12 Years a Slave (2013)

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12 Years a Slave was released on November 8, 2013, in the USA. The American drama film was produced by New Regency Production. The movie storyline was written by John Ridley, directed by Steve McQueen. The movie was based on the book that was created by Solomon Northup, that tells a story of his life as a slave for 12 years.[1]

Plot

In 1841, Solomon Northup, an African American free man, is abducted and seized into slavery under the name 'Platt'. For 12 years, he faces the difficulties of being a slave under the hands of several owners. Through hope, determination, and bravery Northup must survive and endure those 12 years as a slave.[2]

Solomon in 12 Years a Slave[3]

Controversy

The movie reveals that surviving as a black race is quite fortunate. This was shown where One of the other captives tells Solomon that the key to survival is to keep quiet, never tell anyone his real name, and hide his ability to read and to write. Moreover, the movie portrays that black men and women have an astonishing hatred, brutality, and physical punishment as shown in the scene where Theophilus Freeman (Paul Giamatti), a New Orleans slave trader, humiliates the naked slaves up for sale, making it quite obvious that the black women are seen by promised customers as sexual dolls [4]

References