigued with how the story will end, a lot of close calls for Solomon.. this is truly worthy for an oscar, and is truly worthy of you to watch.. it's extremely educational, eye opening, and jaw dropping.. but be warned, reality bites. If you're white, you might cringe, but WATCH IT! It is an excellent film for all types of men and women, I suggest that kids under the age of 13 shouldnt watch this film, as there is a lot of violence, blood, gorish scenes, rape scenes, and nudity, and course language. I can't recommend this film enough, you will appreciate freedom and what you have a lot more after watching this. As for people who might think this is bias against white caucasians, no, there are a lot of amazing and non-racist white people in this film, one of which saved Solomon's life. So please don't think this is an anti-white film, it's truly not. This is reality, unfortunately.

Great movie.

When I watch a movie like this, I am left "speechless." I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND MANKIND MOST DAYS. This is a "VERY DARK STAIN" on Americas history. I was VERY ANGRY at the slave master who has no problem "raping" one of the girls named, "Patsy," then beats her to a pulp. What possesses humans to treat other humans this way. They say the black man was an "animal," and yet.....when you violate another human being to that degree, aren't YOU the one acting more like an animal? A rabid animal at that. Aside from the disturbing "subject matter," I thought the acting was SUPERB. The story line "flowed," and I am glad Solomon got "some justice." To any black person reading my post right here, A MILLION APOLOGIES to you for what your ancestors went through. NO HUMAN BEING SHOULD EVER BE TREATED WITH SO MUCH HUMILIATION, AND LACK OF REGARD OR DIGNITY. Every day I live, I ask myself "why so much HATE for one another under this here damn sun?" It was a good movie for the "history".........MAY WE NEVER REPEAT THIS....although, I know sex slaves, and other types of slavery still exist in our world today. THIS NEEDS TO STOP!!! Human life is "PRECIOUS." I cried many tears of anguish and deep empathy for those who endured so much pain. May YAH bring EVERLASTING JUSTICE TO THE OPPRESSED IN OUR DAY.

Great movie very sad of the many wrongdoings that went on at that time in the world about kidnapping and slavery.

12 Years a Slave is a 2013 biographical period-drama film and an adaptation of the 1853 slave memoir Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup, a New York State-born free African-American man who was kidnapped in Washington, D.C., by two conmen in 1841 and sold into slavery. Northup was put to work on plantations in the state of Louisiana for 12 years before being released. Undoubtedly - one cannot start this review without singing praises in regards to the set design and choices made by the costume department; the location (And even in fields near the location Northup was kept as a slave in real life) in which shooting occurred alone does much to immerse audience members into a situation that is not considered common place in our modern - era. The Real Genius however, were the techniques implemented to enhance the visceral experience while watching this film. There are often moments where sounds related to being enslaved (Such as, singing, wailing, and the like) begin as the focal point of a scene and slowly become what is heard in the background of another scene as it begins. In addition to this, scenes meant to encapsulate the brutality of slavery (Like one in which Solomon is hung from a tree and barely survives) are defined by a poignant silence that only becomes more uncomfortable the longer a scene is almost forcibly continued. The soul beckons at the nature of which these elements are combined - When will it stop! When will it stop?! - and gives the audience a tiny morsel of the thoughts that must have been plaguing the minds of the figures being portrayed in real life. ‘12 Years A Slave’ boasts an ensemble cast at its hip and delivers performances that carry significant weight regardless of their length. The emotions that are conveyed - ranging from reckless ambivalence to profound idealism - are seamlessly included and offer an additional layer of authenticity to the characters and the totality of their separate situations. There is a glimmer of optimism and hope that is carefully applied without inching into the realm of overzealous naivety. Nyong'o - whom won best supporting actress for this film - flawlessly embodies the ferocity of her character and draws empathy in doses that are both expected and unconventional. Being a well research film, it has been confirmed that much of the content contained in this one is accurate and there is some amount of documentation (including Northrup’s memoir) substantiating the chronicled events; none of the characters are created for the sake of forcing the film to its conclusion and even the personality of real life figures is distinguishably maintained. Regardless, I have seen some complaints; specifically, I have seen some complaints that ‘12 Years A Slave’ doesn’t explain the ~nature~ in which this system built on the backbone of racist value was able to grow and thrive. I humbly suggest that these criticism be lightly tossed aside, for a variety of reasons !) This film is meant to be account of a very traumatic period of time for a person of color that was treated unjustly; why the [beep] would a movie like this one need to go in to ~deep~ detail about the intricacies of the system that was complicit in his maltreatment? To validate his situation??? 2) It’s very clear even in this film that the caucasian characters that show the slightest bit of humanity are ultimately self-serving; none of the characters that would be considered charismatic given the overall context stick their necks out or even simply refuse to participate in the buying or selling of slaves at the end of the day. There is one - ONE. ONE. ONE. - white character that agrees to do Soloman a favor towards the end, but even that is met with some initial pushback due to some amount of fear or anxiety being present. 3) [This is where I reiterate point number 1]: THIS FILM IS MEANT TO BE ACCOUNT OF A VERY TRAUMATIC PERIOD OF TIME FOR A PERSON OF COLOR THAT WAS TREATED UNJUSTLY; WHY THE [BEEP] WOULD A MOVIE LIKE THIS ONE NEED TO GO IN TO ~DEEP~ DETAIL ABOUT THE INTRICACIES OF THE SYSTEM THAT WAS COMPLICIT IN HIS MALTREATMENT? TO VALIDATE HIS SITUATION????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Films like this one are uncomfortable and distressing. But they are too important. They are just too [bleeping] important. I would recommend!

Enjoyed the richness of this film in the locations, the way the feeling and visuals of the South were so beautifully shot. The story was interesting, bringing to light some of the challenges of the free people of color and existing slavery in South during this period of transition. The film was fairly well balanced in its characterizations and portrayal of situations that existed - as it explored the power dynamic and implications of this time. I read the book so the film is fairly true to form, however, I was confused at the opening of the film with some sort of "love scenes" transposed and then jerked somewhere into his story. This happened a few times and the transitions were not clear. Nor was it highlighted how hard this family had worked to achieve their success as "free people" and the agony they went through along with his friends trying to find and help him over the 12 years while Northrup was "missing".The film failed to really illustrate how the years were going by with some markers or indicators. Certainly he should have been more haggard and aging and his fortitude and despair could have been explored and apparent. Some of the supporting actors did not give great performances and weakened the film. But as has been said many times Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong'o were quite believable and remarkable. I thought the ending was weak... the family reunion should have been much stronger and emotional for the audience and Ejiofor carried the burden of forcing the emotion in this scene that should have been a tear jerker like "The Color Purple". I also thought that omitting the court case after Solomon Northup was recovered, was a big missing (Amistad did this much better), because it does illustrate that the U.S. was struggling with bringing laws and enforcing them at this time (both Black and White folks) and those have laid the foundation for civil right's issues that tie into the present day.

So many have already provided summaries of this film, opinions upon the great acting, historical accuracy and even racial bias, so I will refrain from being redundant and focus solely upon the actual quality of the film on Blu Ray. It is rare that I would ever buy a film I had not seen elsewhere either on TV or in the theaters but I knew that I had to own this one and I am glad that I took the chance. Keep in mind that the quality of what you see and hear also depends upon the quality of TV monitor you are using and its accompanying home theater processor and speakers. I have a pretty high end, esoteric system and am judging the Blu Ray off of that. VIDEO..... The video imaging on Blu Ray is absolutely excellent. Colors for both skin and environment are very accurate with no false saturation or smoothing that I could notice. Small details are clearly discerned in the grass, in the hair and throughout the film. While the blacks did not appear to go very deep details in shadow areas are nicely present. The Mbps rate appeared to average in the high 30's and low 40's depending upon the amount of action in the scene itself. At no point was there any artifacting or imaging issues. Contrast was good but not overly sharpened and general resolution was superior to most BR's that i have seen or owned. AUDIO.... The audio is a lossless DTS 5.1 soundtrack with volume settings just as they should be. Whispers can be heard, and dialogue is clear and transparent. The surrounds are used primarily for environmental ambience. While there is some discreet usage of the surround speakers and some panning between the stages left and right, do not expect as much as I think there could have been. Your LFE channel has not much work at all to do as there really is no low bass. Where the audio track really shines is when the slaves are singing in the fields, then the audio becomes most immersive as if you were there. Great choice of field songs and not the same ones that come to mind when you think of the old gospel singing associated with films of this nature. I know that, for many, this film could be very difficult to sit through. Back in the 70's when Roots first appeared, that was difficult as well. Both films do the subject justice in every way. EXTRAS.... There is a single documentary on the making, shooting and casting of the film. This doc is split into two parts to make you think you are getting more for the money. You aren't. Never the less, the documentary is really well done and interesting and a big step above many of the 'Making of' documentaries found on DVD and BR. There are two other short docs on the 'music score' and the team of people who contributed to the film. There are also a few trailers for other movies....I do not think that these trailers are 'extras'. They just force you to pay for the companies advertising and take up more room on the Blu Ray disc calling for even more compression of the film you are paying for. There is also a digital download which I have not tried to do as yet. I do hope that this review has been of some HELP to you in deciding your purchase. All my reviews focus solely upon the quality of the actual disc and not redundant summaries and acting opinions. Thanks for reading.

Beautifully impacting even if the sound was off. You will be moved by the elegance of direction alone. If this subject has touched you. pleases watch the movie, and embrace an enlightened vision. Also the Book "Twelve Years a Slave," and "Beloved," by Toni Morrison are great reads. The movie is moving Unless you have no heart, it will impact you deeply, and yet was beautiful. I cannot believe Mcqueen was able to remain elegant and honest telling it. it shows you the real side of slavery, and without gratuitous scenes, which I believe is its brightest achievement. How I could never imagine to put together. but they did it. Just beautiful. I shared this with my history class: I'm not sure what you want me to say: Slavery and Solomon Northup’s story The truth is, what transpired for many years in America was wrong. Going over all of these stories changes nothing for me personally, because I was raised, not to be prejudice. Moreover, I was raised in such a way, that I had no idea the color of a man made him different. Later in my life I learned much of this, though I will agree, the truth has been a slow tell. I cannot grasp the idea of prejudice in my mind because I was raised this way. When I look stories like this one, or Toni Morrison's "Beloved," I get mad. Mostly, I get mad because the true culprits never pay. It is not white people who are guilty. And more often than not, innocent white people our victimized for this mistake. It is the people in power, who do nothing, who are guilty of every death, rape and horror done to the weak, and de-voiced. (My word,deal). The powerful elite are to blame. Money and greed field most of this disgusting behavior, just as it was at the root of the trail of tears. The day the common man sits in legislature, or government, and money no longer has any connection to the laws of the land. when limousines are unheard of with public servants. This will be a day the black man, and woman can really stand up and breath free. Smile, and thank God. The same powers that not only allowed, but created slavery, and murdered natives to take their land, are still in power today. They still cause death, and walk on the graves of slaves. They rape our land and extort the poor, while filling accounts overseas. We must change this. You, our future, must listen to the warnings go even further until greed has no place in laws of the land. People still suffer because they do not have the money to speak. Our criminal justice system is the new slave trade, and it is not only for the black man, but the poor man. More and more Americans are sent to prison each year, not because of guilt but because of lack of resources. Money is the dividing line between slave and master now, and with open eyes we can stop all of it if we work together. Nothing has changed, only the packaging looks different. The same slave owners are in control. We need to dethrone them, and let the common man rule. This is our only chance to guarantee these slides are never again a reality.

ある自由権の人が黒人というだけで奴隷とされ売られて行きます。そして鞭打たれ人間以下扱いをされていました。さて、この人はどんなに過酷に強いられても希望があるから、生きて帰ろうとします。もう売られてしまうのかと思っていました、しかし、そんな中である伯爵みたいな人が受取人としてその人を買い戻しにきます。売る方もひきません。しかしその人がよし、そんなに言うならこのリストのものをすべて払え❗とその人がしたひどいリストがかかれてます。それか、その人をおれによこせ！そいつは俺のだ。俺が受取人だ。そしてこの人は自由権があるから自由なのだ。と言いあなたは奴隷ではない。もう自由なのだ。自由に生きることができる。と希望を捨てなかった人は自由になれました。どんなにひどくされても希望は持ち続けましょう。なぜなら、希望は失望に終わることはないからです。辛い時あきらめないでいましょう。そこには希望があるからです。

Excellent movie.........its an award winning movie so there are no comments regardiing the movie.......but i have purchased this dvd in amazon lightning deal and the DVD didn't work at all and it has so many marks......so returned this product and amazon also issued refund to me.......its a must watch movie......

Excelentes imágenes, muy buen trama, la recomiendo

Après les très bons Hunger et Shame, Steve McQueen tutoie une nouvelle fois les sommets avec 12 Years A Slave. Steve McQueen est un réalisateur engagé comme nous l'avait montré Hunger, et cette fois-ci, il s'attaque à un sujet poignant et à la mode à Hollywood: l'esclavage. C'est un film très dur, terrible et passionnant à regarder à la fois. Certaines scènes sont d'une incroyable violence (les coups de fouets sont terrifiants). 12 Years A Slave est un film dramatique, historique, d'aventure humaine mais aussi un film très ambiancé. La composition de Hans Zimmer bien que classique reste dans le ton et accompagne notre boule au ventre. Le film est effroyable, le spectateur se retrouve régulièrement dans la tourmente, je n'ai pas tendance à pleurer devant un film, mais je dois avouer que j'ai eu plusieurs fois les yeux humides. La faute à des acteurs exceptionnels, Chiwetel Ejiofor en tête. Le casting est d'ailleurs prestigieux bien que bon nombre de stars n'apparaissent que très peu à l'écran. Le film a gagné des Oscars et c'est à mon sens amplement mérité. Steve McQueen a un talent fou et il prend le pari réussi de traiter de ce sujet sous un angle qui ne plaira pas à tout le monde. Le film est assez long, nous n’avons pas d'unité de temps, donc aucun repère quant aux 12 années passées si ce n'est la chevelure de Solomon qui tire vers le blanc. Malgré cette lenteur apparente, les 2h14 sont un régal. Une vraie expérience bouleversante, plus saisissante que Le Majordome ou La Couleur des Sentiments, plus sérieux que Django Unchained. Plus besoin de faire de films sur ce sujet, 12 Years A Slave suffit largement. Bref, super film. 9/10.

Doce Años de Esclavitud peliculón 3 Óscar de la Academia, mejor película, mejor guión adaptado y actriz secundaria. Recomiendo a los buenas cinéfilos.