After seeing the trailers, I said that I would not see "12 Years A Slave."
Even though it is based on a true story, I thought, "this is too painful and I refuse to put myself through it."
And then I started thinking, "Do I really want to go to the office and have my white colleagues telling me about the movie?" And that was all the motivation it took for me to put my own personal sensitivities aside and get to the theater.
If the Academy doesn't recognize this film and its amazing talent (especially Chiwetel Ejiofor who plays the main character, Solomon Northrup, a free black man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery), there is no hope for the film industry. The director, Steve McQueen, is brilliant. Give him his Oscar today.
Is it painful? Brutally. Will it make you angry? Absolutely. If it doesn't, check your pulse.
I experienced every range of emotions possible, including a couple of chuckles during some scenes (watch for Alfre Woodard).
But, it also reminds you that there were some good people, especially, the abolitionists, who did try to do the right thing, even when it might mean risking their own lives.
It is absolutely important that you see this movie. You owe it your ancestors.
In fact, I plan to see it again with my daughter who swears she can't handle it. No African American who is over the age of 18, should get a "pass" to skip this one.
Attendance is mandatory.
2 comments:
Poignant review. Now, I feel obligated to see. If it softens my attitude about the daily reminders of continuing institutional slavery, I'm game. Upon reflections of the latter fifties and early sixties, there were many non-African American civil rights activists and supporters of the cause - some who did, indeed, make the ultimate sacrifice.
Great review and I agree that everyone should see this movie to be reminded of what so many want to forget. The effects of this brutal system are still with us today and we can overcome our history only when we fully embrace it and understand it.
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