12 Years A Slave Film Review

12 years a slave in an amazing film. Its uncensored view on slavery really connects with the audience and portrays what slave life was actually like on a plantation. The fact that is a true story and in the eyes of a slave makes the whole movie more moving and horrific of what some African Americans lived through during slavery. Additionally because Soloman was a free man, slavery is seen as even more evil and dark.
From the very beginning of the film we see the contrast of the life of a well educated, free black man compared to a slave, who even if educated has to say otherwise in fear of his life. Because both are the same person, it makes the contrast more dramatic than it already is and portrays the true horrors of slavery. For the first part of the movie we are always thrown from normal life to the extreme brutality of slavery. This makes the portrayal of slavery even more disturbing and brutal.
The films very explicit portrayal of slavery helps expose the harshness of slavery. We see Soloman de-personified as a slave, where his name is changed to Platt by his 'masters' and the brutal whipping and mental torture slaves had to endure. When Patsey is accused of talking about her 'master' behind her back she is forced to endure massive physical pain. Platt is also punished mentally, just for being there, as he is forced to whip Patsey or he will be killed.
Another Part that really stuck out to me was when Soloman was almost hung on his first plantation. After he is saved by the guard on the horse, he is left there, almost dying while people get on with there day all around him. The light fades so we can only assume a larger amount of time has past and he is still on his toes almost being strangled by his noose. To me this shows  how scared slaved were of their masters and the feeling of ownership the white people had over their slaves. Only the master can cut him down. We can see the slaves want to help but are in fear of their own life. Although in the film most slaves stick together and look out for one another when possible, the movie creates a very 'look out for yourself' message. They want to help Soloman but if helping him means they are both punished no action is taken.
The only white man in the film to be sympathetic of slaves is Brad Pitts character. He is willing to risk his life to help Soloman, as he sends a letter to get some help. I like this character especially because it is a representation of the people against slavery. They were few and far but to include them in the film shows a glimmer of hope to slaves. Hope that many slaves had towards the ends years and the civil war.

The overall feel of the movie is very dark and the slaves are portrayed as helpless. This is evident throughout the whole movie, especially when Platt comes across the hanging of two black men. He almost has to walk by and do nothing because if he says anything and tries to help he will be killed as well.
This film is unique in its approach to slavery. Its true story nature makes it that bit more dramatic and touching in its message. This includes the contrast of Solomans life on and off of the plantation. Its explicit approach to slavery and slave life, portrays slavery very accurately as a dark, painful, degrading experience. One, unfortunately many people died at the hands of.