The release of Steve McQueen’s historical drama “12 Years of Slavery” in 2013 was one of the landmark events for the black population of America. The picture is a film adaptation of the autobiography of the same name by an American citizen Solomon Northop. In his memoirs, he described a very difficult and unjust period of his life.
Many actors of the film “12 Years of Slavery” in 2013 were nominated for an Oscar. The award went to black actress Lupita Niongo for Best Actress and John Ridley for Best Adapted Screenplay. The tape itself also received an award for "Best Film."
The plot of the film "12 years of slavery"
The film begins in 1941, when the protagonist arrives with his family in Washington to perform there on tour. After the concert, he celebrates with friends, and the next morning he wakes up, chained. It turns out that his companions mistakenly mistook him for a runaway slave and, after drinking, handed over to the owners in New Orleans.
From that moment on, terrible 12 years of suffering begin for Solomon. He is forced to respond to someone else's name and, tirelessly, work on the plantation. The first master is friendly to the slave and even gives him a violin, noting his musical talent. However, due to a quarrel with the carpenter Tibbits, as a result of which Solomon nearly died when he tried to lynch him on a tree, he has to leave the plantation. To save the slave's life, the owner is forced to sell it to the tyrant Edwin Epps, played by the talented Michael Fassbender. From this moment, Solomon’s life turns into hell.
Being enslaved by Epps, the protagonist makes no attempt to return home: he even writes a letter to friends, which he failed to send. There he meets the slave Patsy, whom the planter's wife is terribly jealous of her husband. Meanwhile, Epps periodically raps Patsy, and she, unable to continue such a life, asks Solomon to kill her, but is refused. Another new acquaintance is the worker Bass, who expresses his contempt for the slave system and takes part in the opposition. In his face, Solomon finds a soul mate and asks him to write a letter to his friends.
Once, by a fluke, a local sheriff peeks at a plantation. He talks with Solomon about his past life. In the person present at this moment nearby, the hero recognizes an old acquaintance. This situation is saving for him. Solomon returns to the family.
Actors of the film “12 Years of Slavery”, 2013
The cast of the film is full of famous talented personalities. The role of the main character went to Chiwetel Ejiofor, who did an excellent job. The first owner of Solomon, the merciful planter William Ford, is played by the stunning Benedict Cumberbatch, known to viewers from the TV series Sherlock. Michael Fassbender, known for his brilliantly played roles of Macbeth and Steve Jobs, played the role of the cruel Edwin Epps.
The role of his wife was Sarah Paulson, who became popular thanks to the series American Horror Story. Kenyan actress Lupita Niongo for her role received an Oscar. Canadian hard worker Bass was played by Brad Pitt.
Reviews
It is hardly possible to find a person who would remain indifferent to this film. Critics and ordinary viewers unanimously say that this is a masterpiece. Largely thanks to talented actors, the film “12 Years of Slavery” in 2013 clearly conveys the atmosphere of America during the slave system. This feature of the film is also noted in the comments to it.
Studying a variety of sources, it is difficult to find negative reviews about this film. After all, the topic raised in it is really someone else's pain and reflects real events.
Interesting Facts
Filming took place near the place where the real Solomon Northup was held in slavery.
Filming lasted a little over a month.
The actors of the film “12 Years of Slavery” in 2013, Taram Killam and Brad Pitt never crossed paths on the set, although Taram often parodied Bred in a popular American television show.
The director’s grandparents were descendants of slaves.
In the third season of the television series American Horror Story, the witch Quinnie forcibly forces the severed head of brutal slave-owner Madame LaLory to watch “12 Years of Slavery” on TV.
During the filming of the Patsy Beating scene, Michael Fassbender was so emotionally squeezed that he lost consciousness.
On August 28, 1963, civil rights activist Martin Luther King delivered a speech in which he urged people to acknowledge that they were all born equal, regardless of skin color. To some extent, the film “12 Years of Slavery” can be considered an artistic expression of this speech.
The film, like the memoirs of Solomon Northop, became a real confession and an ode to human stamina and willpower. Once at the very edge of despair, the protagonist finds the strength to fight and ultimately gains lost freedom.