A Harrwoing Masterpiece... One of the Greatest Films Ever Made

Rating: 10/10 (21 April 2014)

Director Roman Polanski once said that when making a film, "you have to show violence the way it is. If you don't show it realistically, then that's immoral and harmful. If you don't upset people, then that's obscenity". His quotes applies to Steve McQueen's honest and terrifying indie film in every way. This film doesn't sugar coat the brutality of slavery by using quick cuts or flashy editing, and thus we the audience are forced to see everything from whippings to lynchings and even the rape of a slave.
Compared to other larger, more mainstream Hollywood films, this film does not take pride in its violence and has something that many modern films, especially if they are aimed at a larger audience, lack... humanity. The depictions of cruelty hit much harder than an average Hollywood film where the violence would normally be edited or shown off screen or even be shown in a glorifying manner, and through these images the audience is able to feel for the characters. To experience the pain and hardships that Solomon Northup endured in a dark time in American history firsthand is emotionally draining but at the same time it awakens us to the reality of an evil that still occurs today in many countries. We want him to succeed and we feel his pain.
Within all of the film's depictions of intolerance and cruelty, there is also a strong message of the perseverance of the human spirit. Solomon Northup maintains his will to live despite all of the horrors that he is forced to endure and remains a strong character throughout the film. It is a relatable message, that one can survive the most grueling odds through the force of willpower, and it is one that rings true even today. Whether it be poverty, illness, bullying, or any other obstacle, one can survive and conquer the odds through their will to live and succeed.
12 Years a Slave is a harrowing, masterfully crafted film that should be viewed by everyone at least once. It is not an easy film to watch, but it is an important film because of its emotional, humane, and even educational values. I greatly admire this film because of its messages of perseverance and humanity. This is one of the greatest films of all time.