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Rating of
4/4
Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 05/28/2019
A crushing portrait of the dehumanization of slavery.
Rating of
3/4
Gabe - wrote on 08/24/2016
A wonderful and powerful film. Everything about it is excellent. I understand why it won all of the Academy Awards that it did, I thought American Hustle was more entertaining, but this film was just so powerful. It passes all of my tests to be considered a great film, except the re-watchability factor. I never want to see this film again. But, that does not make it any more great. A must watch for everyone.
Rating of
3.5/4
Pat - wrote on 07/20/2016
With the cruelty Schindler's List possesses and a hint of Shawshank Redemption's feeling. Fantastic film! Definitely deserving of Best Picture of 2013!
Rating of
1.5/4
Ian - wrote on 09/15/2015
Highly overrated film designed as an Oscar grab. The story has been told before, correctly in Roots, etc... but this is just the same old rehash with bland characters, predictable scenes and story, too much exposition, and just doesn't bring anything new or interest. The historic struggle deserved better than this.
Rating of
3.5/4
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 10/13/2014
Definitely one of the greatest films on racism and slavery. Some parts felt a bit dragging since the story was being held to a few scenes. The movie a tremendous supporting cast that is very believable. If it were not for Chiwetel Ejiofor as Solomon then this would definitely have not worked. It is painful to watch but they really caught the realism of the era. Overall a great movie.
Rating of
4/4
Indyfreak - wrote on 07/23/2014
Not saying anything different because everyone else was right. This was the best movie of 2013! To call it the "Schindler's List" or the "Hotel Rwanda" of our time is an insult. This movie is in the same league but it remains its own thing so we should not measure it by the standards of previous films-especially since one could argue it has raised the bar for such films.
Rating of
3.5/4
Chris Kavan - wrote on 05/17/2014
A gripping, powerful film - deserving of the awards it has received. This it he kind of film that will open your eyes even as you want to shut them - to think this was the state of affairs a few generations removed from where we stand now. It's unflinching - scenes of rape, torture, lynching - and it's also the truth - and you will not soon forget about it. And the performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong'o and Michael Fassbender are all deserving of major recognition (thought the entire cast, as a whole, it phenomenal). Not a film to go into lightly, but it should be watched by all.
Rating of
3.5/4
Norrin - wrote on 03/06/2014
A brutal, unflinching look at slavery that actually sticks very close to actual history, rather than adding unnecessary melodrama or purposeful historical distortions for political purposes. All technical credits are first rate, and the movie is anchored by brilliant acting across the board. A must see.
Rating of
2.5/4
smeagol - wrote on 02/26/2014
over rated and pretty boring. its a ok decent/good movie but in no way is it great. The problem with these types of movies is they gain awards due to the subject matter but not so much the movie itself. The acting is good but its very long and a lot is needless. and overlong shots. and not really showing anything. also the character is not very likeable. i just kept thinking what about the other slaves. why does this guy think he is so special. . then it ends . for such a big subject i expected more content its not in the league of the other movies its beating in the awards. its good at best no more. There is much better movies than this one.
Rating of
4/4
Unknown - wrote on 11/20/2013
'12 Years A Slave' is the most honest, unfiltered presentation of African slavery in the United States. It's devastating to know that these extremely harsh depictions of degradation actually happened, that humans could treat other humans like property in such a cruel manner. The effect is emotionally crushing. But, the film is ultimately moving because of the lead character's enormous struggle. He is a true testament to the strength of the human spirit. A real survivor. '12 Years', without a doubt, is one of the best written, directed, and acted films of the year. It is important that everyone see this. A tremendous and powerful addition to cinema.
