Over years since the end of slavery in the United States and the booming business of movie making in Hollywood, no movie has ever matched the “torture porn” experienced in 12 years a Slave. From physical brutality, humiliation, to unexpected kindness, 12 years a Slave is not only moving but downright engrossing. Forget about the slavery concept, the suffering, the humiliation, the most engrossing and moving aspect of the movie is founded in Solomon’s strong spirit. America has often been depicted as the land of the plenty and ever since the end of the Civil War; the country has flourished from bounty to bounty. Solomon’s’ unbreakable spirit is the true reflection of the insurmountable spirit of the American black people who despite facing the worst form of experiences have remained true to their calling, facing their tribulations with dignity and remaining strong all through their painful ordeal. They have no doubt remained a force to reckon with despite their lowly status in the society.
The parts which I found most moving are the Solomon’s monstrous horrors, sufferings he faced with strong determination on his face. From a personal level, my ardent question all through the movie was, could I have behaved in the same manner as Solomon and other slaves? How could have I responded? It is a terrifying journey and the best lesson learned from the tribulations of the slaves; especially Solomon’s painful encounters including patience, obedience, humility, and a strong unbreakable heart. It took me a great deal of time to appreciate that truly a mature human being has a strong enduring heart. This completely changed my perception on perseverance.
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My uncle, an aging and jubilant 95-year-old veteran takes pride in formulating his social philosophies from watching too much “war movies.” He prides in having watched nearly all movies focusing on regional conflict. However, it is his social philosophical ideologies that are “polluting” his kindness and humility towards others. A long discussion with him exposed a hurt and fragile spirit that has gone through the worst forms of pain and suffering. He lost his limp during the Second World, and nothing stopped him from loving war experiences. With only one limp, he broke the rules and prides himself as having a direct confrontation with the Japanese at Pearl Harbor. Many years later his best times were those in front of the screen watching and marveling at the many war movies the world has produced. However, it is Saving Private Ryan that he acknowledges had the greatest impact on his life more than the many days on the battlefield during the First and Second World Wars.
Recalling back his role during the Second World War, my uncle believes that Saving Private Ryan is a clear depiction of his role and part with his troops during the Second World War at Pearl Harbor. He acknowledges that generally, the movie is a clear depiction of his strong spirit in saving many of the soldiers who succumbed to bullet wounds in the battlefield. He is nearly moved to tears relating many of the instances that the movie depicts the frustrations of the soldiers as they try to find Private Ryan behind the enemy lines. Coupled with decency, honor, and courage, my uncle acknowledges that the human spirit is one hell of a strong element. He further acknowledges that Captain Miller displayed the best character in pushing his soldiers towards the cause of finding and bringing back Private Ryan back home. My uncle appreciates the fact that despite soldiers often being considered brutal and ruthless lot, they have tenderness and kindles towards humanity, working towards bringing sense in a chaotic and ruthless world. As compared to my experience in watching 12 Years a Slave, I must admit that my uncle’s experiences arose from first hand encounter with what truly happens in the battle field. His emotional and philosophical reaction to watching Private Ryan was only a culmination of his many days at the battle field.
Reference
McQueen, S. (Director), McQueen, S., Pitt, B., Gardner, D., Kleiner, J., Pohlad, W., Milchan, A., & Katagas, A. (Producers), & Ridley, J. (Writer). (n.d.). 12 years a slave [Video file].
P aul J. Z. (2013). How Stories Change the Brain. Retrieved March 1, 2019, from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_stories_change_brain
Rescatando al soldado Ryan = Saving Private Ryan [Video file]. (n.d.).
