Powerhouse

Rating: Null/10 (20 March 2014)

One review I read about this film praised it for being one of, if not the first film to portray slavery solely from the point of view of a slave. Not sure if that's true, but it sums up the tone and style of the film rather nicely. We're all aware that slavery existed in US and that it still exists in other parts of the world, but because history is largely written by the victors, most accounts of slavery come from the point of view of Caucasians. So, to base your film on one of the most influential accounts of slavery as written by an actual slave, was a somewhat risky, but important choice.
And what we end up getting is one of the most poignant and emotional films in recent memory. 12 Years a Slave is not afraid of its subject matter. It's a faithful representation of actual events and none of the ugliness is hidden or downplayed. It's a horrifying journey through years of misery, lost hopes, suffering and pain. Yet it never falls into despair, it doesn't alienate its viewers with needless gore or cruelty like an exploitation film might do.
The film's quality is only increased by some haunting acting jobs pulled off by the cast. Chiwetel Ejiofor especially is an amazing leading man as Soloman Northup and I must admit I'm somewhat disappointed that he didn't receive an Oscar for his efforts. He would have more than earned it. But to be fair, the rest of them are very talented as well and Lupita Nyong'o's Oscar was well-earned. But it's Ejiofor's performance we spend the most time with and there isn't a single scene where he doesn't absolutely sell it, with his heart and soul.
Steve McQueen's directing is also at the foreground. He follows Solomon's journey slowly and methodically, allowing for the slow scenes to go on as needed, lingering just long enough for the full impact to sink in. There's a certain feeling of art film in the long scenes of scenery and soft music, but it never feels unwarranted. The cut to the Southern nature, following an intense, blood-chilling scene of unimaginable cruelty, always comes as a chance to pull in and reflect.
12 Years a Slave was named the Best Picture of 2013. And for the first time in years I'm one hundred percent behind that decision. This is an important film that will remain with us for years to come. But perhaps more importantly it's a masterwork of film making. Achingly beautiful, horrifying, depressing and uplifting all at the same time. Owe it to yourself to see it.