Solomon Northup's story, starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, has been turned into one of the most brilliant historical films you'll ever see
• Video interview with 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen
• More from the Reel history archive
Twelve Years a Slave (2013)
Director: Steve McQueen
Entertainment grade: A
History grade: A+
In 1841, Solomon Northup – a free black man from New York State – was kidnapped and sold into slavery.
Kidnapping
Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) lives comfortably with a wife, two children, and a decent income from playing the violin. When two men offer him a fortnight's work with a circus in Washington DC, he agrees. In 1841, the District of Columbia was still a "slave state" – making the nation's capital dangerous territory for black and mixed-race people. Once there, Northup is drugged. He awakes in chains. The scenes in the film are faithful to Northup's 1853 memoir, also called 12 Years a Slave. Historians have documented...
• Video interview with 12 Years a Slave director Steve McQueen
• More from the Reel history archive
Twelve Years a Slave (2013)
Director: Steve McQueen
Entertainment grade: A
History grade: A+
In 1841, Solomon Northup – a free black man from New York State – was kidnapped and sold into slavery.
Kidnapping
Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) lives comfortably with a wife, two children, and a decent income from playing the violin. When two men offer him a fortnight's work with a circus in Washington DC, he agrees. In 1841, the District of Columbia was still a "slave state" – making the nation's capital dangerous territory for black and mixed-race people. Once there, Northup is drugged. He awakes in chains. The scenes in the film are faithful to Northup's 1853 memoir, also called 12 Years a Slave. Historians have documented...
- 1/8/2014
- by Alex von Tunzelmann
- The Guardian - Film News
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