There are movies that are so bone-chilling without a lot of splatter and such that it’s hard to watch them a second time – even though they’re absolutely amazing. And Steve McQueen’s 2013 slavery drama 12 Years A Slave falls into this category.
But even if (or precisely because) the film continues to stir, ten years after its theatrical release, we can still heartily recommend it – and for the occasion, especially to anyone with a Prime subscription, because: “12 Years A Slave” will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video starting September 6, 2023 at no additional cost to Prime customers.
That’s what ’12 Years A Slave’ is about
Black violinist Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his family actually lead a life of freedom. However, due to a ruse by two criminals, after a night of drinking, he is suddenly chained as a slave who has been robbed of his papers and is therefore unable to prove his true identity.
In a roundabout way, he eventually ends up on the cotton plantation of the sadistic Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender in one of his most dismal roles), where a tormenting and long martyrdom begins for him, in which the hope of seeing his wife and children fades again. increasingly…
An intensely exceptional work
’12 Years A Slave’ may be heavier than some horror films, but that proves to be a special force., wrote FILMSTARTS editor Björn Becher in his 4.5 star review of the film. The unadorned look into the depths of American history literally forces the viewer to engage with topics such as slavery, racism and oppression.
Director Steve McQueen (“Hunger”, “Shame”) embellishes nothing, exposing his audience to the brutality of the slaveholders so ruthlessly that his protagonist’s physical and mental anguish is palpable throughout the run-up to the film. moving final. In seemingly endless scenes of torture, he makes us watch as people are mistreated, resistances are broken and lives are wiped out.
’12 Years A Slave’ may not come across as very subtle, but it is a cinema monument that is characterized by even more deeply felt sympathy and honest indignation, carried by a fantastic cast, which has familiar faces down to the smallest details. roles (including Brad Pitt, Benedict Cumberbatch and Sarah Paulson).
The intensity, already unbearable at times, is enhanced by the fact that this incredible story is based on real events, written in a book by the real Solomon Northup.
Ten years after its release, “12 Years A Slave” is still a hard to bear price and great cinematic art at the same timewhich deservedly won three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress (then newcomer Lupita Nyong’o).