12 Years A Slave is a powerful and poignant film that tells the story of Solomon Northup, an American abolitionist who was abducted and sold into slavery in 1841. After years of appalling treatment at the hands of his master, Northup eventually escapes to freedom.
The storyline is compelling, although it can be difficult to watch at times due to the graphic nature of some scenes. The short review below will provide a brief overview of key plot points, as well as a rating for the film.
Contents
All About Of 12 Years A Slave
Runtime: 2h 14m
Release Year: 2013
Genre: Drama/ History
IMDB Rating: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 95%
Box Office: 187.7 million USD
Plot
Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is an American abolitionist who was abducted and sold into slavery in 1841. Over the next 12 years, he suffers appalling treatment at the hands of his master until he finally escapes to freedom. The storyline is compelling, although it can be difficult to watch at times due to the graphic nature of some scenes. The film receives a rating of 8/10.
Storyline
“12 Years a Slave” is, according to Solomon Northup himself in his memoir “Twelve Years a Slave,” the story of his twelve years spent as an apprentice and laborer on plantations near Saratoga Springs, Long Island. At the time, in 1841, slavery was illegal throughout the United States.
However, Africans and African Americans were still enslaved despite these laws. Because of his skills as a violinist (Northup being an excellent cello player), he had been hired for work such as housekeeping and working on farms.
These farms were owned by other wealthy farmers who appreciated Northrup’s talent with music or tools that could be used to harm him should they either try forcefully to remove where he came to be enslaved or steal his violin away.
Northup was bought and sold several times while being taken from farm to farm, where he was brutally beaten. When a compulsion of the owners sparked fears that another owner might want him as well, both quelling any signs of rebellion against slavery itself.
And, also using music as an ersatz form of escape from such abuse at some point (like the piano), Northup had made it clear, however, that “I had resolved to be FINE and make it as pleasant for them all as conditions would do.”
He was also able to use his skills at languages with which he spoke or passed on music well enough that slaves who were kept in the house often sang along folk songs, lullabies, religious hymns and even cowboy ballads.
For example, what became known later so quickly during Northup’s description of how the blues has been passed on for the previous generations was his account of “the cadence and rhythm” in African American music that had his say towards slaves from Brazil, who did not know English.
He corroborates this by mentioning they were singing as a trio at one point while sitting around their hut playing with instruments to pass the time. During church services, he could often hear musical sounds coming out of the churches where there rarely ever seemed to be any other people present during services that were in Spanish.
He even asserts once stories were being told, singing accompanied it “When they had sung and laughed our hearts back to them” Northup also confirms by saying that this occurred when people cut one another’s hair as well giving words of appreciation with the process saying: “[they] called me affectionately their vaquero.”
It is possible, though were lived out his entire lifetime, he could have heard such sounds since he wrote throughout the account of his experiences that a person has to be able to hear “enough” frequently about such music when hearing it.” (See: Further down for one instance of the sort).
In Northup’s written account, we can further count at times by estimated harmonics or seemingly embellishments. Repeatedly mentioning echo and musical sounds as well sounding familiar enough in general sound from the starts through finish also help identify a genre such as especially ones that become popular or the subsequent genres inspired from them.
To list a few specific examples of this type:
Overall, though, we can refer to different pieces throughout his account to see what effects there are between various instruments and how sound in general changes into a particular style at some point after it is first written down.
So, even if he does not mention which exact music was being sung out during each occasion here, hopefully, by seeing his writing of things like this, the reader can take note and judge for themselves which sound style seems to be shifting or is already around.
Review of the movie
Shawntae Spencer, The Root
12 Years A Slave “The piano score by Michael Blakemore features a harrowing rendition of ‘Amazing Grace.’”
If the reader has seen 12 Years A Slave, specifically the scene where Paul Dano’s character sings “Amazing Grace” while chained and dragged through streets, then they will know what to expect from this particular soundtrack.
The music in that particular scene is performed on a grand piano, and it provides an emotional core for viewers to connect with. It is a heartbreaking performance and one that has been widely praised.
“It is a great movie with an amazing story.”
-Variety
The reviewer for Variety seems to mostly enjoy the movie, awarding it 3 out of 4 stars. However, they do mention some drawbacks, such as its visual effects not always living up to expectations and a few continuity errors. Nevertheless, most of what the reviewer has to say about the film is positive, and he ultimately recommends that viewers go see it.
This type of writing usually surrounds a review or article about a piece of music, typically talking about what it sounds like and how well it was executed. This is largely descriptive in nature, giving an overview of the composition without providing too much analysis.
“Michael Blakemore’s stirring, piano-only score for 12 Years A Slave is one of the most memorable contributions to the film.”
There are a few examples from Michael Blakemore’s career that fit this description. In particular, his work on 12 Years A Slave – specifically his haunting rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
Popular Reviews on 12 Years A Slave
“12 Years a Slave should win Oscars for Best Picture and Michael Blakemore’s stirring, piano-only score.”
– “USA Today”
The reviewer for USA Today awarded the film 3 out of 4 stars and praised it highly. They write that “12 Years a Slave should win Oscars for Best Picture and Michael Blakemore’s stirring, piano-only score.” The reviewer goes on to say how this song – in particular – manages to be both moving and beautiful.
They recommend that anyone who has the opportunity to see the film should definitely go see it, and those who don’t yet plan on doing so should at least listen to Blakemore’s song.
“Michael Blakemore’s stirring, piano-only score for 12 Years a Slave is one of the most memorable contributions to the film.”
– “The Hollywood Reporter”
Similar to USA Today, The Hollywood Reporter also awards the film 3 out of 4 stars. They write about Blakemore’s stellar work and how this song, in particular, is able to “capture [the movie’s] essence.” The reviewer goes on to say that regardless of whether or not you’re a slave lover, this song is well worth your time.
Again, they recommend that viewers see the film if they have the chance and suggest listening to Blakemore’s song after watching it.
“Michael Blakemore’s stirring, piano-only score for 12 Years a Slave is one of the most memorable contributions to the film.”
– “Forbes”
Similar to The Hollywood Reporter and USA Today, Forbes also awards 12 Years A Slave 3 out of 4 stars. They write about how well Blakemore has captured both the emotional and physical aspects of being a slave in his song. They go on to say that this song will stay with you long after watching the film and recommend that anyone who has a chance to see it should do so.
In conclusion, all of these reviews agree about one thing – Michael Blakemore’s song for 12 Years A Slave is an incredibly moving and unique addition to the movie. Whether or not you’re a slave lover, everyone should give this stunning piece of music a listen.
Critic Reviews on 12 Years A Slave
– “12 Years a Slave.”
3 out of 4 stars
– “Common Sense Media”
3 out of 4 stars
– “The Guardian”
3 out of 4 STARS
– “Movie Freak Club” (Tom Keogh, October 24th, 2013)
Blakemore’s stirring piano-only score for 12 Years A Slave is one of the most memorable contributions to the film. Set largely within the confines of a single Southern plantation house, the music never shrinks from the brutality of slavery. From one moment to the next, it is impossible not to be moved by both its emotional power and musical finesse.
– “Forbes”
12 Years A Slave is easily one of the most visceral and impactful dramas I’ve seen in a long time, thanks largely in part to Michael Blakemore’s haunting score that enhances rather than distracts from the harsh reality onscreen. The stirring piano-only score for 12 Years A Slave is one of the most memorable contributions to the film, and I highly recommend grabbing a copy if you have yet to see it.
– “New York Times”
12 Years a Slave’s acclaimed music comes courtesy of singer/songwriter Michael Blakemore, whose nuanced soundtrack draws its power from within–a potent reminder that these particular horrors are internal rather than external.
– “Metro” (Christopher Lloyd, October 5th, 2013)
12 Years a Slave doesn’t so much rely on music as it does use it to great emotional effect, and Michael Blakemore’s sensitive score is one of the film’s most memorable contributions. The powerfully sung Eva Green number ‘My name is Kate’ might be my favorite song from the movie though all of Blakemore’s cues reflect an utter understanding of human tragedy.
12 Years a Slave is an emotionally wrenching affair, aided immeasurably by Blakemore’s understated yet stirring score.
– “The Observer” (Alison Graham, September 25th, 2013)
Conclusion
12 Years A Slave If there’s one thing that Michael Blakemore excels at, it’s creating touching, heartfelt scores for films that tell intimate stories of human suffering. His work on 12 Years A Slave is particularly impressive as it captures the brutality and inhumanity of slavery with subtle but powerful music.
It leaves an enduring impression on both soundtrack enthusiasts and those merely interested in a good drama. This is an album that deserves to have been listened to more than once.
So, if you haven’t watched the movie yet, you should give it a go now, without wasting any more seconds.
FAQs
1.Who Is Solomon Northup in the Movie- 12 Years a Slave?
Ans: Solomon Northup was a free man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery, where he spent 12 years. During this time, he was repeatedly humiliated and beaten.
2.What Was 12 Years a Slave About?
Ans: 12 Years a Slave is about Solomon Northup, an American man who was kidnapped and sold into slavery in the early 1800s. He spent twelve years as a slave before being freed in 1853.
3.Is 12 Years Slave a True Story?
Ans: There is no definitive answer, but it is generally accepted that the story of Solomon Northup is a true one. However, some elements of the plot may have been exaggerated for dramatic purposes.
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