Watch 12 Years a Slave

12 Years a Slave is a historical drama film released in 2013. The film is an adaptation of the 1853 slave memoir Twelve Years a Slave by Solomon Northup. The movie tells the story of a free African American man named Solomon Northup, who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Louisiana in 1841. Chiwetel Ejiofor plays the role of Solomon Northup in the film. He portrays the character excellently, showing his transformation from a free man to a slave. Michael Fassbender plays the role of the brutal slave owner Edwin Epps, who is responsible for the torture and mistreatment of Solomon and other slaves on his plantation. Michael Kenneth Williams also features in the film as a fellow slave, Robert.

The story begins when Solomon is abducted and taken away from his wife and children. He is sold into slavery and transported to Louisiana, where he is forced to work on a cotton plantation. Solomon's attempt to tell others that he is a free man and that he has been kidnapped and sold into slavery is dismissed by his captors.

Solomon's new life as a slave is incredibly traumatic. He is treated brutally by his many masters and is forced to do backbreaking work on the plantation. Moreover, he is subjected to constant physical and emotional abuse. He is repeatedly whipped and beaten, and his spirit is almost broken on several occasions.

Despite the harsh circumstances, Solomon remains resolute in his desire to be reunited with his family. However, his dreams of freedom are constantly dashed and interrupted by the cruel and heartless slave traders, brutal plantation owners, and worse, self-righteous Christians who attempt to justify their acts of inhumane violence through their religious beliefs.

Solomon's journey also introduces him to other slaves who have equally sad and terrible stories, but whose hopes and dreams he now shares. Throughout the film, we see his character's growth as he begins to understand the brutal and exploitative practices of the slave trade, as well as the inhumanity that countless slaves, black and white, faced every day.

12 Years a Slave is a poignant reflection on the historical ills of slavery and an excellent example of a movie that effectively communicates a significant historical and moral message. It is a powerful film that shows the brutal reality of slavery and highlights the inhumane practices that it lowers human beings to. Even after the end of the cruel system, we deal with its lasting legacy to this day. The film has an impactful message, and it provides a deep reflection on human rights and dignity.

In conclusion, 12 Years a Slave is an excellent film that deserves a watch. It is a gripping and emotionally charged movie that explores the realities of the African American experience under slavery in America. It is a haunting reminder of the cruelty, inhumanity, and violence of the slave system, as well as the resilience that many slaves showed in the face of such inhumane treatment. This film should be viewed as a strong endorsement of human equality and dignity.

12 Years a Slave is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 14 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 96.