12 Years A Slave - Full Reaction
Added 2022-02-25 15:01:34 +0000 UTCHey guys! Here is the full reaction to "12 Years A Slave". Sometimes I feel embarrassed days after I watch a movie of how emotional I get. This one hurt my heart so much and I basically cried 10 minutes in until the end. I thought it was incredibly done and so important and powerful.
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Comments
Good choice for Black History Month. A raw and realistic movie. Definitely hard to watch. You gave a heartbreaking reaction. Michael Fassbender was stunning as the evil Master Epps. Good point about the camera work on his face - chilling. I was occassionally quoted scripture 40-50 years ago in Texas in support of racism. The Southern Baptist preacher I studied with at age 13 refused to perform interracial marriages saying that they were "unequally yoked." In 2023, Florida changed its middle school curricula to teach that American slavery benefitted enslaved people learning a skill. Gov. DeSantis defended the change. Take Patsy, for example, while she (as property of her master) was raped and beaten by her master, she learned how to pick cotton -- a skill she could use later in life. Slavery benefitted Patsy. The National Education Association called this curriculum change for middle schools in Florida “a blow to our students and nation.”
Clay F
2024-01-04 10:51:54 +0000 UTCThe book from the 1860s is incredible, first-hand account from Northup himself
Clay A
2023-11-22 08:54:48 +0000 UTCI don't care what any of you think about American Slavery, Chinese Slavery, Swiss slavery, or Icelandic slavery! I DO care about what Cassie thought about the movie 12 Years a Slave, and now I know! I'm happy!
Shaun Ganyo
2022-03-02 03:41:04 +0000 UTCIt's been almost a decade since I first saw this movie. I thought it might not be as difficult to watch the second time around. Not at all. It was just as horrible and gut-wrenching as the first time. But what an important film. Thank you for reacting to it Cassie. We cried along with you. It makes me so sad that people are capable of such evil. We need to do what we can to make the world a better place.
John Courtright
2022-03-01 04:35:32 +0000 UTCGina, you think the treatment of Chinese Muslims in China is humane? What about the slaves during Roman times? ALL SLAVERY dehumanizes by its very nature. No difference.
Catherine LW
2022-02-28 20:06:07 +0000 UTCAn extremely emotional, yet excellent film. Not one I would ever suggest to Cassie but she handled it well. I cried the first time I watched it too.
Yaisu
2022-02-28 03:20:10 +0000 UTCThis was a very difficult watch for me, but I had to see it. I remember the first time after seeing it in the theater back in 2013. After it was over and the credits started coming up, there was nothing but complete dead silence coming out of the theater by everyone that was there. Like coming out of a funeral procession. I know its a dark way of describing my first time watching it, but that's how powerful it was. You can see why this won the Oscar for Best Picture of 2013. Well deserved..
Joe M
2022-02-27 23:32:42 +0000 UTCYes! The Sagan quote from 'Contact' is so well put.
Terry Yelmene
2022-02-27 22:34:14 +0000 UTCPain... through Cassie's eyes, felt by her heart-held empathy, leaves such pain. A solemn reaction. Thank you for your giving, Cassie.
Terry Yelmene
2022-02-27 22:26:25 +0000 UTCI was not expecting this movie to be such a hard watch. I had to keep looking away from the screen.
Patrick Toscano
2022-02-27 20:47:51 +0000 UTCthe thing is, Feb being Black History Month makes people THINK about Americans of African Descent and their history in the country... that was the point of the month.... I'm Black EVERY month; I want Black history to be acknowledged every month... February is just the starting point..
Gina Houston
2022-02-27 20:44:38 +0000 UTCyes, because American Slavery actually denied the HUMANITY of the people who were enslaved... they were considered animals - not human... all manner of mistreatment, abuse, and violence was overlooked b/c they weren't 'really people'
Gina Houston
2022-02-27 20:27:33 +0000 UTCIs American Slavery any more gut wrenching than other instances of slavery?
My_Cousin_Mose
2022-02-27 16:54:29 +0000 UTCThat was an intense one. Such a disgusting part of our history. I can't believe how that slave owner guy thought he was in the right, even claiming it was God's will. Definitely an eye opener!
Joshua James Wagoner
2022-02-27 04:23:50 +0000 UTC12YAS is gut wrenching. I think Amistad is even more so. Whatever the story American slavery is gut wrenching.
Christopher Carr
2022-02-27 01:37:23 +0000 UTCWell, hi Cassie. I'm not going to talk alot about the film because I had so much trouble watching it and then seeing your reactions. I've only seen it twice and it just breaks my heart. But I just wanted to say that please never change, being emotional is never something you have to apologize for. Your heart,courage,empathy, the feelings you show for your fellow people gives me hope that somehow some way we as a species will stop treating each other so badly. Thank you for being you and continue to be the person you are. It's so rare and gives hope to everyone else who watches you.
David Freese
2022-02-26 23:13:04 +0000 UTCWow Ike. Well said.
Jon Johns
2022-02-26 16:24:09 +0000 UTCWow… I can’t believe they poured salt water on her after the whipping with the soap. But, it’s hard to believe that people could treat others like they did during that time.
Tara
2022-02-26 15:40:56 +0000 UTCHard one for sure. Cassie, if makes you feel any better, I'm listening to you more than I'm watching you. It's physically hard for me to look at you AND the movie - so I have you in earbuds. However, what I'm hearing certainly matches what I'm feeling! I was once told by an elder at my church that to "feel" like you do is a GIFT, because without it we all run the danger of not empathizing with anyone or anything as much as we should. The risks of that is obvious to anyone with a history book. So while I may endure some of these scenes better than you, I am certainly not as gifted with the abundance of empathy you were blessed with! Embrace that - because it's precious (by value) in this world and partly why I'm here.
Ike
2022-02-26 13:11:11 +0000 UTCI’m glad I got to watch this with you. I agree with you that it is important to watch movies like this though, I am sick to my stomach every single time I do. I hope, like you that I would have been someone like Mr. Parker or Mr. Bass. I hate this part of American history and work everyday to ensure this part of history never repeats itself. Thanks again for being who you are and letting us tag along on your journey.
George Stapp
2022-02-26 12:58:24 +0000 UTCYea that is an incredibly hard watch but as you said a very important one. It's unthinkable, this is like the most disturbing horror movie ever. Only it really happened. It's more a window into this period of time, documenting the horrors that occurred and the evil is unfathomable. History has a lot of that, not enough good hearts like yours. Reminds me of a Carl Sagan quote from Contact, "You're an interesting species. You're capable of such beautiful dreams, and such horrible nightmares...". The horrible nightmares we're capable of are on full display here. And really, good on you for tackling this one. That took a lot out of me so I know that was very tough for you, but like you said important to learn and just remember. And also remember that it was not that long ago, Which was not lost on me, but then I remember hearing Dave Chappelle say his great grandfather was born a slave, and hearing it put that like even hammers it home more. That is insane. The idea of slavery itself is horrifically insane but then the fact that it was so recent is absurd. No words. Lastly, sorry I just have to say that it seems like we've come a long way, and we have. But after the Emancipation Proclamation there were Jim Crow laws which was basically "slavery 2.0". Then from the Civil Rights Act of '64, up until the early parts of my life, it had been on a steady positive trajectory. Slowly but surely things were getting better thanks to men and women braver than I'll ever be. But in later years it seems things have started to get worse again which is incredible troubling. And I'll leave you with this, do you know the last State to officially abolish slavery? Mississippi. Do you know when they finally officially abolished slavery? 2013. So yes we have come a long way but my Lord, not nearly enough.
Erik Daniel
2022-02-26 11:01:25 +0000 UTCI am neither agree with you or disagreeing with you... just saying it would be hard to choose between those two performances. Besides... those awards are meaningless anyway.
Doug Fisher
2022-02-26 10:45:43 +0000 UTCI just finished watching the movie. A very emotional movie. Tough to watch. But also important to watch. I thought your reaction was very appropriate Cassie. Not something to be embarrassed about at all. I admit I got a little teary eyed as well. I don’t recall you mentioning it. But Chiwetel Ejiofor, the actor who played Solomon Northrop/Platt also played the Alliance Operative in the movie Serenity. You may also recognize him from movies like Love Actually. Where he played Keira Knightly’s husband. I thought he gave a great performance. As did everyone. Not a movie you watch everyday. Quite frankly though, you don’t need to. Because this is the type of movie that sticks with you. After Lone Survivor, perhaps some lighter fare? Just a thought. Have a nice weekend everyone!
Robert da Spruce
2022-02-26 07:05:11 +0000 UTCSorry but the idea that today point of view is "enlightened" is very askew and self-aggrandizing. Today's opinions and standards are not very different than what they've always been, we just do the same stuff and make the same mistakes, but this time from a different perspective/direction and claim it's so much better this time. We very rarely learn from our past mistakes, only this time it's another group doing it to someone else, but it's ok because it's better this time, it's "enlightened". I hope someday we do finally break free of this vicious cycle, but I doubt it will be any time in our near future.
BJ Stephens
2022-02-26 06:15:45 +0000 UTCVery good reaction, Cassie. Unfortunately, many things in human history are unbelievable from today's enlightened point of view. This makes books, documentaries and films about these topics all the more important, because too often much is distorted by those who do not want to admit (their) history.
Chris Lüders
2022-02-26 03:57:56 +0000 UTCWell, the question is, what is "the North." Certainly you are correct that there was no slavery in the northern states. Just as an addendum - at the beginning of the Civil War there were, geographically, southern states that remained in the Union where there was slavery: Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky, Missouri, West Virginia and Washington, D.C., of which only Maryland (1864) and Washington, D.C. (1862) abolished slavery before the end of the war. It may be that these are not the geographic North, but they remained in the Union and thus were part of 'the North' in terms of secession.
Chris Lüders
2022-02-26 03:47:43 +0000 UTCDead Meat fan here! 👋
Nismo
2022-02-26 03:44:57 +0000 UTC“I just want to hug him”
Wade Watts
2022-02-26 03:02:37 +0000 UTCDon’t feel embarrassed for expressing your feelings, that’s why your channel is endearing to watch along with you. Obviously some movies are romantic, funny, scary, or just pure escapism from the daily routine. Movies like 12 Years a Slave are a gut-punch to our souls. Movies like these remind us of man’s darker history; its cruelty and sometimes its virtues in men like Bass(Brad Pitt). The collateral beauty that comes from watching this type of evil on screen is when we remember to not repeat it and to remind us to treat people in our personal lives with even greater respect and service to our fellow man (and woman). Keep up the good work! ( If you get the chance check out ‘Something the Lord Made’ with Alan Rickman, Mos Def, and Gabrielle Union an HBO production (HBO Max) a charming movie, not as heavy but still a significant piece of history in the 20th century.
Anthony Oberhauser
2022-02-26 03:01:46 +0000 UTCThat was an amazing reaction. I haven't watched this movie since it came out. Not because it wasn't good but because it is THAT hard to watch every time. Brilliant acting across the board. A very worthy winner of Best Picture.
Jason Dolan
2022-02-26 01:10:03 +0000 UTCThere's not much more that can be said to illuminate the evils of slavery. During Glory Cassie asked the rhetorical question did the North have slaves? Of course the North did not have slaves, but the black people living in the north lived with a huge cloud over their heads. If they had family in the South they could not visit them. If they strayed the wrong direction into the south the could be taken. And the worst they could be stolen as free people and sold into slavery. This movie is heart breaking.
Christopher Carr
2022-02-25 23:46:01 +0000 UTCWhy would it be bad for them to read or write? It is sort of like that quote from Will Smith. Nothing has changed, it is just being filmed now. As soon as you teach someone to document things, people will learn of the horrors committed against them. So as long as slaves couldn't read or write, they could be more easily oppressed.
Jason Dolan
2022-02-25 23:07:18 +0000 UTCOddly enough, she's seen it already (per her PIB letter box list).
Todzilla
2022-02-25 22:45:28 +0000 UTCI guess the month of love is over.
Carol_White
2022-02-25 22:35:59 +0000 UTCwatch Django unchained that shit is wild lmao & kind of similar to this movie in some ways
xoral
2022-02-25 22:23:15 +0000 UTCAgree with this. I’d never set browser on Patreon, let alone backed anyone, until Cassie came along.
Jason Chirevas
2022-02-25 21:29:43 +0000 UTCFun fact: I DID cry during ERNEST GOES TO CAMP during the “Sure am glad it’s raining” song when I saw it in the theater as a kid.
Jason Chirevas
2022-02-25 21:26:25 +0000 UTCHi Cassie. If the accounts are to be believed, it seems Patsey somehow survived and left the plantation with Union soldiers during the Civil War in 1863. I hope they were rescuing her and she was able to live out her days in peace, but that is unknown. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patsey
JediLounger
2022-02-25 21:21:06 +0000 UTCNot to pull from the movie and reaction, which were great by the way Cass... but for those of you saying (or thinking) that this is great for "Black History Month" I would recommend you look up "Morgan Freeman Black History Month" on YouTube. It is a clip from 60 Minutes. Watch it and think about what he said.
Doug Fisher
2022-02-25 20:42:30 +0000 UTCRIIIIIGHT. That movie would probably go down in black history month as well as the Hindenburg went down in New Jersey.
Brian McGovern
2022-02-25 19:45:04 +0000 UTCI am so proud of you for watching this film. It is incredibly hard to watch, but very important. I agree with the others who are saying that your emotions are welcome and you should not feel embarrassed to feel them. In fact if you did not show them during a film like this it would be a shame. It is very important that we remember this horrible part in our history, and I am so glad you are doing your part in learning about it, because let us be real for a moment there are those out there who want to forget, and those who do not want to learn about this, and they don't want their children to know about slavery, racism, homophobia, the slaughter of many millions of native peoples throughout North and South America or the internment of the Japanese during World War 2. These are facts of the building of America and to learn from these can only make us better. WE HOPE. Thank you once again for learning. I appreciate it.
Damien beatty
2022-02-25 19:24:12 +0000 UTCGreat movie!
Jay
2022-02-25 18:50:43 +0000 UTCNo need to be embarrassed for having a strong, emotional reaction to this film (or any film for that matter). This one is really tough, I thought it was a stunning piece of work but I also remember thinking "I'm not sure if I'll ever watch that again". I'm out tonight (feels a bit weird going out to just enjoy life right now) but I look forward to revisiting it with you tomorrow. As James A. Janisse would sign off (any Dead Meat fans here?), be good people:)
Jay
2022-02-25 18:48:41 +0000 UTCAmen! I have the emotional aptitude of a stone. Or at least I did, Cassie has helped me Tap into my emotions. And relate To my wife better.
Steven Ashford
2022-02-25 18:48:26 +0000 UTCI had never seen this movie before and I tried watching it a few days ago to get ready for this reaction, but it was so tough to watch it by myself, it was great to have you there to watch it with. It was a great movie, great writing, directing and of course acting. I love for a movie to have a great music score, and this one had a very impressive music score, one that I will remember. There was a lot of discussion about your most recent reaction and how much talking you did in that one. That was because you were very happy and watching the movie with someone. Here you saw a movie that it was hard to watch and talk about, and you were in shock most of the time as I was as to what was happening. I must say I prefer to have you watching a movie that has you happy and talking, than to watch a movie that keeps you as silent as this one. This was a truly great film, thank you for the reaction.
MikeLL
2022-02-25 18:42:58 +0000 UTCCassie, your genuine reactions are what keep bringing us back to you - no apologies necessary for feeling and showing the emotions that these movies bring out of you. If the people who make these movies could see your reactions they would really appreciate them, as do we.
Dave
2022-02-25 18:38:26 +0000 UTCSadly, Chiwetel Ejiofor was nominated for his performance, but he did not win. Matthew McConaughey won for Dallas Buyers Club, for which he was excellent, but I think Ejiofor should have gotten it. McConaughey did one of those big actor transformations for it, and I think that's what locked it in. The Academy are suckers for body transformations (i.e. Tom Hanks in Philadelphia, Christian Bale in the Fighter, Jared Leto also for Dallas Buyers Club, Charlize Theron in Monster, etc...) There is something about the way Ejiofor emotes and delivers a line that is so different from modern-day actors. Some might call it melodramatic, but I do believe he's doing something else with it, as he only chooses to do so for specific roles. There's something Shakespearean about him, and I just hope he gets his day in the sun.
Gary Giaimo
2022-02-25 18:12:22 +0000 UTCCassie, I don't know about the other guys (and girls) here, but I appreciate you being emotional and authentic. Not to pull the curtains back to a bunch of strangers on the internet, but I lost my mother back in 89 and my sister a decade ago. Since I'm a single man living on my own, I don't have a lot of females in my family that I see often. I work in a male dominated job, so my contact with women is even less there. It's nice to see a woman just being natural and authentic. Cassies emotions have actually humanized me even more. Her emotions, actually make me have emotions. Now I don't cry like she does LOL, but I actually have a "emotional" response her reactions. So long story short, Cassie is kinda of a healthy therapy to me IMO. And she's much cheaper! LOL
Todzilla
2022-02-25 17:56:13 +0000 UTC12 Years a Slave and Lone Survivor. You gave yourself a brutal week!
Future Boy
2022-02-25 17:52:25 +0000 UTCYou’re one of the most compassionate people I’ve ever met. It would be completely understandable that this movie had you wrecked.
Steven Ashford
2022-02-25 17:14:43 +0000 UTCYou should watch The Toy starring Richard Pryor. It's perfect for Black History Month!
David Crabtree
2022-02-25 16:53:10 +0000 UTCI haven’t seen this movie since it was released, but I remember it is hard to watch. I will have to wait until I get off work later to watch the reaction. Cassie, don’t ever feel embarrassed by your reactions, I’m usually crying or laughing right there with you. I’ve said this before… don’t ever change as you continue this journey. The way you let the characters into your heart and either root for them or hate them is what makes you different from other reactors and is the reason I was compelled to join Patreon along with many others. I just watched the movie with you and was crying right along with you. When I watched Glory I thought about this movie when I saw Matthew Broderick’s friend, I think his name was Thomas who was free. Now I wonder how many people that happened to and if they took precautions. I just can’t fathom. Cassie, you were asking why nobody was helping him. They would’ve been punished themselves for helping. He got water and that could’ve been dangerous. In addition to the movie winning best picture, Lupita Nyong’o won best supporting actress for Patsy. The scene when she had the soap just destroyed me. I had forgotten that scene. You have such empathy. It’s refreshing to watch movies with you 🍿
Tara
2022-02-25 16:18:52 +0000 UTCWhat would be embarrassing is if you could see me watch it, lol.
Cole Jennett
2022-02-25 15:59:00 +0000 UTCYou should watch Do The Right Thing. In terms of “black centric” films it’s one of if not the best of all time
Rosario Cicero
2022-02-25 15:48:41 +0000 UTCAbout to sit down and watch it. Don’t be embarrassed about how emotional you get. Your empathy and compassion gives us some of the most wholesome reactions and we all truly appreciate every bit of that :) Edit: Just finished and wow that was a rough movie. I know exactly how you feel Cassie. It took every fiber of my being to hold back the tears. Feeling very emotionally drained, but I’m glad I watched it with you.
Josh Phillips
2022-02-25 15:27:48 +0000 UTCI am a 58 year old man and have been an emotional viewer, listener my whole life. Never apologize for having a loving heart!
Bryan Harris
2022-02-25 15:21:27 +0000 UTCNo need to be embarrassed about showing your emotions Cassie. This is an emotional movie. I’d be more concerned if you didn’t cry at all. Now if you cried the last ten minutes of “Ernest goes to Camp”, then yeah, I’d be embarrassed! 😉 Uh oh. I’ve just angered all the Ernest movie fans out there! 😀 I haven’t watched 12 Years a Slave since it was released. But I think it’s time to revisit it.
Robert da Spruce
2022-02-25 15:11:02 +0000 UTC
