# 12 Years a Slave (2013)

> A free Black musician is abducted into antebellum slavery and fights for survival, dignity, and a path back to freedom.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/movie/53496

## Facts

- Runtime: 134 min
- Genres: Drama, History
- Director: Steve McQueen
- Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyong'o, Benedict Cumberbatch, Paul Dano, Sarah Paulson, Adepero Oduye, Scoot McNairy
- TMDB rating: 7.9/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2024544/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: extreme
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: graphic
- Mood: harrowing, oppressive, somber, historical film study, serious discussion

## Synopsis

A harrowing tale of survival and resilience in the face of unimaginable cruelty.

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- [Just Mercy (2019)](https://ember.film/movie/362270)
- [The Birth of a Nation (2016)](https://ember.film/movie/217065)
- [3096 Days (2013)](https://ember.film/movie/100862)
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- [Free State of Jones (2016)](https://ember.film/movie/197392)
- [Steve Jobs (2015)](https://ember.film/movie/202259)
- [Django Unchained (2012)](https://ember.film/movie/47924)

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