12 Years a Slave (3/3/2014)

Rated R for violence/cruelty, some nudity and brief sexuality.

Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Paul Giamatti, Lupita Nyong’o, Sarah Paulson and Brad Pitt

Directed by Steve McQueen

One of the most difficult films to watch…but worth every minute of it.

12 Years a Slave is based on an incredible true story of one man’s fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty (personified by a malevolent slave owner, portrayed by Michael Fassbender) as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon’s chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist (Brad Pitt) forever alters his life.

Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Solomon Northup. He’s been a “that guy” actor for sometime. What I mean by that is that film-goers may know his face but not his name. After this film, I’m sure that’s going to change. He gives an Oscar-worthy performance. He has moments when he speaks profound dialogue and other times when his body language and eyes speak even louder. Honestly his performance left me speechless at times.

Micheal Fassbender also delivers an amazing performance. He plays Edwynn Epps, a vicious slave owner who is both evil and terrifying. I love Micheal Fassbender, but I hated him for the last 2 hours…that’s a powerful performance.

Other actors give excellent performances as well. Paul Giamatti, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sarah Paulson, Alfre Woodard are all great in relatively small roles.

There is one more actress who deserves to be praised. In her first role in a feature film, Lupita Nyong’o, delivers a performance any Hollywood A-lister would be envious of.

Starting his career as a video artist before making full-length films, Steve McQueen has an uncanny eye for imagery and contrast. He’s also a very patient filmmaker, utilizing long, steady single shots to emphasize various images. Like when the events on screen are at their most horrific, his camera becomes the most unflinching. It’s both beautiful and difficult to watch.

I watch over a hundred films a year and I’ve seen some difficult films. Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List, Lone Survivor and of course Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ rank among the top of that list. And I would without reservation add 12 Years a Slave to that list. It’s “Theater Worthy.”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Although the film is based on a true story and historically valuable, I would say it’s a no for most teenagers. This film is very graphic. There is nudity, a sex scene and plenty of violence.

CONVERSATION STARTER

1. How did you feel watching the mistreatment, abuse and injustice that Solomon and others experienced in this?


2. As Christ followers should we respond when we see injustice?


3. Read Micah 6:8
   
   He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
   
   Now read Jeremiah 22:3-5
   
   Thus says the Lord: Do justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor him who has been robbed. And do no wrong or violence to the resident alien, the fatherless, and the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. For if you will indeed obey this word, then there shall enter the gates of this house kings who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their servants and their people. But if you will not obey these words, I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that this house shall become a desolation.


4. Did you know that a conservative estimate is that there are 21-30 million people in slavery today?

   Check out http://www.freetheslaves.net



5. What can we do to end slavery?