Matrixston Wow! Such a good movie.

Rio Hayward All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Billie Morin This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Nicole I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

violinjoe This is an incredibly filmed movie, with stunning cinematography, superb acting, and a story so engaging it will heighten every emotion within the viewer. I highly recommend it. My issues with the film are mainly its dissection of source material. The move movie is based on the title character's memoirs. Solomon is depicted, in the first scene of the movie, as being sexually provoked/molested-whatever-by another slave. This character was a strong Christian, and my issue is less about his response in the film than the actual scene. Why start a film off with sex between non-consenting adults, when such a scenario is never discussed in the book. Totally outside the source material, and obviously a director's choice. But it diminishes the religiosity of the character in my opinion. Also, Brad Pitt's character is portrayed as far too much of a Jesus-figure than in the memoir. His detached ambience is appealing on the screen, but no true to what the book records. All in all, fabulous film. A few minor issues.

andrewroy-04316 12 Years a Slave completely blew me away. Every element of the film is very well done, and I was deeply immersed in Solomon's perspective. The first thing that jumps out is the cast - one of the great all-time casts, with each giving a great performance, particularly Ejiofor, Nyongo, and Fassbender. Ejiofor really connects emotionally with the viewer and his changes as slavery wears on him were visible and devastating. What elevates this movie to another level is McQueen's direction - he clearly shows how slavery is a complex, ingrained structure and the he keeps you immersed in Solomon's life nonstop. While some were bothered by the lack of mention of time passing, I think it reinforces the idea that it feels like it will never end and keeps the viewer dialed in. The brutality of slavery was very evident. Zimmer's score, as always, added to the scene progressions. Between the excellent technical elements and the searing depiction of slavery, this is an all-time great.

monkeylion-41176 Everyone should read Solomon Northup's memoir. It is a powerful, moving, and culturally important tale of the injustice of slavery.This movie, however, seemed to be a poor attempt to turn that story into quick cash. Characters were not developed, scenes were stitched together in an odd way, and the ending was rushed and didn't seem to convey the intense emotions Solomon had in being rescued.I understand a movie can only do so much, but I'm not sure how a viewer who has not read the memoir would be able to get much from the movie. And those who have read it will be disappointed at lost opportunities to convey the true horror of the situation and total exclusion of some important anecdotes (particularly the continued menace of Tibeats)

tgarofal I just re-watched this film, having first seen it when it was originally released. Feeling moved by it, I came to the review page to read other opinions. I feel disappointed to see that many reviews claim that the film depicts the history of slavery and racism inaccurately. The film is based upon the memoir of a free African-American who lived in NY in the 1840s. He was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the deep south. I read the memoir, and the film is true to it, As someone with a degree in US history, I understand that a primary source such as a memoir can be a valuable reflection of a period in time, particularly if it is measured against other primary sources for accuracy. The memoir is legitimate. This film is true to the memoir, and it is also directed with heartfelt, soulful vision. The acting and score make a heartbreaking collaboration.