Customer Ratings & Reviews

12 Years a Slave portrays the vicious hell slavery was. Legally labeling fellow humans as "beasts" and mercilessly abusing them at will was shockingly normal. Sarah Paulson was especially chilling as the jealous wife. I was appalled at Paul Giamatti's corrupt evil trafficker. Solomon Northup's memoir was brought to life without sparing any injustice. Film buffs now have a new standard reference for realism of that era's common atrocities. Very hard but critical to watch. 12 Years a Slave was voted 2014 Best Picture. Remove the Southern accents & introduce a Mediterranean setting and you could easily tell the same type of story in ancient Rome or Sparta. But this horror story is American, all too true, and not a unique story. What is unique is Solomon's education & dedication in committing his survival to a shocking memoir. Solomon's story became an eyewitness to what has become a lost, now recaptured history. 12 Years a Slave demonstrates the power of film. Most would not think to seek a slave's memoir as compelling drama in the written word. On screen, indignity, humiliation, and evil become impossible to ignore. Lupita N'Yongo was perfectly cast as the Master's favorite. Under slavery, something as mundane as soap can change lives like a head-on collision. 12 Years a Slave is a remarkable cinematic achievement. I hope one day becomes a staple easy reference for discussing humans' inhumanity as Huckleberry Finn is now. Daniel J. Delph, Glasgow, Kentucky

It does not matter what your race or ethnicity is, this movie will (or should) move you. I first viewed in theater, but felt compelled to own it. This is the true story of Solomon Northrup's ordeal and both producer, director, writers and actors hit the nail on it's proverbial head. The emotional aspect comes from witnessing so many varieties of cruelty towards another human, whether it was the violence of whip or kidnapping. It encompassed everything I was ever taught about slavery and all of the things I was NOT taught about slavery. It came out for sale on 3/4/14. I went to Best Buy at 5pm that day and there were 4 copies left. by the time I made it to the line, there were none.

The World Is Always Changing. Sometimes For the Good Of It's People. But Where There Is Good. There Is Also Bad Times For Some Of The People's, Of This World. In This Movie There Are Plenty of Good Times As Well As Bad Times For Some Of The People In This Movie. What The Viewer Witnesses, Is How Some People Are Fighting Against Bad Circumstances. While Also Enjoying The Good Times, Life Has To Offer. Bravo TO the Actors And Actresses of This Movie. Kudos TO The Director Of This Movie. Peace!

THIS IS REALLY A GOOD MOVIES. VERY EXCELLENT MASTERPIECE OF HISTORY. THIS MOVIE IS A LEARNING PIECE OF HISTORY FOR OUR YOUNG GENERATION COMING UP TODAY.IT REMIND YOU OF THE PAST DAYS GROWING UP IN THIS SITUATION . MY GRANDPARENTS GREW UP IN SLAVERY TIME AND IT MAKES YOU SAD TO SEE THIS MOVIE HOW THEY WERE TREATED IN THOSE YEARS BUT BESIDE ALL OF THAT IT WAS A EXCELLENT MOVIE TO WATCH AND I ENJOYED IT AND MY GRANDKIDS WILL LEARN FROM IT AS WELL.

This gripping drama set during the time of slavery is the tale of Solomon Northup, a free man who is drugged and sold into slavery and thought dead/lost for twelve years. POWERFUL performances from Chitewel Ejiofor as Solomon Northup, Lupita Nyong'o (who took home the academy award for best supporting actress) as Patsey along with Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sarah Paulson and Paul Dano

Pictorially, 12 Years a Slave is a reminder of one of the most shameful aspects of American History. As such, the film reminds viewers that humans have the capacity for evil. At the same time, Northrup's character demonstrates a fighting spirit of one who overcomes that should be celebrated by all. The movie is worth watching and merited Best Picture.

When I first heard about this film I must admit I didn't expect much. I mean how can you beat The Color Purple? But this movie was one of the best films of the year! A real eye opener to how slaves were treated during that time and the sympathizers that helped them. A dark part of our history that every history class should show their students.

"12 Years A Slave" is an excellent movie that gives a very truthful look at slavery in the 1800's. The fact that it was based on a true story made it an even greater movie. I would recommend it to anybody, especially young African-American teenagers or young adults that don't have a clue or have lost sight of what slavery meant in American society.

I was interested in this movie when I first heard of it. Unfortunately I was not able to see it at the theatre. I decided to wait for the DVD but I first watched the original version. I thought both movies had their merit but the movie should have been longer to develop the story more. Besides that it was a very good movie and a story to be retold.

It's gut wrenching to watch this dark and true story of a freeman thrown into slavery. The acting is right on the mark . Direction is impeccable as well as the cinematography. It makes you feel as though you are living the story. Steve McQueen has proved masterful at his story telling abilities. Any one who's a history fan must see this film.

That it was the winner of the Oscar for Best Picture for 2013, is no mistake. This wonderfully written, directed, and acted motion picture shows the best of men and the worst of men and several ways in between. This is not only history but a lesson in humanity in the raw.

This movie is one that I will watch over and over. The plot, location and actors were all very realistic. Because it was a true story, it could be used for dialogue for lessons in tolerance and diversity. It was most deserving of all the Oscar Awards it received. The price of the DVD was excellent.

This is a good depiction of events that were common during that time period.. It also makes you think about the status of African Americans in today's climate. We have not yet achieved equality, Not yet gained respect from all non-African Americans including those new arrivals to American shores.

Typically not a fan of slave movies even history related because too painful to watch. However, this movie was so well written, the storyline, actors, costumes, made it less painful and enjoyable to watch. Definitely recommend to others and a must addition to your library of greatest hits.

It was a good movie but it hurts my heart to know that people treated others that way because of the color of their skin. Its also sad because the way the youth act today. They have no clue of the struggle,trials and tribulations of others so that their lives could be better.

I enjoyed the movie. I love that these were the words was from the man himself. He recalled his life story the Good and the Bad. He was a free man , he was enslaved by the white men who sold him for money. He didn`t give up on life and fought to get back his freedom.

The film was outstanding in all aspects. It is a bit graphic at times, but that was needed to illustrate the story. Chiwetel Ejiofor and Lupita Nyong"o were fantastic in their roles. The film well deserved its wins for best picture and best supporting actress.

Being an African-American, I found this film to be very rewarding. It noted things I have not noted in other films such as Roots, Queen and Shaka Zulu. An outstanding production that my family and I are still discussing with our children and grandchildren.

I really enjoyed this DVD. Very informative. I really enjoyed it. I am very happy I can get old movies that are meaningful. Thanks!

My husband wanted this movie so I bought it for him for Christmas. Saw it a long time ago but anxious to see it again with him since we watch A LOT of tv during Covid.