I'd been quite amped to see this film. Not because I thought it would be really enjoyable, but because I knew it would be one of those dramas that affects your soul. Does it? Absolutely.
The true story of Solomon Northup, a free man in 1850's New York, abducted and sold into slavery. Director Steve McQueen and lead actor Chiwetel Ejiofor bring to life this harrowing story of a man taken from his wife and children, and plunged into utter darkness in the life of a slave. The detail in which this film is produced is remarkable. There is nothing overly fancy about the production, just real landscapes, and real people. It really is about the story and the characters.
Northup is first sold to a slaver played by Benedict Cumberbatch. He has a humanity about him, and treats his slaves with dignity and a friendly manner. However, the odd remark here and there reminds Northup of what his place in this new life is. Unfortunately, Northup clashes with a slave master working for Cumberbatch, and this leaves him no choice but to sell Northup on to another.
It's at this point that the nightmare that Northup is already living becomes hell - not that he wasn't in hell already. He becomes the property of a sadistic slave owner played by Michael Fassbender. Fassbender completely embodies the traits of a slave owner that truly believes his slaves are his property, to do with as he pleases - it is stated in religous scripture, or so he says. This includes rape, beatings, whippings and anything else horrible you can think of. McQueen does not shy away from showing the audience the real nature of what slaves lived through, day by day. The fear, manipulation, and downright inhuman treatment, all because your skin colour is not white.
Northup is an amazing character. Think about how you would feel and handle being abducted from your family and thrown into a world of no hope. Although he defintely struggles (as would anyone), there is this strength within him that allows him to still fight back, and not lose hope in regaining his life back.
As I said, I didn't enjoy this film, but I absolutely admired it.
Rating:
4 out of 5. Probably higher on repeat viewings. This film could become one of those I revisit on occasion.
