Disturbing and didactic

Rating: 8/10 (29 January 2014)

One thing that is certain about "12 years a slave" is that it is a disturbing and engrossing experience. If you are faint hearted, then this movie is certainly not for you. Nevertheless, its didactic prowess makes it a must see.
The story revolves around a black American born in New York early in the 19th century. Although slavery was still a fact of life in parts of the country, Solomon was born and raised a free man and it was through trickery that he travelled south to meet some supposed business partners who ended up selling him as a slave.
From that point on, his Odyssey begins. He experiences life through a prism that is worlds away from what he thus far knew. In the plantations of the Southern States being black equals not being human. You can call it property, pet, object of gratification or any other denigrating pseudonym. In the minds of their owner where this mentality was deeply ingrained this gave them the freedom to treat 'their' slaves in ways that was beyond inhuman. So great were their convictions, that they even quoted Bible verses as another affirmations to the appalling way they treated their fellow human beings.
Solomon, having experienced freedom was more affected that his counterparts who simply knew nothing else. What kept him going is a sense of hope that he would regain his freedom and return to his loved ones. Hope dies last.
This is a mighty historical and moral tale as well as a brave cinematic endeavour. Slavery still scars the United States and despite the distress this film will cause it ought to simultaneously serve as a source of edification to guide us in a direction of equality and acceptance. Inhumanity never pays off, only compassion.