Deserving of Oscars

Rating: 10/10 (11 November 2013)

The intensity of this story had me awestruck throughout the film, to the degree that I was unable to show any emotion as I watched a depiction of slavery that showed how those who had gained freedom or were born free were systematically and strategically kidnapped and forced back into it. This film showed a different side of injustice. Not only was I amazed at how black people were treated in that era under such circumstances, I was amazed and hurt at how black people treated each other. When some may have considered Solomon Northrop to be weak, he was truly courageous. He kept his mind more positive than a lot of people could under those circumstances. Although he did work as a slave, there was always a glimmer of the determination of a free man within him, destined to escape the life he was forced into. Northrop was always seeking an opportunity to gain assistance from those willing to listen and was cunning enough to adapt and protect himself when betrayed by those he trusted. This film was well written, well acted, thought provoking and historically relevant. Steve McQueen and Brad Pitt took a chance with this film and in my opinion it paid off well. If you're offended by the use of the n-word (ala Spike Lee), then you may want to stay home or see something else. Without the use of the word, it would be historically inaccurate. The film doesn't just show us injustices of our past, but they bring a perspective to the present and hope for the future. I would recommend this movie to be included in African American History classes in schools across the country. Doing so may show young black people that we have a history of being determined and that many people have lived worse than we could ever imagine in our modern times. If you didn't leave the theater touched or enlightened to treat each other better and at the same time honor those who came before us by appreciating the opportunities afforded to us, you should watch it again until you do. *Side note: the audience at the theater where I saw this film was predominantly white Americans, all of whom were in tears midway through the film. This film is for all Americans. When we know better, we can do better*