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12 Years a Slave

  • 20132013
  • RR
  • 2h 14m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
686K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
947
187
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.
Play trailer2:27
12 Videos
99+ Photos
  • Biography
  • Drama
  • History

In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.In the antebellum United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery.

IMDb RATING
8.1/10
686K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
947
187
  • Director
    • Steve McQueen
  • Writers
    • John Ridley(screenplay by)
    • Solomon Northup(based on "Twelve Years a Slave" by)
  • Stars
    • Chiwetel Ejiofor
    • Michael Kenneth Williams
    • Michael Fassbender
Top credits
  • Director
    • Steve McQueen
  • Writers
    • John Ridley(screenplay by)
    • Solomon Northup(based on "Twelve Years a Slave" by)
  • Stars
    • Chiwetel Ejiofor
    • Michael Kenneth Williams
    • Michael Fassbender
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 956User reviews
    • 488Critic reviews
    • 96Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
  • Top rated movie #182
    • Won 3 Oscars
      • 242 wins & 337 nominations total

    Videos12

    UK Trailer
    Trailer 2:27
    UK Trailer
    Trailer #1
    Trailer 2:29
    Trailer #1
    12 Years a Slave
    Trailer 2:21
    12 Years a Slave
    The Rise of Chiwetel Ejiofor
    Clip 4:09
    The Rise of Chiwetel Ejiofor
    12 Years a Slave
    Clip 0:41
    12 Years a Slave
    12 Years a Slave
    Clip 0:56
    12 Years a Slave
    Exclusive Featurette
    Featurette 4:39
    Exclusive Featurette
    Exclusive: The Director's Vision
    Featurette 3:51
    Exclusive: The Director's Vision
    The Envelope Screening Series
    Featurette 3:08
    The Envelope Screening Series
    "A Portrait of Solomon Northup"
    Featurette 5:36
    "A Portrait of Solomon Northup"
    "Fight Back" TV Spot
    Promo 0:49
    "Fight Back" TV Spot
    Lupita Nyong'o of 'Us': "No Small Parts"
    Video 3:20
    Lupita Nyong'o of 'Us': "No Small Parts"

    Photos198

    Chiwetel Ejiofor and Adepero Oduye in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Paul Dano and Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Lupita Nyong'o in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Sarah Paulson and Michael Fassbender in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Paul Giamatti in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Chiwetel Ejiofor, Kelsey Scott, Quvenzhané Wallis, and Cameron Zeigler in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, and Lupita Nyong'o in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Chiwetel Ejiofor and Benedict Cumberbatch in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Chiwetel Ejiofor in 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    Sarah Paulson and Lupita Nyong'o in 12 Years a Slave (2013)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Chiwetel Ejiofor
    Chiwetel Ejiofor
    • Solomon Northupas Solomon Northup
    Michael Kenneth Williams
    Michael Kenneth Williams
    • Robertas Robert
    Michael Fassbender
    Michael Fassbender
    • Edwin Eppsas Edwin Epps
    Brad Pitt
    Brad Pitt
    • Bassas Bass
    Dwight Henry
    Dwight Henry
    • Uncle Abramas Uncle Abram
    Dickie Gravois
    • Overseeras Overseer
    Bryan Batt
    Bryan Batt
    • Judge Turneras Judge Turner
    Ashley Dyke
    Ashley Dyke
    • Annaas Anna
    Kelsey Scott
    Kelsey Scott
    • Anne Northupas Anne Northup
    Quvenzhané Wallis
    Quvenzhané Wallis
    • Margaret Northupas Margaret Northup
    Cameron Zeigler
    • Alonzo Northupas Alonzo Northup
    Tony Bentley
    Tony Bentley
    • Mr. Moonas Mr. Moon
    Scoot McNairy
    Scoot McNairy
    • Brownas Brown
    Taran Killam
    Taran Killam
    • Hamiltonas Hamilton
    Christopher Berry
    Christopher Berry
    • Burchas Burch
    Bill Camp
    Bill Camp
    • Radburnas Radburn
    Mister Mackey Jr.
    • Randallas Randall
    Chris Chalk
    Chris Chalk
    • Clemensas Clemens
    • Director
      • Steve McQueen
    • Writers
      • John Ridley(screenplay by)
      • Solomon Northup(based on "Twelve Years a Slave" by)
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

    A Guide to the Films of Steve McQueen

    A Guide to the Films of Steve McQueen

    Through detailed close-ups, single-take dialogues, and powerhouse performances, Oscar-winning filmmaker Steve McQueen has shown audiences his unflinching perspectives on real-world drama.
    Watch the video
    Image caption not available
    2:08

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    Storyline

    Edit
    Based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty personified by a malevolent slave owner, as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist will forever alter his life. —Fox Searchlight
    • kidnapping
    • racism
    • separation from family
    • torture
    • whipping
    • 103 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • The extraordinary true story of Solomon Northup
    • Genres
      • Biography
      • Drama
      • History
    • Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
      • Rated R for violence/cruelty, some nudity and brief sexuality
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      The tree where Solomon sees several men being lynched was actually used for lynching, and is surrounded by the graves of murdered slaves.
    • Goofs
      When "Platt" is explaining how to bring the logs down the river, the overseer scornfully asks him where he became an expert in engineering and "terraforming." This a word coined by science fiction author Jack Williamson in 1942, almost exactly 100 years after the scene takes place.
    • Quotes

      Solomon Northup: I don't want to survive. I want to live.

    • Crazy credits
      "In 1853 Solomon published the book 'Twelve Years a Slave'."
    • Connections
      Featured in The Onion Film Standard: 12 Years a Slave (2013)
    • Soundtracks
      My Lord, Sunshine
      Written by Nicholas Britell

      Performed by Roosevelt Credit and David Hughey

    User reviews956

    Review
    Top review
    10/10
    McQueen's epic is beautiful and tragic anchored by sensational performances...
    Read More @ The Awards Circuit (http://www.awardscircuit.com)

    One of the things that have been thrown around for months now is the notion that awards season voting bodies won't respond to it because it's too "difficult" to sit through. Let's define difficult, shall we? Is it difficult to see the first openly gay politician gunned down by his closeted colleague? Is it difficult to see a reformed convict put to death by our country for his crimes? Is it difficult to see a mother choose which one of her children dies during the Holocaust? I'd argue that these answers add up to a resounding yes. Yet, no one threw those phrases of "too difficult" around.

    I've watched hundreds of films throughout my short 29-year history and I've seen some difficult cinema. Steven Spielberg's "Schindler's List" can make anyone quiver in shame as it shows the despicable reality of the Holocaust. Paul Greengrass' "United 93", which is almost an emotional biopic of America's darkest hour, makes me want to crawl up into a ball and cry. And finally, Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ", one of the highest grossing films of all-time, shows the labor of our sins fleshed out into the beaten skin of an honest man. And still, no one threw these hyperbolic terms out saying, "it's too hard watch." Is it because this is an American tragedy, done by Americans? Is it the guilt of someone's ancestors manifesting it in your tear ducts? I can't answer that. Only the person who says it can. The structure of this country is built on the backs and blood of slaves. But slavery didn't just exist in America, it was everywhere. It was horrifying what occurred for over 200 years and believe it or not, still exists in some parts of the world TODAY.

    Now when approaching the powerful film by McQueen and distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures, there is a resounding honesty that McQueen and screenwriter John Ridley inhabit. There are no tricks or gimmicks, no cheap takes on a side story or character that is put there for time filling or a life-lesson for Solomon to learn. Everything is genuine. Is the film heartbreaking? Oh my God yes. Did I cry for several minutes after the screening? Embarrassingly so. I was enamored the entire time, head to toe, moment to moment.

    I have long admired the talent that's been evident in the works of Chiwetel Ejiofor. I've known he was capable of what he has accomplished as Solomon Northup and he hits it out of the park. He has the urgency, worry, and drive to get home to his family and executes every emotion flawlessly even when all hope seems to be lost. Where he shines incredibly are the small nuances that he takes as the story slows down, you notice aspects of Solomon that make him even more believable.

    As Edwin Epps, Solomon's last owner, Michael Fassbender digs down deep into some evil territory. Acts as the "Amon Goeth" of our tale, he is exactly what you'd expect a person who believes this should be a way of life to behave. He's vile and strikes fear into not only the people he interacts with but with the viewers who watch. As Mrs. Epps, Sarah Paulson is just as wretched. Abusive, conniving, entitled, and I loved every second of her.

    Mark my words; Lupita Nyong'o is the emotional epicenter of the entire film. The heartache, tears, and anger that will grow inside during the feature will have our beautiful "Patsey" at the core. She is the great find of our film year and will surely go on to more dynamic and passionate projects in the future. You're watching the birth of a star.

    Hans Zimmer puts forth a very pronounced score, enriched with all the subtle ticks that strike the chords of tone. One thing that cannot be denied is the exquisite camera work of Sean Bobbit. Weaving through the parts of boat and then through the grassroots of a cotton field, he puts himself in the leagues of Roger Deakins and Seamus McGarvey as one of the most innovative and exciting DP's in the business. Especially following his work in "The Place Beyond the Pines" earlier this year. Simply marvelous.

    Oscar chances, since I know many of you are wondering. Put the Oscar's in my hands, you have a dozen nominations reap for the taking. Best Picture, Director, Lead Actor, Supporting Actor, dual Supporting Actresses, Adapted Screenplay, Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design, Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Original Score. There's also a strong and rich sound scope that is present. The sounds of nature as the slaves walk or as Solomon approaches his master's house is noticed. The big question is, can it win? I haven't seen everything yet so I cannot yet if it deserves it or not. I can say, if critics and audiences can get off this "difficult" watch nonsense and accept the cinematic endeavor as a look into our own history as told from a great auteur, there's no reason it can't top the night. I'm very aware that seeing this film along with Steve McQueen crowned by Oscar is nearly erasing 85 years of history in the Academy. Are they willing and ready to begin looking into new realms and allowing someone not necessarily in their inner circles to make a bold statement as McQueen and Ridley take in "12 Years a Slave?" I remain hopeful.
    helpful•275
    172
    • ClaytonDavis
    • Sep 14, 2013

    FAQ9

    • Is '12 Years a Slave' based on a book?
    • Did Solomon really play the violin?
    • Did Solomon's kidnappers really drug him?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 8, 2013 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • United Kingdom
    • Official sites
      • Official Facebook
      • Official site
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Twelve Years a Slave
    • Filming locations
      • Madame John's Legacy, the French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
    • Production companies
      • New Regency Productions
      • River Road Entertainment
      • Plan B Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $20,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $56,671,993
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $923,715
      • Oct 20, 2013
    • Gross worldwide
      • $187,733,202
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 14 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS
      • Dolby Surround 7.1
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.35 : 1

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