Is Twelve Years a Slave On Netflix?
What is Twelve Years a Slave?
Twelve Years a Slave is a historical drama film directed by Steve McQueen, based on the true story of Solomon Northup, a free black man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the 1840s. The film premiered at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival and won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
The True Story of Solomon Northup
*Solomon Northup was born in 1797 in Albany, New York, to a free black family. He was the 12th of 15 children and grew up in a wealthy family. In 1839, Northup began working as a wharf laborer in New Orleans, where he would eventually be kidnapped and sold into slavery.*
- Northup was born free, but his family had hired a runaway slave catcher, who demanded that they take him in and raise him as one of their own.
- In 1839, Northup traveled to New Orleans to work as a wharf laborer, where he was approached by a runaway slave catcher named Elijah and his accomplices, who offered him $300 to accept a position on a steamboat.**
- On the night of April 19, 1841, Northup fell asleep in his stateroom, and his three accomplices secretly locked him in his quarters and then sold him to the New Orleans Hamilton Wharf Yard and escaped with $350 in cash and 16 cents in gold. When his family discovered what had happened, they were forced to travel 400 miles to the interior of the United States to seek redress for their son.
Twelve Years in Slavery
- The National Board of Review praised the film’s powerful and unflinching portrayal of slavery, stating that it "shocks and awes" and that "if you’ve seen one film about slavery, you’ve seen one film about slavery".
- The New York Times described the film as "a visceral and unsettling portrayal of slavery" and praised McQueen’s direction, stating that it "skillfully conveys the brutal and dehumanizing effects of slavery".
- The Guardian praised the film’s "heartbreaking and thought-provoking" portrayal of slavery, stating that it "humanizes the victims of slavery and makes us feel what they felt".
The Screenplay and Adaptation
- The screenplay was adapted from the memoir of Solomon Northup by Timothy E. Rudolph, and was written by Steve McQueen, Bronté A. Miller, John Boorman, and Richard LaGravenese.
- The film was directed by Steve McQueen, who also produced the film. McQueen’s direction was acclaimed for its visual style and emotional resonance, and he also played the role of Solomon Northup in the film.
- The cast included Channing Tatum as Solomon Northup, Michael Fassbender as Louis, Gemma Arterton as Broomhaven, and Lupita Nyong’o as Broomhaven.
Impact and Legacy
- Twelve Years a Slave was a blockbuster success, grossing over $62 million at the box office.
- The film won numerous awards, including six Academy Awards, and has been recognized as one of the best films of all time.
- The film has also been praised for its historical accuracy and its portrayal of the human cost of slavery**.
- Twelve Years a Slave has also been used as a teaching tool in schools and universities, to help students understand the horrors of slavery and its ongoing impact on society today.
Comparison to Other Films
- 12 Years a Slave has been compared to other films that depict the harsh realities of slavery, including The Birth of a Nation, Roots, and Amistad.
- Some critics have argued that the film overemphasizes the cruelty of slavery and that it underscores the humanity of the enslaved individuals.
- Others have praised the film for its powerful and unflinching portrayal of slavery and have noted that it humanizes the victims of slavery.
Conclusion
- Twelve Years a Slave is a powerful and thought-provoking film that sheds light on the brutal and dehumanizing effects of slavery.
- The film has been praised for its historical accuracy and its portrayal of the human cost of slavery**.
- The film has also been recognized as one of the best films of all time, and has been used as a teaching tool in schools and universities to help students understand the horrors of slavery and its ongoing impact on society today.
Additional Facts
- The film was released in theaters in December 2013, at a limited release.
- The film has been released on DVD and Blu-ray, and has also been made available for streaming.
- The film has been praised for its cinematic excellence and its haunting and thought-provoking score**.
Recommended Viewing
- Twelve Years a Slave is a must-see for anyone interested in history, human rights, and the effects of slavery.
- The film has been praised for its historical accuracy and its portrayal of the human cost of slavery**.
- Twelve Years a Slave is also a great choice for those interested in social justice and social commentary.