What makes ‘12 Years a Slave’ a remarkable movie?

 

            The movie, ‘12 Years a Slave’ was released in the year 2013. It is an adaptation of the 1853 slave narrative memoir of the same name by Solomon Northup, a New York born African-American man who was kidnapped by two men and sold into slavery. The film was directed by Steve McQueen. The screenplay was written by John Ridley.

            The movie narrates the story of Northup, a violinist in Saratoga. He’s a loving husband, a devoted father, and a respected man of his community.

            His ill fate begins when two conmen trap him and sell him as a slave. He is given a new name ‘Platt’ and thus begins twelve years of misery, agony, and punishing work as Platt is sold from master to master. Still, he desperately holds on to hope that somehow, he will win his way to freedom, and get back to his family.

            ‘12 Years a Slave’ won three Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Nyong’o, and Best Adapted Screenplay for Ridley.

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